Entered: 08/24/2019
Status: Adopted
Age: 4
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 43.5 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Ashburn, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, treatment for roundworms completed, benefitting from a diet that avoids his allergens, has achieved a healthy weight
Temperament: Good with adults, no experience with children in current home, good with other dogs but prefers people, unknown with cats
Update 10/14/2019: “He will be a great fit for anyone who works from home, a busy household where there’s always someone around, or a senior or disabled person who wants a warm presence close by all day long.”
Tucker, an amiable and gentle guy, has been in his foster home for about two months. He’s more active than his foster parents originally thought. He’s become good buddies with his younger, more energetic playmate (another Springer) and he’ll happily run around the yard and roughhouse whenever prompted. He’s in much better shape than when he arrived; he’s lost the extra weight he came with, and there’s now form to his figure.
Tucker has been tested for food allergies and his flatulence has largely abated since his food was changed to eliminate his allergens which are beef, corn, and eggs. A significant allergic reaction (chewing his paws) that began a few weeks after he arrived in foster care has completely resolved. He tested positive for roundworms, and he’s on appropriate medication.
The biggest issue his foster parents have encountered is Tucker’s skillful art of escape. He slips through openings that appear to be half his size and he’s learned from his buddy how to dig underneath the chicken wire fence. He then proceeds to meander around the neighborhood. He doesn’t run away – he walks and then comes when called, so he’s easy to recover. The process of upgrading the fence is currently in progress! Wherever he goes next, his outdoor play area needs to be fully secured.
As Tucker readies for adoption, his foster family has observed what the ideal home would be for this sweet boy. He needs a home where he has company, essentially all the time. It can be another dog or pretty much any familiar human; he hates being left alone. His previous family reported that when left by himself, Tucker would howl uncontrollably. At his foster home, whenever his parents need to leave, he still howls and whimpers at first; but he’s soon distracted by his little buddy. When someone is home, he’s not particular about who it is…just as long as there’s someone he can attach to in true Velcro-dog fashion. He will be a great fit for anyone who works from home, a busy household where there’s always someone around, or a senior or disabled person who wants a warm presence close by all day long.
If you’re looking for a devoted companion, look no further than Tucker.
Original: “Winter is coming and Tucker, the Foot Warmer Dog, is ready to keep his new owner(s) cozy and warm.”
Tucker’s origins are not really known, but somehow this very handsome fellow ended up at a kill shelter in Maryland. A hospice type group connected him with a couple who had another spaniel, but it was not a good fit as they didn’t work from home and Tucker didn’t really build camaraderie with their dog. And from there, this now very lucky gentleman became a MAESSR boy.
Tucker is a 4-year-old neutered male. He appears to prefer a sedentary lifestyle, though he will run and play if prodded and he loves his walks around the neighborhood. Comfortable on the leash, he doesn’t tug excessively. In the car, he’s a happy rider as long as he is near a person—and he will find a way to be near a person!! A total people dog, he pretty much ignores other dogs and will put up with a lot of harassment without snapping or pushing back. He’ll play gently if prodded, but he’d rather that other dogs just leave him alone.
Outside of a second day accident inside his foster house, likely attributable to stress, he’s completely housetrained. When taken outside, he knows what he’s supposed to do and handles his business right away. He seems crate trained. He willingly entered an unfamiliar crate the first few times but since someone is almost always home and the dogs sleep loose in their foster parents’ bedroom, Lucky Tucker has not needed to spend time in his crate. He does have very acceptable house manners—no trash diving or counter-surfing for this guy.
He eats well, but can be flatulent …maybe a mismatch with his current food. He hasn’t yet been observed with children or cats, but he’s so chill his foster family doesn’t anticipate any issues. He comes when called and stays close to home, showing no desire to run off into the neighborhood if he accidentally gets loose, as other Springers have.
Tucker is not a dog who can be left alone for long. When his people leave the house, he howls in a way that’s painful to hear. He is currently in a home with another dog and a big yard that distract him for a while, but previous owners have said the crying never stopped. While attachment to his people is his most endearing quality, it can also be a nuisance, as he often lies down at his person’s feet as they move about … when cooking for example … occasionally putting himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. If restroom privacy is desired, close the door!! This is a typical Springer!!
Tucker was good at the groomers—except for not wanting to be alone, and has been patient with having his nails cut and ears cleaned.
Winter is coming and Tucker, the Foot Warmer Dog, is ready to keep his new owner(s) cozy and warm. He’s the perfect companion for anyone who works from home. Mellow and cuddly, he’ll happily spend all day under his person’s desk. The ultimate Velcro dog, he’s also ideal for an elderly or disabled person who wants a loving companion to never leave their side. Overall, he’s adapted well to his current home, but it’s his fourth. His next one needs to be forever. If placed in an environment where there’s always a human around, he should thrive.