Tucker 10

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Update 05/11/10:

Wonderful house manners and soulful eyes are great to see in a foster but, above all, a sound, steady temperament and trustworthiness are necessary for a dog to be offered for adoption. Tucker had much going for him but, after a lengthy stay in a very experienced foster home, the decision was reached by his family and other volunteers who assessed him that he was not suitable for adoption.

Update 03/07/10:

Tucker has really begun to feel at home with his foster family. He gets along with other dogs and has won over the heart of his recent dog sitter. She bonded quickly with him and he followed her all around everywhere she went. He loved to lay with his head on her lap and curled up next to her at night. She called him her “lover boy.” However, he does have an aversion to being forced to do something he doesn’t want to do and has been known to grumble and snap when grabbed by his collar for any reason. Because of this, he should be adopted by experienced dog lovers who will be able to read his signals and find ways to get him to want to obey commands that do not include pulling or tugging at him. His foster mom and dad have learned to bribe him off the couch (where he is usually resting quite comfortably) at night for his last walk of the day with a beef stick, his favorite snack. They have found that food works wonders as a motivation for Tucker.

He especially loves “people food” of any type and is not very keen on eating his kibble unless he is really hungry. Tucker does not bark to beg for food while his people are eating, but he has been known to come up and lay his head on a lap and stare at your face to let you know he is waiting patiently for a treat. He has such lovable, soulful eyes that he sometimes scores with that trick!

Tucker has great house manners and only asks for some blanket or towel to mouth and use as a pillow. He has never ripped, torn or destroyed anything in his foster home. He does not play with toys but has been known to have short bursts of energy. He loves to play “keep away” during those times. He has a lot of energy for a 13 year old and loves to explore the yard, always checking for intruders. He especially enjoyed all the snow recently but did have some trouble navigating once it got too deep for him.

This senior needs a home with experienced dog lovers who will understand that, as a senior citizen, he feels entitled to a comfortable and easy lifestyle with lots of love and companionship. If his new family is especially vulnerable to his soulful eyes, he will be especially grateful! He doesn’t ask for much but he has tons of love to give to the right family!

Update 01/23/10:

Another handsome senior is doing well with improved health, but, he does prefer to live a sedate and retiring life. Tucker is a home body. He gets nervous when taken in the car or when put into new situations. He does not mind strangers, though, coming into his foster home to see him. He relishes the routine of his home and who can blame him? Most springers will make the most of a steady home style!

Tucker is a sweet guy, but he does have his moments when he will grumble and refuse to move from his comfortable spot. For this reason Tucker will not be placed in a home with children. He prefers to be in the company of more mature and/or dog savvy folks who understand that he may not wish to be bothered at times or approached roughly.

Tucker is looking for a steady, relaxed person or small family who will not be disappointed if he chooses to pass on the neighborhood block party. In a home where he can settle into calmness, nap when and where he wishes (for the most part) and slip himself up onto someone’s lap for gentle petting, Tucker will be content. His needs are minimal, typical of so many older springers. What they need most is a loving family who enjoys the companionship of a dog in their life. Tucker is not different. He can be a wonderful little companion for just the right person. Would that be you?

Update 11/17/09:

Tucker has made amazing progress since his abscessed tooth was removed. He has gained a small amount of weight and has had repeat blood tests which show that his kidney issue is stable and is simply a matter of his age. He also gets very nervous in the car and shakes when encountering a new experience.

He seems to be more of a grazer who wants to have food available all day for whenever he feels like eating. This has been a problem since his foster brother wolfs down any food that Tucker leaves in the bowl. Tucker is a bit of a picky eater and is being fed mostly a homemade concoction called “Satin Balls” which is designed to help him gain weight. Other than this food issue, he is a just a delight!

His favorite spot is lying on a lap getting some quality petting time with his foster mom or dad. He has some slight arthritis and weakness in his back legs but can still jump up on the couch or recliner. Tucker has excellent house manners and is allowed the freedom of the house. He follows his people wherever they go and he loves to go upstairs and lay in the bed if given the chance! He is very laid back most of the time which is not surprising, given his age of 13. However, he still loves to run and will still chase the rabbits in the yard if he catches sight of them. He seldom barks and loves to play keep away out in the backyard with his foster mom each morning before she goes to work.

Tucker’s biggest wish is to spend the rest of his days with loving people who understand his modest physical limitations and who will accept his companionship and love.

Original:

Tucker spent his entire life with his family in New Jersey, but recently his owner has been away for long periods due to a busy work schedule. This has forced Tucker to spend most of his recent life in a crate. Realizing Tucker deserved a better life than this, his owner relinquished him to MAESSR.

Since coming to his foster home, this full-tailed tuxedo Springer has thrived having the freedom of the house. He has not been crated at all and has been left alone for up to nine hours without any problems. Tucker is not destructive unless it involves a stuffed toy! He loves to throw them around and chew on them. At night, he has been sleeping in his foster parents’ room, settling down on the dog bed beside their bed. However, he does enjoy some brief snuggle time with his foster mom and dad before he goes to sleep. He is very quiet when left alone and does not bark or jump up on people when they return. Then, he just comes and greets his people to get some petting and attention. When first meeting strangers, Tucker is shy and nervous, but he calms down quickly.

Due to his infected tooth, Tucker has had some difficulty eating dry food but his foster parents are sure that will improve once he has had it removed. He is slightly underweight as a result. Tucker does have some slight arthritis or weakness in his back legs but he still can jump up onto the couch with little difficulty and he does well going up and down stairs. He also rides well in the car.

This handsome, sweet senior is filled with love to share with his forever family. Senior Springers are a joy! Consider bringing Tucker into your life.