Ripkin

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Updated 11/25/06: As he settled in his original foster home, Ripkin began to show some anxiety. He was moved to another home so that this particular issue could be worked on. Ripkin would get very, very, anxious when left alone. He had torn a couple of inside screens in his first foster home while trying to get a better look out the window. With the support of his vet, Ripkin was put on a doggy “Prozac.” It has greatly helped him feel more secure. The benefit to him, at a cost of about $30/month, is immeasurable. He is now left with total run of the house while his foster family works with no incidents. It is unknown how long Ripkin will need to be on the medication, but at the least, it will be through his transition into an adoptive home.

Like many agile springers, Ripkin will jump a four-foot fence, but he is not trying to get away. He is trying to get to his family. He will jump the fence into the yard if his foster dad is inside the fence. He will also jump the fence to get out of the yard when he is done playing, but he comes around to the door to be let inside. Rip has had many opportunities to run but is totally uninterested in putting distance between him and his people. He will try to be the first one out the door, but then he turns around to say, “What are we going to do now?” He is very afraid that he is going to be left out of some activity.

Ripkin is a wonderful, sweet, loving boy. His forever family is truly going to have a “winner” of a Springer and could never find a dog who wants more than to be with them.

Original: Ripkin’s fairy godmother was smiling down on him the day MAESSR met him at a Maryland shelter. His owner had refused to pay the fine when Rip was picked up as a stray, thus making him available for adoption. That owner had only had Rip for 2 months and his previous history is unknown.

This is a handsome Springer, with very nice markings, and a full tail that he holds high. He weighs 44 pounds and has no problem working with his family to add a few more. Breakfast, dinner, and a nighttime snack every day should help fill him out. Rip has a few calluses on his elbows suggesting time spent on a hard surface. At his vet check, he tested mildly positive for Lyme disease but, because he is totally without symptoms, the vet did not recommend treatment. Rip did cry like a baby when the vet trimmed his nails. The vet remarked that Rip was calmer than he would have expected from a little guy having such a stressful, recent existence.

Rip tolerated his vet visit, a haircut, and bath all in stride. His foster mom has touched him all over and can take his food away. Rip is being kept tethered to his foster mom, or drags a lead, so he learns she is the pack leader and will allow her to keep him safe. He is starting to defer to her leadership and stays very close. Rip has been going to work with her and has met dozens of people with no jumping on any of them. He’s liked them all and has allowed them to pet him. He is able to settle and rest quietly when necessary. He rides well in the car and jumps in whenever the van door is open, always ready for an outing.

At his foster home Ripkin met two young female Springers ……and they frankly scared him to pieces. Rip probably hasn’t met such hard playing gals before and wasn’t sure at first if they intended to harm him. Each day Rip and the resident Springers learn to communicate each other’s tolerances a little better. He doesn’t yet want to play, but as he settles in, this may change.

Rip has some basic obedience under his belt. He knows “sit” and can give a paw. He doesn’t walk badly on a leash but does pull at times. More practice, and a training halter, should get him more in sync with the person walking him. His crate training has also begun. All day long tasty treats show up inside his crates. He’s at the point that he regularly checks them, will walk in to get the goodies, but gets out quickly. He’s good in the house so he’s allowed to stay uncrated alone for short periods of time. He hasn’t had any accidents or chewing mischief.

A few times Rip has jumped up to checkout countertops but quickly got down. His paperwork from the shelter said he was afraid of loud noises. The loudest noises in Rip’s foster home are the vacuum and the kids. Neither of those has gotten any kind of response from him. He sleeps soundly on a dog bed right beside his foster mom with his lead clipped to the night table. She feels a warm nose on her arm a few times during the night, just Rip checking that everybody is where they are supposed to be.

Ripkin can be a bit of an escape artist. He tends to bolt at the door, perhaps afraid that he’s being abandoned, or in search of that elusive squirrel or rabbit. His foster mom is working to develop a door routine and a better focus on her. He can also jump a four-foot fence easily, so something higher is necessary for trustworthy containment.

Rip is looking for a calm, patient, loving family that will allow him to feel safe, secure, and be part of their lives. He probably needs a family that is home a lot at least in the beginning. He loves the outdoors and going for walks so, if you need a walking companion, look no further. More on this sweetie as he settles in……………….