Reggie

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Updated 10/17/05:

Reggie is almost finished with his heartworm treatment and has had no complications.  He has been very patient through weeks of limited activity and will surely enjoy fall walks and the chance to run again when his retest comes back negative. He has gained a few pounds and has a spring in his step again.  He likes to play with a ball and will bring it back when indoors.  He “play bows” to the resident dog on occasion now and really nuzzles for attention from his foster mom, something he didn’t do when he arrived.  He loves soft things to lay upon and is not above asking for couch time or casting a longing look at the bed.  A simple “no” and pointing to his doggie beds works most of the time.

One outing that was a great success for Reggie was a small, local festival. At his foster mom’s side in the humane society’s booth, he eagerly met a light but steady flow of people.  All ages, from adults down to pre-school, petted and hugged him.  He was gentle and unruffled with it all and engaged everyone with enthusiasm.  He took a break every now and then, settling in his crate for a snooze.  On another outing, Reggie visited the animal shelter where he ignored all the cats and most of the dogs. He has a very soft nature and a need to be treated with kindness. In return, his loyalty can become unwavering.

Original:

After being picked up as a stray, Reggie found himself in a central West Virginia shelter. He went to a MAESSR foster home from there. At 44 pounds, he is very lean and expecting to gain weight now that he is eating regularly and likely leading a quieter lifestyle. During his vetting, he tested positive for heartworms, so he is beginning treatment. It will take about 2 months to complete, during which time he will have to be a very quiet boy. His prognosis is very good.

Reggie is quite a mellow dog in the house. He is relaxed with household sounds but was very leery of stairways at first. He has a nose for what is on the kitchen counter but is not a beggar, nor does he disturb the trash can. He likes settling on soft things and discovered that Grandma’s rocker fit him perfectly. Very shortly, he learned his first command, “Off,” and hasn’t been caught there since. Reggie is almost housetrained, is working on his crate training, and is sleeping bedside with his family. Outdoors, he is all “nose” and will benefit from training on leash walking.

There are 3 dogs in his foster home and Reggie is getting along well with them. The 2 seniors are as mellow as he is and when the 4-year-old springer grumbles a bit, Reggie bows submissively and seeks out a quiet corner for a snooze. When offered toys, he will accept them but doesn’t remain interested for long. He loves chasing a ball, but he doesn’t bring it back yet. Reggie rides so quietly in the back seat of the family pickup that his foster mom almost forgot he was there on a recent short, local run.

This is a tender springer who enjoys ear rubs and will push into one’s lap for petting. He can curl up beside his people upon the slightest invitation. Reggie retreats from any harshness but is not fearful. He would benefit greatly from an obedience class and has much promise as a fine companion. When he becomes “Available,” Reggie will want a family to share a home with and hopefully a rocker too!