Ted

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Update 05/29/11:

Great news for Teddy – he is doing very well and his leg has completely healed from a muscle pull. He’s feeling great and all pumped up for the upcoming Bull Run Springerfest he’ll be attending. His foster parents have told him about all of the exciting sights, sounds, activities, and of course SPRINGERS he’ll encounter there! This is one handsome Teddy Bear who’s planning to get in on the action and charm everyone he meets.

Update 03/22/11:

Along with all of his fellow Springers, Ted’s idea of spring is that it’s meant to be enjoyed outdoors! 

With the gorgeous weather of late, his foster family thought it was a good time to see how Teddy would do with a longer walk than normal. He thoroughly enjoyed all 3 miles they walked on a bike trail! His foster mom thought his foster dad would have to run back to the car at some point and drive to collect Teddy and her, but Teddy just plowed forward! It’s hard to believe the change in Teddy since his family first got him; then, he could barely make it up the 3 steps into their home!

Some one asked recently about Teddy’s missing eye. According to his foster’s vet, it was professionally removed. Most people don’t even notice it when meeting him. It simply looks like one eye is closed. It doesn’t bother him in the least and certainly hasn’t altered his curious personality or detracted from his adorable face. 

If you’re out on the bike path and spot a Springer who’s having a grand old time with his family, it just might be Teddy. He certainly knows how to make the most of these mild spring days. Soon he’ll be ready to explore new trails and greenways with an adopting family. If you enjoy walking with a handsome dog at your side, ask Teddy for one end of his leash!!

Update 03/08/11:

What a sweetheart! Ted’s personality has blossomed during his time in foster care. He loves to wander the yard, sniffing out any trespassing wildlife, but he doesn’t stray far from his foster family. Sometimes he can be found playing with a rope toy or ball all by himself. He doesn’t care for tug-of-war with the resident Springer, because he always loses. But humans are different. They understand that he enjoys playing even though he’s missing nine teeth! Humans don’t tug so hard and even let him win on occasion. He really likes that. If he gets excited, he might even “pop a wheelie!” That’s a bark with such excitement that his front paws POP up in the air! He likes to show off that trick! 

Teddy Bear, as he is affectionately called, loves attention and belly rubs. He also loves to curl up in his doggy bed for several good naps a day. Sometimes when he wakes from a nap he finds that he has a stiff front leg. This is the result of a mishap several weeks ago that injured a muscle in that leg. It seems to be nearly healed. 

He’s not much of a watch-dog, since he doesn’t hear anything, except the resident Springer’s barks. Of course, Teddy joins in, popping a wheelie or two. He has learned some hand signals, so he will stop barking when told to do so.

Teddy is a one-eyed, deaf, and arthritic GEM of a companion! This handsome boy is a typical Velcro Springer who has endless love to give. If you are looking for a loving companion to take for short walks and to make you laugh, Teddy Bear is the Springer for you. Ask about talking with his foster family today – they’ll give him a sterling recommendation!

Original:

After his owner died, Ted found himself in a Virginia shelter. Fortunately, the staff contacted MAESSR immediately as Ted was very frightened in the shelter environment. 

Ted’s foster family immediately sought medical attention for him as he came to MAESSR with many health issues. He could barely walk due to severe arthritis, but he is noticeably better now that he is receiving supplements for arthritis. The vet also found Ted had whipworms and an ear infection. When treatments for these conditions were completed, attention turned to Ted’s teeth and some masses on his body. He subsequently had dental surgery and surgery for the removal of the masses. 

December ended better than it started for Ted since his health issues were now behind him. To celebrate, Ted thoroughly enjoyed spending the holidays with his foster family and their resident Springer. He helped his foster family ring in the New Year as they hosted a neighborhood party where he demonstrated perfect manners by not counter-surfing or begging for food. Ted seemed to enjoy all of the attention he received from party-goers, including young children. He even got to travel with his foster family over the holidays as they visited family and friends. He slept during the long car ride and was a wonderful house guest while there. What a good boy!

Ted is very well housetrained and loves to rest comfortably on the floor or dog bed while keeping a close eye on his foster family. Although Ted is missing one eye and appears to be almost entirely deaf, he understands some hand signals and communicates well with his foster family. Outside, he is great on a leash and enjoys his walks. Ted would be the perfect addition to a family wanting a calm, well-mannered, and affectionate companion. His arthritis treatment allows him to move up and down stairs much better than he did when he first arrived in foster care, but he might prefer living in a one-level home. 

How about opening your heart and home to Ted? He’s got true grit and lots of love to share!