Entered: 05/28/2005
Status: adopted
Age: 16
Color: Liver/White/Tan
Weight:
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Manassas, VA
Health:
Temperament:
Original:
Freddy came into MAESSR’s care from a lady who already had a resident “Teddy.” She changed his name to avoid confusion, but when this dog arrived at his foster home, it was clear that “Teddy” suited him well, so he was given back his original name, Teddy Bear, or Teddy for short! His foster mom assures that Teddy Bear lives up to his name! He is a sweet-natured boy who is torn between cuddling and playing.
He came into rescue through the intervention of a vet. When the vet saw him for the first time, Teddy was in bad shape. He was dehydrated, severely underweight, horribly matted, had several open wounds, a high fever and was experiencing convulsions. The vet convinced the owner to sign Teddy over in exchange for the medical care he needed.
Teddy had been living outside with only a tree for shelter. Now that he is an indoor springer, he is enjoying his creature comforts! He is a smart boy and house-trained in one day, just by following the examples of the resident springer males. He loves to play with rope toys and balls, in particular, and is quite the wiggle butt when neighboring teenage girls come over to play.
Don’t be fooled by Teddy’s chronological age. This boy is all PUPPY! His behavior is more like that of a 6-month-old! He’s a bit mouthy, he jumps (and this boy can JUMP!), and he’s into everything around the house. His foster mother is working hard on manners with him. Right now, it’s a toss-up whether “off” or “leave it” is his middle name.
Teddy is a counter-surfer and trash diver but he doesn’t dig. He is anxious when on a leash. At first, he doesn’t want to go for a walk, but once he gets started, he enjoys himself as long as he doesn’t encounter other dogs. If he does meet another dog, he growls and postures. His foster mother thinks that he may have been attacked while chained out and unable to get away. Take Teddy off his leash and he is fine with other dogs! His foster mother is working on de-sensitizing him to on leash encounters.
Teddy is on Phenobarbital twice a day as a preventative for seizures. His foster mother has seen no evidence of seizures, but his original vet did. The seizures could have been caused by his medical condition at the time or possible epilepsy. Teddy will remain on his medication until he is settled in his forever home and his permanent vet can determine whether he is truly epileptic. He’s a good boy when taking his medicine with a bit of peanut butter.
As Teddy makes progress with his foster mother’s coaching, updates will be added. He may not be ready to pass his Canine Good Citizen test before going to his adopting family, but he will likely be well on his way!!