Tommy

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Update 06/03/11:

With coming to MAESSR’s care, Tommy had every chance possible to move beyond his past life. His foster family and other extremely patient and savvy volunteers worked very hard with him. At times he seemed quite promising but, sadly for all, a dog emerged that would not be suitable for adoption. Godspeed, this boy!

Update 05/22/11:

Tommy continues to develop every day toward becoming a true Springer. He will run free in the pasture now, flushing out butterflies and anything else he can find. He is coming back when called. He is very good on a leash and can be left for a few hours with free run of the house. Although he preferred the company of female Springers at first, he is now living with two neutered males and getting along just fine.

Though still uncomfortable around strangers, Tommy no longer runs away. Rather, he hangs a few feet distant to see if any treats are forth coming. The way into his heart is definitely food and, when given time, he will take treats from almost anyone. Big step forward for this boy!

During the Langhorne picnic he was left in the care of a stranger with a lot of other dogs and he did very well. He bonded with the caregiver the first day and showed no ill effects or setbacks when his weekend adventure was over. 

After a few days back in his foster home, Tommy attempted to do a little Springer dance first thing in the morning which delighted his foster mom. He’s even beginning to give little tiny Springer kisses to his foster mom in the mornings, but his favorite thing to date is licking her hands when he finds them within his reach.

Although this boy has a way to go, one day he is going to make some lucky person a devoted companion.

Update 04/14/11:

Tommy is making great progress these days, although he still has a ways to go. It will be awhile before this sweet boy feels truly confident with his new life, but his foster mom has no doubt he will get there. He has finally started wagging his tail a little, making his foster mom very happy.

He made his first trip recently to another foster home and did very well. Although generally he still keeps his distance from people, he even wagged his tail in happiness at the people there and took treats from their hands. This was a home with a lot of other dogs and their activity didn’t seem to upset him at all.

When Tommy first came into foster care, he was very reserved in the company of people. These days he will get excited when people come in to visit or when his foster mom comes home. It’s wonderful to see him beginning to run around with a wagging tail and an enthusiasm for humans.

Leaving Tommy alone can be interesting, as that is the only time he is totally comfortable and will play. One could wish for a camcorder to know what all goes on when away from home. As is, Tommy’s family only sees the outcome of his games! His foster mom thinks he could possibly work for a moving company, as one day she evidently didn’t secure his crate when she left and he got out. During the time he was alone, he managed to move her granddaughter’s wheelchair from the back hall out into the living room. No damage done – just Tommy moving things around. He is very lucky his foster mom has a good sense of humor!

With growing trust in his foster mom, Tommy is becoming a love bug and will lean on her for attention; he never seems to get enough. Even when she is working on the computer, he is right there with his head in her lap – priceless progress!

More adventures to come as this boy explores the world and has the opportunity to develop his true potential.

Update 03/13/11:

Tommy is adjusting well to his new life and has amazed his foster mom with his progress. Still shy around people at this point in time, he is getting more comfortable in their presence – even taking treats, yeah! When he picked up a toy recently and laid down with it, his foster mom was so excited she had to call everyone she knew to tell them about it. Then she discovered he had been taking her socks out of the hamper and carrying them outside with him. Foster care people find the strangest things exciting!

Although his walks continue to be in quiet areas as a lot of activity is still more than he can accept, Tommy is excellent on a leash and loves being outdoors. He is also beginning to like his rides in the car and will sit quietly in the back seat, looking out the window.

He has begun crate training and is doing well, even going in his open crate to take a nap or when he feels he needs a quiet place. When he first came to his foster home, he would sleep in the bathroom, curled up in a little discarded dog bed; now he sleeps comfortably stretched out on a regular dog bed next to his foster mom’s bed. Big progress for this boy!

Tommy doesn’t seem to know any commands, other than come which he does with no hesitation. His foster mom feels he is getting close to being able to do some training. He is very good in the house as long as someone is home, still not displaying any unwanted behaviors. He’s now completely house trained, using the doggie door or asking to go out.

His foster mom is very excited with Tommy’s progress. It is such a delight to see the small changes in this boy. He has gone from being a worrier to unlimited possibilities for the future. More to come!

Update 02/22/11:

Upon coming into MAESSR’s care, Tommy and his companion, Tristan, were placed together in a very savvy foster home. Both were really frightened babies, were not used to having attention and did not seem accustomed to being indoors. In addition, they were quite attached to one another, with one guarding the other from the resident dogs in the home. To better ensure progress for each one, separating them was the best choice, so Tommy moved a short distance down the road to another experienced foster family. 

Since his move, Tommy is doing well. Without the need to worry over Tristan, he has time to pay attention to his new foster mom. She, in turn, is giving him the time he needs to adapt to the changes in his life. Everyday, he becomes more relaxed and is learning the household routine with no problem. So far, he doesn’t bark, trash dive, countersurf or have any interest in toys but, his foster mom feels it is too soon to tell what he might try later as everything is still so new to him. The best news for now is that Tommy is coming to his foster mom for affection on his own and will follow her everywhere she goes. He’s always wanting to be in sight. Although still cautious, he is finding a nice warm home very much to his liking, especially the kitchen! 

Tommy is good with other dogs and has ignored the cats in the house and outdoors. He remains wary around new people but will approach a stranger if allowed to do it in his own time. He has shown no aggression of any kind in his foster home; rather, he is just one scared little man. With patience there is subtle progress such that Tommy’s foster mom can see he is a sweet boy who is already very grateful for the love he is getting. Given some time, his foster mom has no doubts he is going to be a devoted, loving companion.

Look for updates as Tommy grows and discovers the wonders life has to offer.

Original:

When Tommy’s owner become very ill and was no longer able to provide care, Tommy and his two Springer buddies were taken to a shelter in central West Virginia. From there all three quickly moved into MAESSR foster homes. In Tommy’s home there are many resident and foster Springers so the change in canine companionship for him has been modest. 

Watch for updates on Tommy as he settles into life in his foster home.