Rascal 2

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Update 12/10/07:

Rascal has moved to a nearby foster home through no fault of his own. The busyness of the season simply overtook his first family. With the move, Rascal has had the chance to meet new dogs and to show what an adaptable little guy he is. With the elimination of a urinary tract infection and house-training in his earlier foster home, Rascal has been accident-free, even with the change in schedule. His big appetite hasn’t slowed down a bit and amazes his new foster mom. She is steadily increasing his twice daily fare, knowing his ribs need more cover. While healthy now, it seems Rascal has been through a stretch when getting enough to eat just didn’t happen.

There are two Springers in Rascal’s foster home now. He was unsure of them at first but is now beginning to meet the play bows of the younger male with a willingness to wrestle. Since the elderly female ESS is not always too cordial to young, energetic dogs, Rascal either ignores her or wrinkles up his nose and snarls back when she grumbles at him. He is definitely not afraid of her. On his first visit to a dog park, Rascal also seemed a little unsure but, as at home, he found his place among the group.

When he first arrived Rascal thought the magazine basket was for doggies, but once the toy basket was pointed out, he quickly realized that Kongs are more fun than paper. Part of his daily activity is emptying the toy basket, one item at a time. He chews one and then leaves it to pick another until all surround him on the living room floor – pretty cute to see! Though a bit on the short side, Rascal can and will snatch counter items when they are available, so no goodies sit out unattended. He is discriminating, though, and completely passes up the trash can.

Each day Rascal is gaining confidence in the people around him. He is independent but increasingly chooses to follow his foster mom from room to room. He is getting better at coming when called. When no one is home, Rascal settles quietly in his crate. At night he sleeps in the bedroom and has advanced from using a crate there to sleeping on a big doggie bed. This sweetie is good for a peaceful 8 hour snooze.

Rascal is a cheerful boy, always flicking his tail from side to side as he moves and carrying it high. He doesn’t seem to have had much training, but he is willing to learn. Food clearly motivates him a lot so, with treats as bait, he has mastered “sit.” He will sit alongside the resident dogs for evening snacks and, with growing confidence and skill, is taking them more gently every day. He’s looking for a home with lots of toys and people who will help him put a polish on his manners. He’s got all the marks of a lively and loyal companion in a compact size. Got toys??????

Original:

Rascal was discovered wandering on a country road in central WV, with no other history. Now, he is safely in MAESSR’s care. After being left to his own means to survive, Rascal has a voracious appetite, so adding some weight to fill him out should be no problem. He is a quick learner and should have the housetraining down in no time with regular trips outside and some positive reinforcement. The UTI medication tremendously reduced the frequency of his potty breaks, and he is down to very few accidents. 

Rascal was uncomfortable indoors during the first day or two in foster care. He constantly wanted to go outside and even tried to escape under the fence. While he still enjoys being outside, he quickly learned to appreciate the comforts of a cozy home. If an unlucky squirrel isn’t outside or if there isn’t a game of chase going on in the yard with the resident dog, he will do his business outside and immediately return to the stoop to wait for the door to open. 

Rascal is a sweetie. He is a very good-natured dog who enjoys being petted and scratched. He particularly enjoys a good ear rub. Rascal does seem a bit timid with sudden movements and if there is an object in his foster parent’s hand. This boy shows no aggression around food and doesn’t mind having his tail, feet or any other parts of his body touched. He is learning to settle down quickly in the crate and he rides extremely well in the car. Rascal shows no interest in chewing any inappropriate items. Although he appears to know no commands, “sit” is coming along well. Rascal behaves very well with the resident cats; an occasional sniff is the only attention they get from him. 

Rascal’s foster parents think he may be the brightest four-legged visitor they have had yet! Come meet him and see for yourself. He may be the perfect Springer boy for you!