Stevie 2

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Update 10/18/09:

Life is good for sweet Stevie. Whatever the cause of his previously reported digestive distress, it is long gone and thankfully Stevie is once again a boy with an appetite. With his thyroid medication adjusted, some veggies substituted for some kibble, and two walks a day, the scale is finally moving in the right direction!

Stevie’s skin and ears were in deplorable condition when he came into MAESSR’s care. It took several months to fully clear up the infections but a year has now passed with no recurrence. Whether his allergies are seasonal or not is still a question. On a lamb and rice pet store diet and an occasional over-the-counter antihistamine, Stevie’s itching is totally under control. He is given daily supplements of cranberry, fish oil and glucosamine. His foster mom believes they are responsible for the most beautiful Springer coat she has ever seen.

Stevie’s house manners continue to be impeccable. No trash picking, counter-surfing, or begging at the table. He does not get up on furniture or beds. He greets all visitors with four paws on the ground. He has yet to meet anyone of any age or size that he doesn’t love. He has full access to the house when his foster family is away and he has never chewed anything inappropriate nor has he had an accident in the house since his first day in his foster home. He doesn’t attempt to dig under, jump over, or push out of his fenced yard. Although Stevie prefers to be with his people and follows them around the house, he exhibits no anxiety when his foster family leaves home and is always sleeping peacefully when they return. Stevie is a good sleeper; he puts himself to bed before 10 PM and, given the choice, will sleep a good nine hours. He has never asked to go out during the night.

He walks nicely, usually on a loose leash, and rarely pulls. Perhaps because it helps him to see better, Stevie likes to walk “edges.” He likes the side of the road where the color changes and the edge of a mown path through the woods. In a safe area and under close adult supervision, Stevie was walked by a very gentle and responsible 3 year old this summer.

Since his last update, Stevie has had two stays at his vacation home. Life in a home with active children is so much different than it is in his foster home! Stevie adjusted quickly to the different routines and schedules there. He was a perfect gentleman there as well. Stevie’s vacation home is within walking distance of his foster home. When his foster mom allows Stevie to choose the direction of his daily walks, he always chooses to go where the children live.

In August, Stevie and his current foster family celebrated their first year together. After a year in foster care, Stevie is not a surprise package. He is a boy of wonderful disposition and very predictable behavior. Sadly, however, there has been a very noticeable decline in Stevie’s eyesight. Stevie’s cataracts have continued to grow and further obscure his vision. Stevie seems to have lost his depth perception and needs help both entering and exiting his family’s vehicles. If he missteps or stumbles over something, he doesn’t panic, startle, or stop moving. He just lifts his front feet a little higher for a few steps. With the beautiful full feathering on his legs, Stevie’s foster mom thinks he looks like a tiny Clydesdale prancing!

The only auditory stimulus Stevie responds to is the old resident’s high pitched bark. Old Pup alerts Stevie when doggie meal prep is underway and when it is time to go for a walk. Stevie then hurries to the appropriate location in his foster home for the announced activity!

Stevie’s foster family is occasionally questioned about why Stevie has been in foster care so long. They always answer: “Stevie is a very special boy and it will take a very special family to be his forever family.” Might that very special family be your family?

Update 07/27/09:

Stevie continues to be a sweet and loving boy.

Since his last update, Stevie has become a regular at the vet’s office. 🙁 He has been working to raise his T4 level which has required visits to his vet for regular blood testing. Then this past weekend he apparently came down with a “stomach bug” which presented with some vomiting, mucous-filled stools, and behavior which indicated he was uncomfortable. His vet exam revealed no obvious cause and blood was drawn for a geriatric panel. When the results came back, it was good news. Stevie’s reports were “excellent” in the words of his vet. Stevie is clearly feeling better but his appetite has not returned. The vet advises not to worry, that his medication could be reducing his appetite. Should the symptoms return, a stomach x-ray will be in order.

After 11 months with his foster family, there is just nothing new to report about his behavior. His foster mom is continuing to work on Stevie’s acceptance of a crate and the clippers. To date, there is no perceivable modification of his fears. But, as she began, he continues to be a sweet and loving boy. What more could one ask for!

Update 06/21/09:

June is a month of celebration for Stevie. He is celebrating his one year anniversary as a MAESSR boy. Stevie has much to celebrate. Now he knows the good things in life: enough to eat, excellent health care, a warm dry bed in winter, a cool tile floor and a shady spot of grass in summer and, best of all for Stevie, the love and companionship of a devoted foster family.

Among Stevie’s anniversary month activities was a vet visit for his annual check-up and vaccinations. Despite several months of dieting and walking 3 miles a day, Stevie has continued to gain weight. That mystery has been solved and has a very simple remedy. Stevie has an under-active thyroid. Two tiny inexpensive tablets a day will restore his thyroid levels to normal and help him shed the extra weight. A mild and occasional cough was diagnosed as a very slight case of age-related collapsing trachea. Neither of these issues is uncommon in an older dog. The best news is that Stevie was pronounced to be in very good health for a boy his age.

Five days after Stevie’s check-up, his foster mom awoke to find him waving a swollen right front paw in the air and refusing to put any weight on it. Horrified that something awful was presenting and not wanting to do any further damage, Stevie’s foster dad carried all 65 pounds of Stevie directly into the vet’s exam room. What a relief the diagnosis was! A “skin insult injury” in the form of an insect bite or sting was causing his misery. Within 24 hours Stevie was happy to resume his daily walks.

Sweet Stevie’s dream for the second year of his MAESSR life remains unchanged from his first. He dreams of a forever family of his own– family who wants to be and have a true companion– a family to speak to him in gentle voices although he may not hear them– a family to be his seeing eyes when his cataracts obscure his vision– a family to love him as he will love them. Could you be the fulfillment of Stevie’s dream?

Update 05/07/09:

Spring has finally returned to Stevie’s foster home. As much as he loved the snow, Stevie is really enjoying the longer days and his foster mom’s willingness to spend more time outside. Within Stevie’s fenced yard, a pair of doves is nesting. Stevie has appointed himself as their guardian and regularly circles the shrub they are nesting in to make sure they are safe.

Stevie’s house manners continue to be impeccable. He is a very mellow fellow and rarely barks. But, when he sees his dish or his leash in his foster mom’s hand, he does get excited and may speak just a little as he knows a meal or a walk is in the offing. When Stevie barks, it makes his foster mom laugh. He puts his whole body into a couple of “woofs” and his front feet lift up an inch or two from the floor. Stevie’s deep bark just doesn’t match his personality!

Recently Stevie attended the MAESSR picnic at Langhorne! He loved it. He received many compliments on his inner and outer beauty. Best of all, there were endless hands there to pet him. Stevie’s foster family was a little unsure how he would react with so many dogs in close proximity. Although he didn’t mingle with the canine attendees, by the end of the picnic, Stevie was not reacting to dogs in close proximity to him. Good boy!

Stevie had such a great time at the picnic, he has already marked his social calendar as definite for Langhorne next year and has penciled in the remaining picnics for this year. He is hoping his forever family can honor his picnic plans. Could you be Stevie’s next picnic escort?

Update 03/06/09:

Stevie continues to be a wonderful companion to his foster family of two humans and a very mellow old Lab mix. Since Stevie’s last update, he has had some new experiences.

Now Stevie knows all about holiday traditions and New Year’s resolutions. Santa filled Stevie’s stocking and he emptied it out all by himself. He loved all the things Santa left as they were of the edible kind. Stevie was one of the most emaciated Springers ever to come into MAESSR’s care. Now he is carrying a few extra pounds. He resolves, in the New Year, to shed those few pounds. Carrots are now being substituted for some of his kibble and an extra walk each day should help him achieve his goal. Stevie does seem to miss the extra calories and now does a cute little Springer dance and prance while his meals are being prepared.

Stevie had a 10 day vacation! He stayed with his married human sister’s family who visit him regularly in his foster home. As previously determined, Stevie’s furever home must be without cat fur. Stevie’s vacation home has two cats, so he rarely visits them. Much was new to Stevie there. With kitties banished to the basement, Stevie adjusted quickly to the layout of the house, the different “in” and “out” routines, and the activity level in the home of a 3 year old human. Stevie’s record of perfect house manners now has a bit of tarnish. He chewed a Lego piece! Reportedly, Stevie seemed mystified when he was not allowed to continue munching. Stevie’s foster mom speculates the little hand which last held the Lego piece may have previously held a peanut butter sandwich. Now who could pass on sampling that!

Cranberry and glucosamine supplements have been added to Stevie’s daily regimen. He continues on two inexpensive meds for “Springer skin” issues. A new hygiene routine of lip cleaning has freed Stevie of doggie mouth odors.

MAESSR dogs in foster care are continuously evaluated and re-evaluated for behavior. Stevie’s foster family was surprised to discover that he is terrified of being touched on the hind quarters while eating. He reacts by bolting away from his dish. This behavior may be a result of his past life in a cage with a food aggressive dog. Stevie’s foster family is working to reassure him that all touches are now good touches.

Is your family the one searching for a Stevie boy to make your home complete? He’s a super boy and will return all the love he is given a hundred times over!

Update 12/22/08:

Stevie has now been in his foster home for four months and all news continues to be good news. Feeling secure and loved, Stevie has developed a sense of independence. In the evening, when his foster family is watching television, Stevie occasionally will get up and move to another room where he is without companionship. He will take a nap and then, with no sense of urgency, quietly track them down for a petting session. Due to an emergency in the vet’s office when the resident Lab had an appointment, Stevie was totally alone for more than three hours and did just fine. Upon return, Stevie was sleeping peacefully. His foster family believes being alone is no longer an issue for Stevie and they are confident he could regularly be left alone successfully for longer periods of time. There has just been no reason to do so. Stevie has really become a “go with the flow” boy.

With time to observe him, more has been learned about Stevie’s impairments. Stevie does have some hearing and vision. Stevie responds to the resident Lab’s bark when a request is made to go outside or to speed up meal prep with a “me too” dance and prance. He can hear the clap of cupped hands but seems to have difficulty determining the direction the sound comes from. Stevie definitely has good right eye peripheral vision. He can distinguish movement of human and larger objects for 15-20 feet in front of him in daylight as well.

Stevie’s foster family has had a parade of workmen going in and out of the house recently. Stevie has approached them all hoping for a few ear rubs. Even when no humans were home, Stevie was a perfect host and welcomed them to come in and admire him! A guard dog, Stevie will never be!

The change of seasons has brought snow and Stevie loves it! Off leash, in his play yard, Stevie rolls with unabashed joy in the white stuff. He gets up, shakes off the coat of snow and rolls again!

This is likely the first winter season that Stevie has known love and compassion, enough food, and a warm dry bed. Stevie has his very own Christmas stocking this year. The old resident Lab will teach Stevie about hanging it on the fireplace on Christmas Eve. Next year when Stevie is in his forever home, he will know all about Santa, Rudolph, and Christmas stockings. Will your home be the lucky home where Stevie’s stocking will hang in 2009?

Update 11/17/08:

All news about Stevie is good news. He has settled into a routine in his foster home and seems to thrive on it. During the day, Stevie has full access to the first floor whether his foster family is home or away and he is totally trustworthy in all regards. A baby gate is left resting against the stairway as a safety precaution only. At night a baby gate is left resting across the bedroom door way for the same reason.

Stevie continues to seek out the company of the resident Lab. Stevie is walked on leash, the Lab is not. When the Lab veers off the path, Stevie now waits for him to come back and take the lead. Stevie’s foster family believes Stevie wants another canine in his forever home. Because of his initial fear of other dogs, the introduction will need to proceed slowly but Stevie is a perfect companion to a known canine.

A portion of the back yard has been fenced to give Stevie an opportunity for some off-leash exercise. He loves the freedom and respects the fence as he does the baby gates, never trying to nudge past.

Walking Stevie is a pleasure. He rarely pulls and, even when he pulls a little, his foster mom, who isn’t a strong person, can easily control him with one hand. This week Stevie spent most of two days in the car with his foster family. When exiting the car into an area with all new smells, he did get excited and pull a little. He is such a laid back boy; it was nice to see his enthusiasm!

Stevie loves when human company of any age arrives for a visit. All the more hands to pet him! He loves to have his ears and the velvet under his chin rubbed and is learning the joy of belly rubs. A perfect host, he has never jumped up on anyone.

A boy with great passion for food, Stevie has an internal clock. The resident Lab is medicated 3 times a day and food must be given with the medication. So, canine meals are served 3 times a day. If mealtimes are running late, Stevie either goes to his crate, where he is fed, to wait for something to appear or goes to the kitchen and waits patiently. When treats are passed out, Stevie very patiently waits his turn and takes them gently.

That internal clock also seems to tell Stevie it’s bedtime around 10:00 PM. He is a good sleeper for nine hours and has never asked to go out during the night nor has he had any accidents. He does awaken slowly and loves to stretch and doze so, if the household is anxious to get the day underway, a treat is waved in front of his nose. A most effective alarm clock for Stevie!

For any one who has been following Stevie’s progress, you may have noticed a change in his posted age. Stevie came to MAESSR as a result of an animal control seizure for neglect and abuse and he came without vital statistics. His stated age is an educated guess. Two vets have concurred and his estimated age has been revised. The really good news is, he is a healthy boy and the years of neglect and abuse have not tainted his personality. If anything, it increased his hunger for human contact.

Stevie’s foster home has cats, it was hoped he would learn to co-exist with them. For the sake of his adoptive family’s sanity, Stevie needs a furever home without cat fur.

Stevie is one beautiful boy both inside and out, patiently awaiting that furever home…

Update 10/04/08:

As happens to many dogs, their names are shortened from the official to the everyday as they settle into foster care. This has happened for Stevie Wonder but, to such extent, that MAESSR decided to drop the Wonder completely. He is the same Stevie he has been since arriving but carries a shorter handle these days.

Many of Stevie’s health problems have been treatable and in those areas, he just continues to improve. He finished his antibiotics and now his skin looks really good. His hair, including his undercoat which was totally missing heretofore, is growing in lush and beautiful. He will likely need to stay on some meds for seasonal allergies. His ears are great too! No more stinky ears!!

Stevie’s less treatable problems are ones that either don’t bother him or are ones he is learning to compensate for with the help of his foster family. His teeth have not been overlooked. Many are missing in the front, his lower canines are worn down to the gums and some teeth are broken. One could imagine that he tried to chew his way to a better life at some point in his past. The important thing now is that he has NO problem eating!! He is at 54 pounds, a perfect weight for him, bringing his total gain while in MAESSR”s care to 19.

His hearing remains impaired. Cataracts in both eyes have progressed to the point that they are clearly visible. He has no sight in his left eye and the sight in his right eye is extremely limited. To communicate with the people around him, Stevie has learned touch commands for “sit” and “down” and a visual sign for “come.” His world is not only silent but is increasingly darkening as well. He does need a gentle touch now and then to assure him he isn’t alone in the world.

Despite what can’t be changed for Stevie, he has such strengths. With time to resettle in his foster home, he is once again living in perfect harmony with the resident lab! That acceptance of another dog does not seem to have generalized at this time. On a recent visit to a doggie friendly pet store, Stevie was not pleased to meet other dogs. However, his foster mom has no doubt he can live with another dog in his forever home and actually might prefer it. It will just need to be a much extended introduction. Stevie enjoys the old resident’s company and cues off of him. They are really buddies now, even sleeping together.

Stevie doesn’t really know how to play with toys but his foster mom is working on that. He is the most gentle little guy. He continues to do well with toddlers and senior citizens and everyone in between. He bonds quickly and completely. Stevie is a very special boy and it will take a very special family to be his forever family. But, as he has found love and adoration in his foster home, he trusts that one more family and perhaps their mellow canine would welcome his quiet companionship forever.

Update 09/13/08:

Stevie Wonder returned to MAESSR’s care through no fault of his own on August 28. His adoptive family, which included two little boys, adored him. The two resident dogs did not. Despite the family’s efforts to work with the resident dogs, it became clear they were not going to accept Stevie. The family was heart broken when they made the decision that it was in Stevie’s best interest to come back to MAESSR.

When he came back, Stevie was anxious and fearful. Leaving his first foster family, not getting along with the resident dogs in his adoptive family, and moving to a new foster home was traumatic. The initial meeting with the Lab mix in his new foster home went poorly, but the passive and forgiving old resident is helping Stevie learn that he can trust other dogs. The grumbling is only occasional and now Stevie seeks out the old guy’s company at nap time. Stevie has a proven history of getting along with other dogs. An adoptive family should look to transition him slowly to their environment.

Stevie bonded quickly with his new foster family. The house was opened to him one room at a time so he could learn the lay out. He quickly learned furniture placement and now easily moves around the house. He’s only had one accident since arriving. His manners are impeccable! He chews on nothing inappropriate, doesn’t counter surf, beg at the table or get on furniture or beds. Since adjusting to his new foster home, he chews rather than gulps his meals. Stevie’s house manners are first-rate, so he isn’t crated in his foster home. Being crated is very stressful for him and his foster family is working with him on that issue. So far, he willingly goes in to eat, to check if a treat is waiting there, and has started to go in for naps. He is just not ready to have the door closed.

Currently weighing 46 pounds, Stevie has gained about 15 pounds since coming to MAESSR and is near his ideal weight. He sleeps a good nine hours but needs a night light to reassure him. His vision is best outside during daylight. At night Stevie is walked with a flashlight to illuminate the path. He loves sitting outside with his people.

A pretty laid back guy, Stevie thinks the term “senior” is discriminatory and doesn’t feel it applies to him! Although he is always ready for a walk, he doesn’t demand a lot of exercise. He has the cutest Springer gait when he is walked briskly and does nicely with a loose leash. Stevie fears his foster family’s farm is being overrun by ground hogs and thinks it is his duty to defend the property. The scent of a ground hog sends his nose into overdrive and he will pull on leash then but is easily controlled. A small fenced yard would be perfect for Stevie to get a little off-lead exercise. Stevie is a good rider in the car. He needs help getting in, yet can exit into bright light without help. At home Stevie is mastering the stairs at his own pace.

When meeting new friends, Stevie keeps all four paws on the ground. He has loved the attention he gets from everyone from a 2 year old grandson to a 96 year old grandmother. Stevie happily accepts any and all touching. Fact is he will stand motionless for petting until so relaxed he falls asleep on his feet! Stevie loves to be brushed! It is just an all-over massage for him. His ears do have very thick hair and will need a continued watch. His coat shines like glass and he is one beautifully marked bench-type Springer boy.

Stevie’s foster mom is embarrassed about the following event but believes it provides a window into Stevie’s personality so she was willing to reveal it. Dinner was running late and his foster mom was flying around the kitchen. Stevie was sleeping peacefully on the floor. When his foster mom tried to step over the little guy, she mis-stepped and firmly planted her foot on his ear flap. Stevie slowly lifted his head, looked around, and went right back to sleep.

This foster family has never had a deaf or severely sight challenged dog and certainly not one with both issues. They were very hesitant to foster Stevie for that reason. Having him has been a very enlightening experience. Having a dog who doesn’t hear the door bell ring can actually be a good thing! And Stevie’s vision is good enough that he can comfortably explore a new environment with a little guidance.

Stevie’s best years are clearly ahead of him. His gentle temperament is a testament to the Springer spirit. He is looking for a forever home where he can be a true companion. He wants a family who will have time to spend with him, especially to help him settle in and reassure him from the start. He wants a forever home to give and receive the love he so deserves, a home where someone is around most of the time especially as he transitions. Stevie will be getting some medication to reduce his anxiety as he adjusts to that home. Most likely the medication will be slowly phased out once he has settled in.

Stevie is a heart stealer! Can he steal yours?

Update 07/31/08:

Stevie is becoming quite familiar with his foster home. He has really mastered all the stairs, freely going up and down at his leisure. His foster family does keep the stairs gated to the English basement, though, so he only goes down to the family room in the evening. He has picked out his favorite spots to nap!

Stevie had the opportunity to be a temporary foster brother to a 4.5 month old, female golden retriever. Stevie and Gracie got along just fine, in spite of Gracie continually pulling on his ears! They played together and he tolerated all her puppy antics. He would do well in a family with another dog.

Stevie is also developing “radar” when it comes to food. He was asleep in the dining room when his foster dad went to the pantry to scoop out Stevie’s late morning feed. Stevie was instantly waiting at the pantry door! When his foster home lost power one night, Stevie couldn’t get comfortable in the bedroom without the night light! He started roaming round the second floor bumping into furniture, with barking to follow. Thank goodness the power was restored within an hour or no one would have gotten any sleep!

His foster parents have been trying to whistle train Stevie so that he will “come” when he hears it. He does respond to hand signals too. Stevie is not crated anymore, even when his foster parents leave the house. He stays in the kitchen to guard the house in their absence.

Stevie likes attention– especially petting! He is getting quite good at nudging your hand to let you know he would like some loving. He is certainly developing his own unique personality!

Original:

Stevie Wonder came to MAESSR from a shelter in West Virginia. When he first came to his foster family, he was very underweight and had ear and intestinal infections plus diarrhea. Medication was prescribed for all of these conditions. The vet also recommended that he be fed four smaller meals a day. This feeding regime and quality food have helped because he has gained five pounds! His appetite is good with more inhaling rather than chewing; however, he takes dog treats gently. The medications and the loving care of his foster parents have paid off also since his infections are gone and his loose stools are a thing of the past.

Stevie’s left eye has poor sight and he is hard of hearing. Hearing seems to be problematic. Sometimes he hears things like a loud clap of thunder, but at other times there is no recognition of sounds even when hands are clapped near him. So, his ability to respond to oral commands is nonexistent. His sight is poor in the left eye, but the vet found the right one to be fine.

Stevie is housebroken now with only a few initial accidents. He is free to explore the house during the day and is crated at night for bedtime. He’s getting more comfortable in the house daily; the stairs originally were troublesome, but he has made amazing progress. It is understandable that trash cans are of interest to Stevie since he was so emaciated when he came into the shelter. So, please keep the trash out of sight. He may have sight and hearing problems, but there is NOTHING WRONG with his nose!!!

Stevie likes to get up early in the morning for his “duty” walk. He can pull on the leash and at times his foster parents have used the gentle harness. With each day that passes, Stevie seems more alert and is learning hand signs rather than oral commands. He is starting to become a Velcro dog and he has started playing with a Nyla bone a few times. Stevie attended the MAESSR picnic in Richmond and was the perfect gentleman interacting with other dogs and people there. He rides really well in the truck although he cannot jump into it on his own.

Stevie would make a fine companion for people who prefer a more laid back dog who doesn’t need constant activity. He will become “the sunshine of your life.”