Penny 9

---

Original:

Penny became a MAESSR girl when her Virginia family could no longer afford the expense associated with caring for her. This sweet wiggle-butt loves everyone she meets, and is happy to greet anyone and everyone while out in public. Her manners are perfect when visiting with adults, children, and other dogs. Her only flaw with greetings is that if she is not allowed to meet a dog that she would like to say “hi” to, she responds by barking loudly and pulling towards the other animal. Penny’s foster mom is working to teach her that it is OK if she doesn’t get to meet every dog around when she goes out!

At the dog park, Penny had fun chasing tennis balls and running around with the other dogs. More frequently, however, she was caught seeking out attention from some young boys that had accompanied their own dog to the park. She sat nicely for attention and even seemed to want to go along when they left. As they walked out, both children could be overheard asking their dad if they could adopt Penny. 

Penny had never been introduced to cats before coming to her foster home. She showed interest in them the first night more as a curiosity than anything else. Now, the cats are largely ignored. In fact, there have been several near misses when a kitty decides to take a nap on the carpeted stairs and Penny chooses to bound over them on her way to the second floor. This usually results in a hiss and a harsh stare from the cat in question, but Penny seems immune to their bad moods. She also gets along with the other three dogs in her foster home. The male Springer has taken a particular liking to Penny and can usually be found flopped down next to wherever she is. The two females were not as quick to accept Penny’s presence. After a few pecking order checks, the three of them have come to an understanding and now get along just fine. 

This girl is completely housetrained and is trustworthy as far as inappropriate chewing goes. When it comes to counter-surfing, it is another story! She is not quite tall enough to be successful at that venture, but takes every opportunity to check things out. She has also perfected her “sad puppy eyes” for when her foster parents are eating dinner. Fortunately, they both know better than to fall for that nightly dose of cuteness! This is especially true because Penny came into foster care a little overweight, so her treats and meals have been cut back. Along with the increased exercise, this seems to be working for Penny. She has already lost two pounds since her arrival!

Penny will go into a crate for a treat, but then spends her time whining mournfully about her situation. Instead of forcing the issue, her foster parents have allowed her free run of the house when they are not home. Penny made one attempt to sleep on the “big bed” with the resident dogs, but was quickly corrected by the oldest resident female. Since then, she has slept in a dog bed next to her foster mom. 

When Penny first came into foster care, there was some concern about her skin and possible allergies. She was very itchy and had a red rash on her belly. She also had an ear infection that was causing systemic inflammation. A trip to the vet led to a course of steroids, antibiotics, and ear medicine, all aimed at calming down the responses that were going on. A change was also made in Penny’s diet, to a food that contains lamb and rice, and excludes corn, wheat, and soy, all of which can trigger reactions in sensitive dogs. This combination of treatments seems to have done the trick, as Penny is much more comfortable now. At this time, the vet does not feel that long-term medication will be necessary. Penny will benefit from being kept on a limited ingredient diet. In addition, regular grooming will help to keep her skin clean and free of irritants. It’s worth noting that through her baths, home grooming, and ear treatments, Penny was an excellent patient (if a little too friendly!). Her demeanor during the daily application of ear drops was particularly refreshing, as she sat calmly for the medicine and only requested a good head rub in return.

A sweetheart of a dog, Penny has an energy level befitting her status as a four year old female. She is happy to trot along for walks or chase after a ball, and even engages in wrestling matches with her foster siblings. Inside, Penny is content to lay down wherever her people are spending time. If you’re looking for an easy-going girl to share your home, you’ll want to pick up this Penny!