Zackary 3

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Updated 12/17/06: Zackary is making the most of his chance at a new beginning. With good veterinary care, he has put his infections behind him, has recovered from neutering and gained a much needed 5 pounds. In just a short time, he has put quite a shine on his coat. He was also very diplomatic as the vet’s office and showed little interest in the big black cat who resides there…….good boy!!

Though still afraid of new people, Zackary is not aggressive and only barks at them initially. He has bonded very well with his foster mom and loves to be petted and loved. Zack will do best with an adopting family who has some experience with socializing young springers. He will need lots of patience as he continues to get past his shyness. He would also really love a family that includes another friendly dog as that is a definite part of his security.

There is progress with Zack’s potty training but he still needs a careful watch and positive reinforcement when he has a success. He is not keen on his crate but does tolerate it when everyone is away from home. Being the puppy that he is, he is very inquisitive and gets into everything if left unsupervised.

Zackary does very nicely when on a leash walk and does not pull. He also is a very good rider. He is typically active and playful for his age. His resolution for 2007 is to be one of MAESSR’s success stories………..can you help Zackary keep his resolution???

Original: Poor little Zackary became lucky little Zackary when a breeder that he was living with decided to reduce his breeding program and surrendered several springers to a shelter in central Maryland. The day after meeting his foster mom, Zachary visited the vet where he spent 2 days in quarantine due to a nasty nasal staph infection. He was wormed and started on medication for ear infections at the same time. Other than needing treatment for these short-term problems, he is in good health, weighs 38 pounds, and is strikingly marked with liver, white and tan.

With so much change in his life, Zackary was a very frightened boy when he finally got to stay at home with his foster family. He has made a lot of progress in a short time with the help of the two resident springers who have taken him under their “paws” so to speak and love him. He alternates his time between crating and playing with those two and is getting used to his new surroundings. Zackary is working on his potty training and is making progress there as well.

Zackary has a very sweet personality which will carry him a long way as he gets used to living close with people who love him. At this time he is spooky and very afraid of loud or sudden noises, but he is beginning to bond with his foster mom. With practiced patience she is teaching him some basics and he is a quick study. He knows “outside” and romps quickly out the door with his housemates. He loves all the toys in the den already. Zachary enjoys daily visits from a dog-savy 10-year-old who lives next door and the two get along great. Since he can become very rambunctious when playing, his foster mom feels that 8 years might be a good lower limit for children living with Zackary……. that and the possibility that he might kiss smaller playmates right in their faces!

An obedience class will not only be a must but a pleasure to share with Zackary as he begins to gain confidence with the new opportunities, he will enjoy with his adopting family. Once his infections clear and he is neutered, he will be ready for one last change in his life. More on Zackary as he gets closer to his new beginning………..