Pella

---

At 21 inches and 46 pounds Pella is a strikingly handsome springer. He has a dense, soft coat with a healthy shine and light feathering. His nose and legs are nicely freckled. He was rescued from a West Virginia shelter, but must have spent much of his life in a caring home. His good physical condition and gentle temperament are readily apparent. He was slow to eat in the shelter and during the first days in foster care, and will probably add a few pounds with new stability in his life.

Pella’s trip to the vet went very well. He has allowed his foster family to brush him, clean his ears, and trim his pads since the first day. This week we’ll trim nails.

Pella is crate trained, eats his meals there, and spends days while his foster family works there also. He keeps his crate clean and, although he does not have run of the house yet, has been largely accident-free. He is learning “out” to help his foster family know better when he needs relief. He sleeps on the floor in the bedroom with his foster family and is reliable through an 8 hour night. He is exceedingly quiet, and has only whimpered during the first night or two. Then it became clear he would prefer to be on the bed instead of beside it!

He knows his name, “sit”, “down”, “come”, and “go to kennel” and is gentle on a leash. He is not a chewer unless given a “greenie”, ignores the trash can, and will check out the counter only if something particularly interesting is left out. He is learning “off” as he must have had “couch time” in the past. Pella met cats this week and showed mild curiosity. When they hissed at him, he ignored them and walked away. He has made no efforts to jump his 4′ fenced area or dig in it.

Pella lives with two resident dogs, both elderly and much smaller than him. He gets along very well with them, not pestering for play, and taking his treats in turn beside them. He has ridden well for several hours in a crate with no signs of upset. During local trips, he has stayed in the extracab area of a pickup, but still seems a bit excitable there.

This guy really shines when meeting people. He is consistent with all ages and genders. He confidently walks up to new faces, sits down as close as he can get, and accepts unlimited petting. He will nose people should they try to ignore him, but does not put his paws up. He has outlasted anyone he has met while with his foster family. At home he stays close to his foster mom, lying quietly on the floor for hours at a time, but is always ready to go for a walk, petting or belly rubs.

Pella’s very short tail goes lighten-speed when he is really excited and is matched by the kisses he sneaks in when given the chance. He is a mature, well-mannered, and mellow fellow who needs someone who will appreciate the gentle loving he has to offer.