Entered: 10/19/2015
Status: Adopted
Age: 1, Born 02/10/14
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 42 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Fayetteville, WV
Health: UTD, HW-, treatment for struvite crystalluria complete
Temperament: Good with adults, not comfortable with children, good with other dogs, unknown with cats
Update 11/23/2015: “Just when it looks as if he’s going to crash into the fence, he executes a turn and continues flat out back across the yard…this is really fun to watch, if a little nerve-wrecking!”
Young Percy has adapted nicely in foster care. He’s comfortable as part of the Springer pack in his home and now knows that when the word “dogs” is called out, he’s included and should pay attention. A round of treats might be coming or an outing. Regardless of what’s up, Percy is eager and polite when taking part. He no longer jumps on his foster mom to gain attention, and, looks so darn handsome when sitting to get his leash on.
With lots of exercise and a small reduction in kibble, Percy’s waist is beginning to show…a nice look for him. During this beautiful fall weather, he’s typically outdoors and off leash for several hours daily. Part of that time he’s either chasing or being chased by the resident dogs; their speed and his agility is amazing. Just when it looks as if he’s going to crash into the fence, he executes a turn and continues flat out back across the yard…this is really fun to watch, if a little nerve-wrecking! The rest of the time Percy keeps watch on the horses across the lane; should they approach the fence, he will bark to let them know he’s noticed.
Good manners continue as does work on some basic obedience. Percy has learned “go”…which often gets him to move from in front of the kitchen sink…a favorite place to snooze. He’s also learning “side” which combines 3 moves and makes him think a bit. He’s really very good at being attentive, especially when treats are part of training, and is a pleasure to partner with.
With settling in, Percy has started to show some tendency toward guarding, either toys or his dinner. When asked, he’ll usually hand over a tennis ball but may prefer to keep a soft toy. When that happens, he will trade up for a treat. When it comes to mealtime, Percy dines in his crate and prefers not to be bothered. Since it only takes him a few minutes to finish every kibble bit, it seems a small compromise to let him eat in peace.
At week’s end Percy will be moving to another foster home, a busier one with more dogs, more humans, and its own routine. With that family, he’ll continue to enjoy lots of exercise, great chases with their dogs, and a little more training. More to come as Percy steps into new opportunities……
Original: “In contrast to Percy’s comfort when meeting adults in a variety of settings, he wasn’t at ease with the child and will be looking for a kid-free life with his new beginning.“
After a few months in a home that included small children, Percy was dropped at a rural West Virginia shelter because he was not getting along with the little people in his family. The shelter staff immediately contacted MAESSR for assistance with placing him and young Percy became a MAESSR boy. There are no children in his foster home or little people who visit, so Percy’s contact with children has been limited to meeting one well-behaved 5 year-old while out on a walk. In contrast to Percy’s comfort when meeting adults in a variety of settings, he wasn’t at ease with the child and will be looking for a kid-free life with his new beginning.
A classically handsome Springer, Percy arrived with some basic training and many good manners. He was accident-free during transition and often signals now with a little whine and a prance at the back door when it’s time to go out. Sometimes he’ll lounge outside; at other times, he’s ready to come in immediately and scratches on the door to beckon his people. He’s at ease with crating, whether on the road or in the house. When he first arrived, he spent nights in a crate, but has since advanced to sleeping on a dog bed beside his family’s bed. Percy “goes to kennel” to eat his meals and when his family is out of the house. He doesn’t counter-surf or bother anything that isn’t for dogs. The toy basket is always available and of some interest but, a few minutes of chewing on a Kong of his choice is usually enough to satisfy him.
During his vet check Percy was very cooperative and in very good health. One short term issue was detected; he is being treated for crystals in his urine which should disappear with medication. Percy stayed on a few days with his vet while his foster family was out of town and won over the entire staff while there. Quoting his vet, “Percy was wonderful during the exam, treatment and stay!” Way to go, Percy!!
At home Percy is living with 2 Springers, a 4- and a 10-year old. There were a few minor skirmishes as they tested one another but, with that behind, wrestling matches and spirited chasing have prevailed. Percy honors both dogs and will sit alongside them, patiently waiting for his treat in order and without snatching.
With youthful vigor, Percy sets a good pace when walking on leash. He doesn’t stroll along but isn’t a puller either, unless a squirrel pops up; then, he’s off, unless his person plants her feet quicker than him. He can be redirected but not until he’s satisfied that the squirrel has been put on notice! When adults admire and ask to meet him along the way, he’s eager to accommodate. He will also pass people by without hesitation, if they don’t give him a second look. He’s a confident dog who isn’t afraid of a thing. Rounding out his pluses, Percy can accept an invitation onto a lap for an evening or will settle on a dog bed if not invited up. True to his breed, Percy likes to be where his people are and may be right under foot!
While completing treatment for his struvites, Percy is getting lots of off leash exercise and working on some basic skills. His greatest need is to understand that jumping isn’t necessary when meeting strangers or to get his foster mom’s attention. With consistent guidance the idea of “no feet on people” is coming along. His occasional resistance to comply with a request is expected to drop out as he settles.
MAESSR only places puppies in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience, and they do chew on things! The decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment. To reinforce this commitment, MAESSR requires all adopters of dogs one year old and younger to enroll their puppy in obedience classes within 60 days of adoption. Check back for updates on this boy. As are most Springers his age, Percy’s a work in progress…and loves belly rubs!