Shea

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Update 07/17/08:

Shea completed his course of antibiotics to treat his Lyme and Ehrlichiosis. His dry eye condition is a life-long issue that is being treated with simple eye drops. His eyes look better but they may always have a red look to them. Shea is getting weekly medicated baths for his dry skin. He is not crazy about the water. He apparently did not get the memo that he is supposed to be a water dog. Shea LOVES getting brushed afterwards and is energized by the whole process. He runs and prances around the yard for a long time after his bath. He must feel so much better! His ears look great, and he gets a cranberry pill every morning to help keep them looking good. He is also getting flax seed oil in his food to help keep his coat soft and shiny. 

Original:

Shea had lived in two homes before coming to MAESSR. He was purchased from a breeder by a professional who did not realize the energy and needs of an English Springer Spaniel puppy. Shea was then given to one of the first owner’s clients for their autistic child. Things worked well for Shea and the child, but the mom in the family was allergic to dogs and Shea had to live outside. Being separated from his people made Shea a very unhappy puppy, crying and howling when he was left alone outside. Neighbors started to complain and the second family contacted MAESSR to take Shea and find him a great new home.

Shea is now getting used to indoor home life. Having spent much of his young life outside, he startles at noises like the dishwasher turning on or the ice maker making ice and he has a very puzzled when the blow dryer is being used. For a dog who never encountered a kitchen before, he is a natural counter-surfer! He is curious when his foster family sits down to the dinner table, but they have learned to feed him just before they sit down and then he settles himself on the floor nearby or under the table.

Shea sleeps on a dog bed on the floor next to his foster mom’s side of the bed. She keeps the bedroom door closed to contain him and keep him out of mischief during the night. He has quite a morning greeting ritual: his foster mom has been awakened very early in the morning by him jumping into bed with her – not at her feet but at her head! He insists that sleeping at the top of her pillows is the best spot. She is definitely working on modifying this behavior!

At his first visit to the vet, Shea received a very thorough checkup and, unfortunately, he tested positive for Lyme Disease and Ehrlichiosis. So, he is now on medications for those ailments as well as meds for inflamed ears and eyes. He even is getting medicated shampoo for his skin. Despite these problems, Shea’s overall health is excellent and he prances around the yard like a king.

Shea is very good with the resident female Springer and the two resident teenagers. He has settled in to indoor family life just fine. His housetraining is coming along very well considering he has not had a lot of experience living in the house. He has just had a few accidents when family members weren’t paying close enough attention. Watchfulness is now the foster family’s motto! Shea has not been crated since someone is always at home with him. As with most puppies, Shea has discovered the joys of chewing on sneakers full of their people’s scent. This is another issue his foster family is working on, replacing the inappropriate object with acceptable chew toys. Shea is a smart boy and he is quick to understand house rules. As far as commands go, he knows sit and he is being taught down and stay. Shea already gets an A+ in car riding. He attended the Richmond MAESSR picnic and slept most of the long car ride back to New Jersey.

Shea has a wonderful temperament and he will be a great addition to some lucky family!