Thelma

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Update 12/02/2020: “Thelma loves her people and enjoys being close.”

Thelma was returned to MAESSR after a short month in her new home. This sweet girl originally came from a breeder who had health issues. Because Thelma lacked human contact and socialization, she needed training classes and socialization to continue to grow and become confident.

Thelma quickly adapted to her original foster home with no issues. She is the fourth Springer in the home. The three resident Springers are 10, 9 and 5 months. It is fun to watch the 5 month old puppy teach her puppy behavior. The two older residents are teaching her the importance of naptime and bird chasing.

Training classes, socialization, and experiencing the world as a non “scary” place are part of her routine. She has gone to the pet store, “Disneyland for dogs,” and parks for training. Walks with the resident Springer and neighbors are some of the positive reinforcements. Thelma loves her people and enjoys being close.

This love bug is working really hard and making great strides. Stay tuned for more exciting news about this lap- sized love bug.

Original: “Getting on furniture is allowed in her foster home and she enjoys napping beside one of her foster parents on the sofa or being in a comfortable lap.” 

Thelma came into MAESSR’s care when a Springer breeder in Maryland developed serious health problems and had to rehome his dogs.  This sweet girl lived in a kennel with no access to the house, people, or socialization.  She was not housetrained, either.  Now a new chapter in her life has begun through MAESSR

Thelma was welcomed to her new foster home by the two resident Springers and a resident rabbit. She was very shy, not leash trained and shook when touched. She had to be carried up the stairs of the porch and inside the house. So many new things to take in!  She soon decided that being petted by her foster mom was an okay thing. The first day and a half she didn’t eat was carried in and out of the house and up and down the stairs. This lap size little girl has made great strides!  

Thelma has decided that being an inside dog is not so bad. She goes up and down the stairs, enjoys running in the fenced yard but her favorite thing to do is be a lap warmer. She has full access of the house and is only crated when her people aren’t home.  She eats in the kitchen or on the porch. She now cleans her plate twice a day!  Also, she has discovered toys!  Her favorite is a little football she likes to chase.  Living with a family has lots of benefits!

During her first night in her foster home, Thelma slept in the crate beside her foster parents’ bed. The second night she watched her foster parents and the two resident Springers pile in the bed. She started with a low whine, then barked and when all else failed, she howled!  Yep, the rules went out the window and she takes her place in bed every night with everyone else. She cuddles contentedly next to her foster mom.

She has discovered that living inside comes with some rules.  Outside is where a good Springer relieves herself.  She is learning this quickly and has only had two accidents in the house since she arrived. Good girl, Thelma!  To indicate she needs to go out, she “trots” around inside of the house.  Another rule involves food. She is interested in what is on the counter but with a sharp “OFF” she gets down.  She hasn’t had a chance to get into trash cans because they are kept out of sight because the resident Springer is proficient in “trash diving.”  Getting on furniture is allowed in her foster home and she enjoys napping beside one of her foster parents on the sofa or being in a comfortable lap.

Not food motivated, Thelma is shy taking food from one’s hand and has stranger danger. She is very leery of strangers. Her foster parents have taken her to a few low key events like outside church where she allowed a few people to pet her. She and her people went to a winery and sat outside. There were only a few people there at this low key place so she did well.

Thelma came into foster care with no obedience training, but her foster parents are working with her on “sit” and “come.”  She also knows her name!  Smart girl!  Thelma is loose leash walking like a champ and responds to “good girlie” as praise.  Note that MAESSR only places puppies – even older ones like Thelma – in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience.  MAESSR believes the decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment.  It will require the adoptive family to take Thelma through two series of obedience classes within 90 days of adoption.  Obedience classes will help Thelma build her confidence, too.

During her visit to the vet, Thelma was scared but did very well.  She initially had an ear infection and her foster mom put drops in her ears twice a day with no issues. One can touch her feet, ears, look in her mouth without any issues either.

This pint sized lap warmer would like a furever home where she is allowed to sleep in the bed with her parents and lie in a friendly lap while watching TV.   Thelma is a true Velcro Springer who will stick to her new family’s heart and be a constant, loving shadow.