Simon 4

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Updated 10/2/06:
Simon’s many but overall minor health problems have responded well to a steady home life and good veterinary help. He seems to be fine now and is not on any medications. He had been started on a thyroid med but when lasted tested, his level was only slightly off and the dose so minimal that the vet recommended taking him off of it entirely. His ears are healthy again. He isn’t itchy or scratching, but his skin is still dry and a bit flakey. His coat is softer and he has been transitioned from a special diet to regular food. He’s eating a lamb and rice kibble with some canned food to moisten it. Needless to say, he loves his food and scarfs it down quickly.

Simon is very food motivated and could be trained to do anything for treats. While Simon will go in his crate for a treat, it’s not his choice of places to hang out. He has been trustworthy when left at home alone with run of the house, either when he is with his foster brother and sisters or by himself.

Simon loves kids, playing with them, hanging out with them, and going along with them anywhere. He is very protective of his adults, especially his foster mom, and will pull and bark at strangers and strange dogs. Once introduced, though, he is fine and friendly.

Simon’s shaved coat is growing out and he is becoming more handsome each day. He has beautiful soft curly ears and curls on his head. He loves flashing his full tail. He continues to need some leash work as he likes to “set the pace” and needs to learn that his person gets to do that. He also does enjoy countersurfing or checking out the trash when opportunity allows. A home with clear counters and a trash can that sits behind a door would be a big disappointment to Simon but an easy way to limit his mischief. He continues to be good with cats but will shamelessly steal their food when they’re looking the other way.

The transformation in Simon is not unique but always heartening to see. He is ready for a forever family who will enjoy a good, happy, cheerful, easygoing guy.

Updated 8/14/06:
Simon has been the best patient as far as taking meds and having care given to his eyes and ears. His foster parents are still working with him to lick the ear problem and improve his skin. He especially loves his baths with medicated shampoo. Some additional testing has been done to help determine the cause of these problems, including a thyroid evaluation. Given the results, Simon is being started on an inexpensive daily medication to correct his thyroid levels. It is hoped that this will also quickly clear up his ears and skin.

With more time in his foster home, Simon is beginning to blossom into a really great dog. He knows his new name and comes when called. His family has discovered recently that he uses a crate well. He likes to play ball. He can be trusted off leash in familiar areas, and his foster parents are ready to try him in some new safe areas as well. He is easy-going and affectionate with just about everyone but does stay very close to his foster mom. He loves kids, especially toddlers, and gives them lots of kisses and begs for the kid’s cookie in the most irresistible way.

Simon still pulls on his leash and a few minor points in his house manners are lacking, but he is willing to learn and responds to correction. He is clearly enjoying a much better life than in his past and has only better opportunities ahead when the time comes for a commitment from just the right forever family!!

Original:
Simon is such a good dog. He is the happiest counter-surfer, trash picker, and cat food thief you could imagine. He came to his foster home from a shelter in eastern Virginia which had taken him in as a stray. He’s learned his new name and is very bright. When the shelter found Simon, he was very dirty, matted and smelled awful. The shelter staff shaved him down pretty close, leaving his back legs feathered and his full tail. With his sprucing up, he’s quite a handsome fellow and is feeling much more chipper.

Several treatable problems showed up at Simon’s first vet visit, most of them typical of dogs who have been on their own for too long. Simon’s health issues are as follows: ear yeast, eye infection, numerous sores and very itchy skin. He is currently on antibiotics as well as eye and ear ointments. He responds well to being treated as well as to the treatment. Simon is much less itchy and much more comfortable now. He is due back for a follow-up with the vet soon and hopefully will get a clean bill of health.

Simon is cute with a fifteen month old child that he has spent some time with and with strangers. He has not been exposed to older children yet, but his foster family feels he will be fine with them. He will allow his food bowl to be taken or adjusted while eating. He is good with the resident senior cat.

When Simon arrived, he was met with jealousy and some resentment from the three resident springers, particularly the two-year-old neutered male who was growling and pushing Simon away from his people. Simon turned his head away and went to a distant corner and laid down. Although his foster brother was aggressive towards him a number of times, Simon prefers to avoid conflict and withdraws. His two foster sisters tolerate him very well and he them. Simon has not played with his foster brother and sisters. But after two weeks, they pretty much act as their own little pack, running together, barking at visitors or neighbors arriving home. He has ignored toys but loves to accompany his people, especially to the kitchen.

Simon is a very affectionate and easy-going boy. He is cheerful and happy to be with his people and his tail wags constantly as soon as he is noticed. He loves outings on leash, but in his enthusiasm, he does pull some but not violently. His foster parents feel Simon would do well as the only dog or second dog in a household with or without children, cats and a nice big fenced yard. Simon says “Adopt me!” Don’t pass up this winner!!