Entered: 05/03/2015
Status: Adopted
Age: 12
Color: Black/White
Weight: 45 lbs.
Gender: Altered Female
Location: Dumfries, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, gaining to a healthy weight, treatment for a UTI and hookworms complete, cataracts on both eyes which currently do not affect vision
Temperament: Good with children over 9, good with other dogs, good with cats
Update 06/26/2015: “All in all, Star is in good shape for a girl her age!”
Star has moved to a new foster home where she enjoys life on the farm. While she stays around the house off lead and comes when called, this older gal – at 12 years young – loves splashing in the creek and running around the fields with the other dogs, keeping up with the younger ones. Daily walks are a joy for her too. A spry fieldie with long legs, Star is a bit thin and her foster mom is hoping to add a few pounds to her wiry frame.
Having finished her meds for a urinary tract infection, Star has been accident-free in her new home. She just paws her human when she needs to go out. She can be left alone in the house for 8-10 hours without making a mess. It was discovered that Star had hookworms; the treatment for those parasites is just about finished. Typical for a girl her age, she has cataracts on both eyes but her vision appears to be good, as is her hearing. All in all, Star is in good shape for a girl her age!
Well-behaved Star does not have any bad habits. She does not get into the trash or get up on furniture or beds. She sleeps on a doggie bed in her family’s bedroom at night. Star still gets upset if someone reaches for her. She will pull away or mouth a hand without biting. It’s the act of reaching for her that is upsetting to her. Considering this and her age, she would be best in a home without young children. In fact, she’s quite good with older children. She likes to be near them, watch them, and receive loving pets from them.
Star would make a great companion for anyone who wants a quiet, low-maintenance dog to share their home. Since she will give an alert bark when someone approaches the house, she would make a good little watchdog, too. Star still has a lot of life and love to share. Let her love shine down on you!
Original: “She loves the toy bucket, and loves all the toys in there. On her first day in her foster home, she got them all out and had them lined up on the floor in front of her.”
Star’s previous owners in New York developed serious health issues and could no longer care for her. They contacted MAESSR and asked for help finding Star a new home.
Although housetrained, Star does not indicate when she needs to go out. She has had a few accidents but that is attributed to the stress of moving and the UTI. During the day, she is in the company of the two resident Springers in her foster home’s kitchen and dining room. At night, she sleeps with the other dogs in the kitchen and is very good about it. She sleeps through the night and is not crated.
Star’s house manners are generally very good. She does not counter-surf, is not a trash picker, and doesn’t beg at the table. She will bark when she wants attention, but is not persistent about it. She does not have access to the living room, so it is unknown if she would jump up on the furniture; however, given her age, it is suspected that she would not. Star has done no inappropriate chewing. She discovered the toy bucket on first day and loves to pick through it.
This Velcro senior responds to “come” and to her name, but that’s about it with commands. She walks well on a leash, though getting the collar on is a bit of a challenge due to some shyness about having her head touched. Patience and gentle motions are the key to gaining Star’s trust. Riding in the car hasn’t been an issue.
Delighted with the toy box, Star loves all the play things in there. Her first day, she got them all out and had them lined up on the floor in front of her. Although Star lives with two resident Springers, she mostly keeps to herself. She doesn’t play with them when outside, but she shows an interest. Star had initially been curious about the resident cat, but after a few days, left her alone. There has been no observed resource guarding with her, though the dogs are fed separately.
Star has a healthy energy level for her age, and is always on the move. This sweet girl is well-behaved at the vet, if a little shy. Star would do best in a quiet home with patient owners who can spend time with her throughout the day. She’s alert, playful, and just wants your love and comfort.