Zee

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Updated 8/7/06:
Zee is growing like a weed, both in stature and confidence! His timidness continues to diminish slowly as he gets out and about more often.

During work-days Zee is doing excellently in his crate. He was recently given full bedroom privileges during the night by leaving his crate door open. His foster parents have awoken a few times to find a naughty boy had snuck onto the bed with them but, most nights, Zee sleeps the entire time in his crate. One small problem with allowing him free reign of the bedroom did arise……..Zee turned into a little bandit and stole clothes from the dirty bin and dragged them into his crate. He prefers his foster dad’s socks to all other items he can find. Phewwww!! He didn’t seem to chew things but would surround himself with various pieces of clothing. A new laundry basket has seemed to solve the problem, although Zee was a little disappointed the first night it was in use. He kept sniffing and pacing in the area but just couldn’t figure a way into the new, covered bin.

Zee continues to enjoy fetching and running in the yard to release his youngster energy. A recent trip to the dog park resulted in two tired-armed foster parents and one energetic and relentless dog. He fetched for hours, beating all the other dogs to the ball almost every time. His post-surgery issues are near complete resolution. He will be a wonderful addition to any family, especially one with pre-teen children who can share his love for activity!

Updated 7/18/06:
Zee continues to be a wonderful housemate. He remains extremely timid but is a wonderfully behaved boy. He is an extremely affectionate dog who loves to cuddle. He gets along famously with his foster-sister, also an ESS, and did exceptionally well with a visiting 10 month old baby.

His housemate kitties are getting to know Zee better. The resident “bruiser” cat has given him a few scares, but Zee still will give her a quick sniff as he runs past her. From the yelps he emitted when she jumped out from under the table at him, you wouldn’t think she was declawed! The other two cats seem to pose not threat and Zee will curl up beside them.

Zee experienced a minor setback as a result of his neutering procedure. The vet feels it is nothing that a little rimadyl and sitz baths won’t take care of. Zee sits patiently and quietly in the tub for his twice-a-day therapy. What a good boy!

Though you can tell he doesn’t enjoy it, Zee goes into his crate on command. He will occasionally whine during the night, but the barking has subsided when his foster family goes off to work. He is a bit fearful of rides in the car but seems to do better with each one.

Since he is so young, an obedience class with his adopting family will be important for Zee. He should learn the basic commands that are helpful to any dog in day-to-day life and he will bond even more quickly through the time spent in learning together with his family. Zee will do great with a patient, gentle family who is willing to build his trust in them. He is such a sweetheart of a dog and only needs loving companions to make his world complete!

Original: Zee was bred to be a hunter. However, after failing Bird Dog 101, he was relinquished to MAESSR through the assistance of a small private rescue group in eastern West Virginia. Estimating by the size of his paws, Zee will be a rather large, sturdy boy when he reaches adulthood. He has a field length tail and carries it so proudly. He is very timid and seems to prefer the man of the house, but this may be what he was accustomed to as a pup. When Zee first met his foster dad, his dad kneeled down to greet him. Within a minute, Zee had draped himself across his foster dad’s lap in the most relaxed fashion……..as if he had been doing that for years.

Despite his start as an outdoor dog, transition to the good life is coming pretty easily………a bit too easily because Zee believes he belongs with his people on their bed and couches! He is full of energy but otherwise well behaved, not jumping or being rowdy at all. He hasn’t shown interest in counter- or trashcan surfing. He gets along famously with the resident springer, deferring to her as soon as she emits the mildest grumble. He also is very curious, albeit a bit fearful of his housemate cats. Zee exhibits no food aggression and doesn’t mind being touched when he eats. He has almost passed his house training class. He is also an accomplished traveler. It was a long journey to his foster home and he rode quietly in his crate the whole way.

Zee’s night-time crating behavior seems to improve each night. He only whined briefly last night and quickly dozed off. However, he does not enjoy the crate while his family goes to work. To begin assessing his trustworthiness to be home alone, he has been left in the house for a few short periods of time and did amazingly well. He waited patiently. Unfortunately he was found curled up on the couch when the humans returned. Oh well……..better than being found eating the couch like some naughty dogs. Not springers, of course. He has shown no desire to chew or tear “off-limits” items.

At this time not much is known about Zee’s obedience training, but given his age, he can only gain by attending a beginner class with his adopting family. He loves the outdoors, probably because he was an outside boy before coming to MAESSR, and after all, he is a “fieldie.” This youngster loves to fetch in the yard and when not busy playing, he wants to cuddle with his humans. He is a very affectionate and sweet boy who is eager to please. Zee will be a wonderful companion for someone who wants an active playmate by day and a couch-side buddy in the evenings.