

Entered: 08/21/2011
Status: Rainbow Bridge
Age: 13
Color: Black/White
Weight:
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Goochland, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, being managed for diverticulitis, benefiting from an inexpensive mealtime additive to aid digestion
Temperament: Good with adults and children he meets in public, good with other dogs, unknown with cats
Update 02/14/12:
Spencer championed making every day a good one for all around him since coming into MAESSR’s care. Recently he moved to a new foster home for additional work on his continuing diverticulitis. There he quickly established himself as a wonderfully sweet boy and was doing well. Thus, a very sad and unexpected turn……….when his foster mom arrived home from work on Friday evening, Spencer was in obvious distress and off to his vet immediately. It was apparently his time………….the vet felt that his heart had just given out.
Spencer is now free from earthly ailments and is likely already checking out new trails while waiting for those who so loved him. Godspeed, Spencer……………
Update 12/11/11:
Spencer qualifies for MAESSR’s “Home for the Holidays” program. For dogs in this program, adoption fees will be waived through the end of the year. Help a special Springer’s wish come true! Welcoming one into your home may be the most heartwarming gift of this holiday season!!
This gorgeous senior has enjoyed a lifetime of holidays and is not less eager in anticipating those ahead! Spencer continues to do very well in his foster home. He thrives on being part of the family and on meeting new people. He likes kids and adults equally as well. He has a furry winter coat that begs to be stroked. It is so soft to the touch that everyone he meets wants to pet and cuddle him.
Spencer isn’t reacting to the deer he sees every day so his foster mom feels he might be somewhat visually challenged as well as deaf. What’s so heartening is that this doesn’t lessen his enthusiasm for walking. He’s simply a delight to share a path with. When out with his foster mom, he is energetic with a “go-go-go” attitude, followed by “nap-nap-nap” when they return home!
Spencer’s diverticulitis doesn’t slow him down either but does require some attention. His vet has not recommended any specific diet, allowing him to eat anything, well, almost everything. To keep his digestive tract moving smoothly, he continues to get a dietary supplement twice a day, in this case, milk of magnesium. It is inexpensive and very beneficial to him. Beyond a simple feeding regimen, Spencer sees his vet from time to time for a minor procedure that supports the health of his intestinal tract.
As handsome as a plush Dakin toy, even Spencer’s most recent photos don’t do him justice. He could be just the motivator for someone whose future should include increased walking. He steps out eagerly and is comfortable with meeting everyone along the way. At home he’s quiet, well-mannered and could offer a comforting companionship to those in an adopting home, both the humans and canines. Spencer is looking for a special family this season to welcome the New Year with. Ask about meeting him; he’s rather special himself and could be a perfect match for you!!!!
Update 11/01/11:
This sweet furball is enjoying fall in his foster home. After a recent trip to the vet to get treatment for his diverticulitis, Spencer is feeling quite frisky. He is always happy to welcome his foster mom home and looks forward to their time to cuddle together. He loves to romp and leap around the yard like a gazelle; everyone who meets him thinks that he is a much younger dog! A social butterfly, Spencer loves to greet and be greeted.
Although Spencer has had a few lapses in his house-training, he has been granted free reign of the house. He loves to lounge with the resident dogs in his foster home and even relaxes with the neighbor’s dogs when he spends time with them. Of course, he is always happy to see his foster mom when she comes to pick him up!
Spencer is a sweet boy who will soon be looking for a lucky person to keep company as the weather turns colder. Wouldn’t you like to cuddle up with Spencer?
Update 09/26/11:
Once a sweetheart,always a sweetheart!! Spencer continues to “wow” his foster family! He’s been out on the Appalachian Trail with his foster mom, beginning with maybe a mile or mile and a half at a time. He is a trooper! He loves to ride out to the trailhead and loves to walk! The activity sparks his appetite which makes him a good eater. That is resulting in some weight gain too which Spencer carries well. He enjoys meeting new people and dogs when he’s out and about. Everyone thinks he is a pup or maybe a 5 year old because he is so lively and because his eyes are so bright and sparkly.
At home Spencer is a snuggler for sure on the couch or in a comfy chair. If he sees his foster mom’s lap unoccupied, he is in the space in a flash. If she’s not available, he may be found snuggling with one of the resident seniors.
Spencer will make someone a wonderful companion. He’d welcome a fairly active person, at least as a walker, to call his own. His foster mom tries to keep his activity now to a couple of miles at a time and sees he’ll be happiest if he gets to keep up this pace. He does like his walks and he likes variety. He is a sweetie and should be ready for a new walking companion soon.
He’d love to be at the end of your leash if you enjoy getting out on the trail as much as he does!
Original:
The superlatives abound when Spencer’s foster mom begins talking about him. “He is Mr. Delightful. He is a sweetie. Spencer is wonderful.” Why, you may ask? It’s because he adores his caretaker! This dog is all cuddles and adoration. It’s hard to believe he is 13 years old. Spencer dances and prances when his foster mom arrives home or surprises him at all. He wants to go for walks, he wants to play, and he loves to be the lap dog. He’s simply a joy to share home life with!
Spencer is also wonderful with other dogs. He is not at all aggressive with the 2 resident springers who are also seniors. He curls up with the female in the back seat of the car and is so good for the rides. At day’s end he shares the couch with his foster mom and the resident male ESS.
In the middle of the day, Spencer may be out on a walk with his foster mom. He is okay on a leash and steps out gleefully. Unlike the resident dogs who lie down when their foster mom stops on a walk, Spencer is restless to keep going. He will circle or zigzag to get her moving again. He’s definitely not a dog for the couch potato! Perhaps Spencer is eager to move on to meeting people while out. He especially is very friendly with any kids he’s encountering. Good boy!!
When home with the resident dogs during his foster mom’s work day, Spencer is not crated. He has free reign of the house and seems fine with their companionship in her absence. He is house trained and has only had one accident since arriving; his foster mom has been quick to learn his cue. He arrived with many toys but isn’t playing with any of them yet. Maybe in time, but for now, there are other things that occupy his interest.
Spencer came into MAESSR’s care from a family in Pennsylvania. His owner was beginning work that involved a lot of travel and wanted Spencer to have more companionship than she could provide. He has been groomed since joining his foster family and looks wonderful. He is one gorgeous Springer. He also visited the family vet for a check up and is in overall good health. The only special need Spencer has is minimal indeed. Seven years ago he had an intestinal surgery to correct a problem. Since then, he has been receiving a twice daily dose of milk of magnesia with his meals. His foster mom finds him very easy to feed and maintain on a blend of kibble and canned food.
So, what else? What else need one say to convince you that Spencer would be a great fit in your home? In short 2 weeks, he’s wowed his foster mom and settled down in her home as if he’s always been there. He’s comfortable with other dogs and could easily be a companion to a middle-age resident who wanted a canine buddy of his own. He’ll walk with you, ride with you, and take great comfort in couch time with you. Ask about meeting this gent. He’ll wow you too!!