Skip

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Skip was dropped off at a Maryland shelter by his family when they felt they could no longer care for him. The new sights, noises, and smells quickly overwhelmed this sensitive boy, and caused him to act very shy and withdrawn on the adoption floor. Believing he was unlikely to be adopted, the shelter staff moved him to a back area of the building, and he was scheduled to be euthanized. Fortunately for Skip, a MAESSR volunteer called the shelter about another dog and was informed that there was a Springer in need of rescue. Less than 48 hours later, Skip was safe in foster care! 

This sweet guy was clearly relieved to be out of the shelter and in a home once more. He rode quietly for the 90 minute trip to his foster home and from the time his foster mom opened the gate into the backyard, his little tail has not stopped wiggling! The first foster sibling Skip met was a resident feline. The two made fast friends, with the kitty running her tail by Skip’s nose, and him following her around the yard – too cute! The three resident Springers were next and they all gave Skip their stamp of approval. The one year old male took a particular liking to Skip and the two enjoy spirited games of Springer “tag” when outside.

While two months in the shelter left Skip’s fur stained and very matted, he was tolerant of his foster mom giving him a bath, cleaning his ears, and clipping out some large mats. The next day, he went to the groomer to get cleaned up. He got a glowing report and the groomer thought he was a “keeper.” Unfortunately, due to the condition of his coat, Skip is now sporting a very short ‘do. Once his hair has a chance to grow back, he’ll be even more handsome than he is now! Skip also did marvelously during his vet visit and was dubbed a “rock star” by the doctor and her staff. He stood patiently to be examined and did not even flinch when his blood was drawn for his heartworm test. 

Skip is housetrained and has good house manners. He sometimes puts his paws up on furniture when he wants attention, but otherwise he stays off. He hasn’t shown interest in the counters or trash. It’s unclear whether Skip actually knows the command “sit” or not; he sits for attention or treats but doesn’t always respond to the verbal cue. Skip pulls a little on leash. He doesn’t pull straight ahead like a sled dog, but rather he veers from side to side trying to check out all the interesting smells! Skip is definitely a Velcro Springer and tends to stay close to his people. If his foster mom is busy working on the computer or reading on the couch, Skip works his cute little nose under her elbow to get some attention. Skip stays in a crate when his foster parents are away and at night. He rests comfortably and quietly until he’s released. Given his age (definitely through the chewing phase!) and house manners, Skip would probably do just as well if he was given more freedom when left unattended. 

Skip can be shy when first meeting new people, but he warms up fairly quickly. To help the process along, Skip’s foster mom has new people stand still and allow him to approach them. Skip is happiest when he can make introductions on his own terms. Of course, a few treats never hurt either! 

The easiest dog his foster parents have had in recent memory, Skip would fit in well in almost any home. He is great with cats and other dogs, and friendly with adults. He has had very limited exposure to kids, but would likely be fine with those old enough to treat a dog gently. He is a very quiet boy, not even joining in when his foster siblings start barking at the neighbors. In fact, it was three days before Skip’s foster parents heard him bark for the first time! He was startled awake by a cat jumping over a metal gate and even then he only let out a single bark before settling back into his bed. Since then, they haven’t heard another sound. 

Sweet, handsome, well-mannered…what more could you be looking for in a new family member? You won’t want to “skip” this boy!