Truman

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Updated 5/31/06:
The teenagers in Truman’s foster home and their friends just love Truman. And, with a small commitment from the whole family, Truman has had the chance to grow into a very manageable dog. He is continuing on a low dose of daily medication that assists dogs with separation-related issues because there seems to be an overall benefit for him. Truman will still chew something if left out of his crate when no one is with him, but he can now be crated without much fuss. His family tries to keep crating to a minimum but knows this is an important step forward for Truman.

Truman is thriving on new opportunities with the warmer weather. His family has introduced him to swimming in a pool and he just loves it!! He is having some difficulty riding in the car to get there, but he’s slowly getting better because he knows he’s off for some summer fun. He’s been jumping into the pool, has started swimming in the deep end and, finally, has learned where the steps are. He’s not very graceful yet, but he hasn’t sunk either!

Growing confidence and security with the people around him are now making it possible for Truman to be let off leash. He’s been very good of late about not wandering off. His foster mom has felt sorry for Truman that no one has stepped up to spend a little bit of time with him, to guide him through his puppy years. But, through the time spent with her family, Truman has had his chance to grow up. He’s truly a lovely young adult now. He’s ready to join a family who will love splashing poolside with him, wearing him out with games of fetch, and then, and best of all, cuddling with him at the end of a busy day. If this is your idea of a great day too, you and Truman could be a perfect match!!

Updated 4/14/06:
Truman has passed important mini-milestones since coming into foster care. He’s now eating a regular dog kibble and doing well on it, having left behind the persistently upset tummy that he arrived with. He has mastered house training and has been accident-free for a very long time. Yeah!! With stability in his life and training, Truman will bark and whine to protest being left alone but he does quiet down now. He has just started a new medication which is designed to aid in the treatment of separation-related disorders. It may be a few weeks until its full benefit is known, but it seems very promising for him.

For such a young springer, Truman actually has a moderate energy level, but he is similar to the Energizer bunny in that he just keeps going and going and going! He does sleep well at night, probably because of the active pace he keeps up through the day. He loves to play fetch and is a lot of fun to play with because he returns the ball with such a nice soft mouth. He will also be getting the opportunity to try some agility work soon and may find something else that he really enjoys doing with his people.

After a busy day at play, Truman becomes a cuddler and will cozy up as all fine dogs do. There is not a mean bone in his body. He’s ready for an active family who will enjoy spending time with him and include him in lots of their activities. He needs a family who will work with him and love him, so that he gains a greater confidence in himself as he finishes growing up. If you can match Truman’s energy now, you’ll have a companion for life!! How about Truman?!?

Updated 3/3/06:
Truman is starting to make progress in his foster home. He is becoming more accustomed to his crate, still eating his meals there and sleeping through the night. Slowly his family is extending the time he stays in his crate, after mealtime for example, to help Truman reach the point that he can be comfortable there while they are away. The gains are coming slowly but they are coming.

While Truman seems to like all people, he may just turn out to be a “man’s” dog. He has bonded with the teenage son in his foster home. He was also introduced to a 3 year old nephew in the family and was immediately ready to play. His foster mom was right there and shares that Truman was almost “too” playful. The little boy squealed with glee at Truman, exciting Truman’s playful behavior. In turn, Truman licked the little boy like he was a puppy! Indeed, Truman is barely more than a puppy and still exhibits lots of unbridled energy. As with all dogs in the company of young children, Truman needs a watchful person close by to insure that the play remains fun for all. His foster mom sees “such a nice soul” in Truman, so being his “watchful person” isn’t very hard.

More on Truman as he continues to grow………

Original: Truman is a happy, energetic youngster who has proven to be good with teenagers, cats, and other dogs in his foster home. He was picked up as a stray by an animal control group in eastern Pennsylvania who contacted MAESSR. He is estimated to be about a year old. Barely beyond being a puppy, Truman needs a family to love him, care for him, and guide him into adulthood.

His foster family is getting him started on the basics that all well trained springers need to learn. He is beginning to “come” when called. He will “sit” and “down” and is learning to “stay.” He’s making good progress when using a Gentle Leader while on leashed walks. There are many things that distract him, so he’s not walking a straight line yet, but with a little more practice, he will be right beside his companion.

Truman is working on his house training, too. A measure of success for him is that he is making it through the night when crated in his foster mom’s bedroom. Truman likes to be close to people, so spending his nights crated bedside is OK with him. He also eats his meals in his crate, but once mealtime is over, he is ready to be out and playing. His family is continuing to work with him so that he can relax in his crate when they are away from home.

Like all young springers, he is playing with toys. Truman would love to live with a family who has lots of room for him to run and play fetch. He is bringing balls back like a good boy, so that it’s fun for his people, too. He will chew on bones once in a while. Riding in a car is one of his favorite pastimes, and he is quite good at it. He either sits quietly or lays down and never attempts to drive!

Truman is an easy little guy to keep looking handsome. He is a bit squirmy when his foster mom brushes him, but holding still will become easier with experience. He offers little resistance when she does his nails and actually seems to like having his ears cleaned.

With the help of his veterinarian, Truman is being treated for an intestinal bowel disorder with a special food and for possible separation anxiety with a medication. As he adjusts into the security of a home, either of these conditions may disappear, but for now, he is being continually evaluated by his foster family. Updates on his progress will be added.

When Truman isn’t playing ball with the teenagers in his home, he’s often playing with the resident dog. He has adjusted to indoor life and isn’t afraid of any normal household sounds. He is a cuddler, too. His foster family has made efforts to keep him off the couch, but he is such a sweet-natured dog that it’s impossible to resist having him close. For an adopting family with teenagers, other dogs, and cats, Truman will be equally hard to resist!