XuXa

---

Update 3/12/06
XuXa continues to develop as a healthy puppy should. She’s put 6 pounds on her original 9 pound frame, mostly in height which contributes to a slim, lanky look. Her little belly doesn’t have any fur on it yet and it’s smooth as a baby’s bottom. She loves to lay on her back and have it rubbed.

She’s very curious, as she should be, and is learning to like the outdoors now that it’s a bit warmer. A very social pup, XuXa is making friends with everyone she meets and loves to play with the older springer-in-residence, Max, and all the toys at her disposal.

XuXa’s pretty quiet except at meal and play times. It is then that she finds her voice. She goes voluntarily to her crate when tired. Each morning when she wakes, she cries to be let out of the crate and she’s allowed the privilege of queens. Her foster family brings her up to bed. This quiets her and she sleeps until all are ready to meet the day. XuXa is already learning her manners and now sits for treats when asked. The outside potty concept is definitely a work-in-progress for this little one. Some days it seems as if she has mastered house training, and other days, it’s clear that she still needs a watchful eye and patient guidance from those around her. She’ll soon be ready for a forever family to continue the training, share the cuddles, and relish the excitement that goes with having a puppy in the home. What a great outcome for this little “queen!!”

Original: XuXa and her 2 sisters became dangerously ill with parvo while still with a breeder in western Pennsylvania. When the breeder could not afford their medical expenses, MAESSR was able to take over their care. The vets worked very hard to help them get well. When they were ready to leave the veterinary hospital, each puppy went into a foster home that made a special commitment to finish its recovery. Thankfully, XuXa (pronounced Shoo Sha), or “queen” in Portuguese, is a puppy who is now healthy and full of life.

XuXa’s off all her meds now and is constantly exploring her environment. Her older Springer housemates stayed clear of her for the first week, since they didn’t know what to make of such a little thing. In the last few days, though, there is a notable increase in cross-Springer playtime. XuXa is having lots of fun and recovering well. She doesn’t yet have that puppy plumpness due to her illness, but her ravenous appetite will soon take care of that. She’s eating a combination of Canine I/D and Innova for puppies. Once the I/D is finished, she’ll be transitioned to all Innova.

Exercise is already an important part of her daily life. XuXa makes it all around the block, accompanying her elders on walks 3 times a day. Her foster family continues to hope that she will learn the concept of outside elimination by observing her counterparts, but understand that, at her age, that still is a bit of a dream. At nighttime, she’s confined in her crate to keep her out of mischief and to assist with the house training. She takes to the crate very nicely, sleeping all night long and doesn’t start to cry until 7-8 AM. This is great for such a little one!!!

All-in-all, this has been a great recovery for a spunky queen. She will soon be ready to reign in someone’s home and heart forever. Wouldn’t you love to share your “kingdom” with this precious little bundle?