Entered: 10/05/2011
Status: Adopted
Age: 2
Color: Black/White
Weight:
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Glen Allen, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, good in all areas
Temperament: Good with people seven and older, good with other dogs, unknown with cats
Update 10/16/11:
Pictures are an essential part of gathering information as MAESSR works with shelters, vets, owners and other rescues to assist Springers. Yet, even in the digital age, pictures don’t always make it easy for intake coordinators to correctly differentiate Springers from similar breeds in the sporting group.
This is how, from time to time, commitment is made to a non-springer. The needs of the dog remain the same when it arrives at its foster home and a hands-on determines it to be another breed. For this reason, the decision was made long ago that once a MAESSR dog, always a MAESSR dog. MAESSR’s commitment to assessment, care and placement is the same for non-Springers as for Springers.
Though Smokey has the heart of a Springer, his foster family has determined that he is an English cocker. Aside from this point of breeding, all else for Smokey remains the same. He is one great dog!
Original:
Smokey IV came into MAESSR’s care when his Maryland owners could no longer care for him. He had had very little human interaction before he came into foster care so he initially was a bit skittish being around his foster parents and their two sons, nine and ten. He quickly decided that human interaction is a WONDERFUL thing! His foster mom calls him a complete gem who loves everyone he meets. He is very eager to please and just wants to be loved!
Since he spent his life up to this point in a kennel, Smokey is not housetrained, but he is progressing well with this training. He quickly learned the words Go potty and now he does it on command. The resident golden retriever has been a great role model for Smokey and has helped to teach the let’s go outside thing! Smokey has never had an accident and is even allowed the run of the house as long as his foster mom or dad is home. When his foster family has to leave the house, Smokey is crated, going into the crate without complaint and staying there contentedly. At night, he sleeps with his foster mom and dad.
Smokey has wonderful house manners after you teach him what to do. For example, he loves to jump in your lap, but he had to be taught that you don’t jump in a human’s lap while they are eating dinner. He puts his paws on the counter, but a gentle but firm “no” and a little nudge get him down. Smokey is quick to understand what you are teaching him. In the car, he wants to be with you in the driver’s seat, so he needs training in this area. His energy level is perfect for any family. Smokey is active when he is taken outside, but he is content to snooze or just hang out when he is inside.
At this point, Smokey does not know any commands, but he is learning. Also, he had never walked on a leash prior to coming into foster care. His first walk was hilarious to watch since he didn’t understand what being leashed was all about! After a few walks though, he quickly caught on and now is fantastic on the leash – no real pulling! Smokey is an open book on new experiences as most of what people see in the human world, he has never seen.
Smokey loves his stuffed animals. He doesn’t chew them up, though; he just likes to carry them. He may have to be taught the difference between his stuffed animals and those of the children in the house, though. He does not guard any resources and is quite willing to share with people and animals. Smokey just loves the resident golden retriever, too, and is very submissive to her. He even likes to lick her ears!
This love bug would be a wonderful addition to a family with children seven or older. To ensure that Smokey can be a safe and cooperative family member, his forever family needs to be willing to invest time into training Smokey.
Smokey is a keeper! Make him yours and you will have a loving companion for life!