Ziggy 6

Update 09/15/11:

Ziggy is good to go!! His health issues have responded to treatment and are either completely resolved or almost behind him. The sore in his mouth was minor and the vet thinks it was the result of chewing on his crate. In his foster home his family does not ever close his crate door and has seen no sign of any more chewing. He still is having baths every few days for the yeast infection on his skin but it appears to be clearing up nicely. 

With so much improvement, it was time for Ziggy to step out with his foster parents. He went to a pet fair with them as a MAESSR ambassador and did great with everyone, including kids and all the other strange dogs. He showed no signs of any aggression or grumbling at anyone. However, his family did see him react to the cats in crates across the aisle. Ziggy did not go after them, but his eyes showed great interest in them; all indications were he would have loved to chase them if he could. Ziggy does have a high hunting instinct. Because of this and his keen attention to the kitties, he would not be recommended to a home with a cat or other small animals. 

There is one area of training that Ziggy needs help with. He doesn’t seem to have much experience with leash walking. He does not like to do his business while walking on the leash either, and, much prefers to have a fenced area in which to run and play and take care of business! 

Ziggy would do great in a family situation and would love to have another dog in his adopting home to play with. During weekdays he has his two foster brothers to occupy him as well as multiple toys which he loves. When his family sits down for the evening, Ziggy is right there and does enjoy getting up on their laps for some cuddle time! He wants to be with his people but does great while his foster family is away. 

Ziggy’s easy to live with. He’s adapted quickly to foster life and can be expected to settle with an adopting family just as easily. He’s comfortable when stepping into the midst of community events. He’s also content at home with a fenced yard to call his own and people who are ready to share some quality time every day with him. If this sounds like you, please ask about meeting this handsome fieldie!!

Original:

Ziggy was given up to a shelter when his owner was no longer able to care for him. He has adapted well to his foster home and recently visited the vet. During that trip he was brought up to date on vaccines and a number of treatable health concerns were revealed. Ziggy was diagnosed with a yeast infection of the skin which requires baths with a medicated shampoo. He also has an ear infection and a lower eye lid condition, which are both being treated with medication. Finally, this handsome pup was slightly positive when tested for Lyme disease. The vet was inclined to believe that the positive reaction was due to a Lyme vaccine being given in the past, since Ziggy did not display any signs of the disease during his exam. Ziggy also has a sore in his mouth which will be further diagnosed while he is under anesthesia for his neuter procedure. 

A mellow guy, Ziggy gets along well with his foster brothers. He does not bark very often while in the house, but he does let his foster parents know if there is someone nearby when he is out in the yard. He has been fed in a crate since he eats rather quickly; this allows his foster brother time to finish his food! Ziggy does not need to be crated otherwise and has only had one accident since in foster care. That was right after he arrived and due to the stress of the situation. He did not have any reaction to the recent hurricane, other than not wanting to go outside while it was pouring rain! Ziggy has been sleeping downstairs at night with his foster brothers for company and does not seem to have any separation anxiety. 

If you’re looking for a traveling companion, Ziggy might be a good match! He rides great in the car, just settling down in the back and lying quietly for the duration of the trip. He came with mats in his ears and tail and was cooperative during the grooming sessions needed to take care of the problem. He seemed to relish the attention when he was combed, but was not as thrilled with the grooming of his feet, although he did allow it to be done in stages. His foster parents have discovered that he absolutely hates a bath! He quickly learned where the door to the bathroom is and avoids it like the plague! It takes all of his foster dad’s patience to give him his baths, which he needs every couple of days due to his skin infection. He is also not a big fan of the ear drops, but what Springer is? 

Ziggy does not appear to have had any people food previously, as he does not beg or try to counter surf (so far, at least!). The yeast infection of his skin has made him itchy and he absolutely loves to be scratched on his chest as a result. He will curl up on his foster mom’s lap and turn over to allow for the scratching to commence! He seems to love the squeaky toys so far and has not shown any interest in the tennis ball yet.

More to come on this cute boy as he settles down and allows his true personality to blossom!