Rex 2

Original: Little did Rex 2 know that when he was surrendered by his owner to a North Carolina shelter, he would soon be flying via Springer Air to a new life. When his foster parents picked him up at the airport, Rex was immediately taken to the vet where he began his treatment for heartworms. Even during his initial painful treatment, he showed a happy-go-lucky attitude with his ever-wagging tail!

Just a week after Rex completed his first heartworm treatment, some of his true personality began to show. A very good-natured dog, Rex eagerly goes to his crate when a treat is offered and sleeps there during the night without a lot of objections. He has, on several occasions, selected to go to his crate during the day to take a nap. Since he came to his foster family after spending time in the shelter, Rex has to be reminded that he must go outside before lifting his leg. Luckily, he is quickly learning the new rules.

This Springer boy loves people and in his exuberance at meeting and greeting someone, he will jump up. This is not a major problem, though, and he is being reminded not to do so. When his foster parents sit down for their meals, Rex respects an invisible line and stays behind it while his people are eating. His kitchen house manners are not perfect yet as he will pull things out of the trash. His foster parents are working with him on this issue also.

Although Rex loves to chase tennis balls, his physical activity has been limited since he needs to remain relatively calm due to his heartworm treatment. This exercise restriction did not stop this shortie from jumping a 4-foot fence so that he could visit with one of his foster parents in the front yard! Leash walks will be something Rex will eventually enjoy, but until his heartworm treatment is completed, his behavior on a leash will remain unknown. He does sit on command, though, and he is a great companion on car rides. Rex has not shown any aggression toward the resident Springer except for the occasional jockeying for dominance between the two. He does not seem to be possessive of his food with this canine foster brother, either.

Watch for more news on Rex as he continues with his heartworm treatment and as his personality blossoms as he begins to feel better.

Update 09/15/09: Rex 2 has completed his last shots for heart worm treatment and is doing very well. He now considers himself a part of his foster family. He has learned that marking in the house is not something he should be doing but may need to be reminded when he moves in with his new family. He still wants to mark a lot outside in new settings, but his neutering in a few weeks may curtail this urge.

His reaction to cats is still unknown but he gets along well with other dogs. Although people think he is so cute and are eager to meet him, Rex will still grumble at strangers. Once he gets properly introduced, though, he gets along very well with people and becomes the center of attention. He has been exposed to children as young as 10 years of age and, as with adults, gets along well after becoming comfortable with them.

Now that he can do increasing physical activity, Rex has started taking more walks and does well on a prong collar. He shows no aggression with his foster family members when he is eating or chewing on his snacks since he is now comfortable with them. He has had no problems with the trash and will counter surf only if food is left out on the counter. His minor issues are far out weighed by his great personality and his sense of loyalty and belonging. He wants to be with his family every minute, so being followed around by this cute little guy has become routine for his foster family.

Rex will be looking soon for a dog savvy family that doesn’t mind removing temptation from their counters and would love to have a little shadow around all the time. He’s a cutie and will capture your heart when given a proper introduction and the chance to get acquainted!