Bailey XXII

A happy boy, Bailey is pleasant to most people, although he occasionally barks at men who are strangers to him. Also, he sometimes runs up to other dogs and barks, which can be scary to them because of his attitude. His foster dad calls him “The Little Gladiator,” but Bailey never attacks; he just lets his feeling be known. Hmmmm……maybe he thinks his name is really Spartacus. To his foster mom Bailey is ever obedient and a terrific companion at all times.

Bailey recently attended the Langhorne, PA MAESSR picnic and had a great time. He was so happy to meet many new MAESSR friends. He must know that MAESSR has given him a most glorious new lease on life with the absolute best family!

Keep Bailey and his family in your thoughts. May he have many more wonderful experiences and many more MAESSR picnics to come!

Update 03/28/2013:  "He’s now running around with many dogs in the dog park and often ones that are much younger than he is."

Bailey's had a good winter……what great news to hear from his family! He’s now running around with many dogs in the dog park and often ones that are much younger than he is. He’s swimming with the group and bringing home lots of mud. With all this activity, he’s much more relaxed at home and when out.

Bailey’s proving a very smart boy. He makes judgments about trusting or not……and now, much more than before, he decides to trust. He's made many human friends at the park. One of his previous issues involved not giving up toys, but a lot of people have made little games out of this with him and he has relaxed with regard to surrendering items he values. He remains up for outdoor exercise any time, and, when at home, he tends to be quietly lying near his foster mom.

Bailey looks and seems well. Many people who know his story comment on how really well he seems to be. He’ll make a routine visit soon to his vet for a check up. Cross fingers that his vet will feel the same way. Enjoy spring, Mr. B!!

Update 01/14/2013:  "This boy is always up for everything!"

“No news is good news” is certainly apropos when it comes to Bailey’s health report. With his health remaining stable and a vet visit scheduled mid-March, Bailey can concentrate on being a fun-loving springer.

Bailey remains happy to charge outside every day to get his exercise, enjoying playtime at the dog park and hiking with his foster mom. This boy is always up for everything; he even accompanies his mom while she runs errands around town. At home and in her studio, Bailey is her constant companion.

At the dog park, Bailey enjoys the company of the people more than the presence of other dogs. Many folks have taken a shine to him, remarking that he makes eye contact like no other dog they’ve known. They sense that he watches them with interest and pure friendship. This attribute has been noted by his family, as well, and they believe that this might be the result of Bailey now having a stable, joyful life.

Certain resource guarding issues still remain. For example, Bailey refuses to give up balls or sticks at the dog park, but everyone and most dogs have learned to accommodate his determination to retain objects. He essentially behaves well.

During the holidays Bailey enjoyed his family’s holiday guests, adults and children alike. His interactions with his parent’s one year-old grandson were all positive. The holiday celebrations did, however, show a hitherto unknown talent for food theft from low-standing tables along with trash bag destruction. Basically a good boy, the holidays just provided too much temptation for Bailey!

Life is good for Bailey. We wish him many more romps in the park and holiday adventures to come.

Update 11/08/2012:  "As he enters his fifth month in his foster home, he is a calmer, happier dog."

The news for Bailey is welcome news indeed. As he enters his fifth month in his foster home, he is a calmer, happier dog. He seems to enjoy the expectations of a regular daily life which includes mealtimes (of course, he’s a Springer!), walks, time at the park with other dogs, playtime with his foster parents, and TV snuggle time on the couch in the evening. At night he sleeps with the cats in the family room……undoubtedly still on the couch!

Medically, Bailey’s health is status quo. Last seen by the vet in mid-September, if all seems well his next check up will be in mid-March. He receives an anti-inflammatory medication which is mixed into his breakfast and consumed without complaint. It is hoped that the medication will slow the growth of his tumor.

Despite his diagnosis, this pup’s wonderful temperament shines through. Described as a “dear, sweet boy” by his foster mom, Bailey is experiencing what every dog deserves – a loving family and excellent care. Please keep Bailey and his family in your thoughts.

Update 08/30/2012:  "Very sadly, the pathology report that followed revealed that the nodule was a cancerous growth."

It's been a long, sad month for Bailey and his foster family. He was completely evaluated and had surgery to remove the anal sac several weeks ago. Very sadly, the pathology report that followed revealed that the nodule was a cancerous growth. This particular cancer is fairly aggressive and may be fatal within a year. An oncology consult is coming up and will help with plans on how to proceed. Bailey also has a troublesome leaky heart valve; fortunately, that isn't causing him discomfort now but may down the road.

The future for this sweet boy is uncertain but, for the present, Bailey's days are good. He weighs a healthier 52 pounds now. He seems happy, more relaxed, has a good appetite, clear ears, and enthusiasm about taking pretty long walks. He swims and he's maintained his friendly demeanor throughout his extensive vetting. He'll receive the best care MAESSR and his foster family can give him. Wishing Bailey and his family many, many good days ahead. Please keep them all in your best thoughts.

Definitely good news is that he's finished treatment for Lyme disease and had treatment for paw dermatitis that was due to seasonal allergy. His thyroid screening results were normal.........always good to hear. At his most recent exam the vet noted that, though Bailey is still a little overweight, the diet and exercise he's getting are right for him; he's down to 56.4 pounds from 64.........yahoo!! Bi-lateral ear infections were found during the visit and should respond to local antibiotics and regular ear cleaning. The vet also aspirated a lump on Bailey's chest and found it to be a harmless cyst.........more good news.

An ongoing issue for Bailey is a heart murmur. During his last exam, the vet felt it was indeed there. It may be benign and something he can live with throughout his life with no symptoms. To determine that, though, will require more evaluation. More worrisome, the vet found that Bailey has a nodule in an anal sac. This too warrants further work. Please keep him in your best thoughts as further news comes in.

Back home, Bailey continues to be a great dog. A little nervous at first, he's picked up the routine of life in foster care quickly. He has met many adults and gets along with everyone. He's good with the dogs he meets on the street. He's probably the most obedient guy when at the dog park, and, what a bonus, he gets along with cats just fine! There are no other dogs at home but his foster parents feel he could probably get along with most equally laid-back dogs..................or be happy as an only dog with canine pals. He's bonded quickly with his foster mom and watches her for reaction wherever they are...............very smart boy!!! He's also increasingly great looking as he gains a "waistline" and becomes more robust.

With time to settle, one not-uncommon behavior that his family has seen emerge is some resource-guarding of "cherished" objects, i.e. balls and chews. On occasion Bailey has shown some anxiety and grumbled softly when someone's tried to take them from his month. At this point he is not playing with tug toys because he has no release command. His family is working on this with him and aren't there yet but, as with health, there's progress.

Again, Bailey's a great dog. Fingers crossed for all good news next time...............

Original:  "Bailey has super manners in the house and in public."

After his owner died, Bailey was shuffled between caretakers until he ended up at a shelter in New Jersey. Once MAESSR was notified, Bailey was on his way to foster care.

The vet reported that Bailey is in pretty good heath, but he does have a heart murmur that should be further evaluated. He is also, at 64 pounds, overweight. A thyroid panel was performed and the results are still pending. Bailey also tested positive for two tick-borne diseases and was sent home with the appropriate antibiotics for treatment.

Bailey appears to have been well-cared for by his original owner. He's well-groomed and has super manners in the house and in public. He does beautifully with adults and behaved appropriately in the presence of one small child since in foster care. He has good canine manners in the dog park, and behaves well with the resident cats in his foster home. Actually, he pretty much ignores them. Good boy, Bailey!

This guy is quite an enthusiastic walker and doesn't pull on-leash. He's good off-leash in the park, keeping an eye on his foster mom, coming when he's called, and sitting when asked. He swims, cuddles the squeaky snake that he journeyed to foster care with, and likes a special tug toy. He plays with balls in a similar way, so his foster mom is working with him on learning a release command.

Bailey was somewhat nervous during a recent thunderstorm, but not hysterical. He has not been tried in a crate because his house manners are so good. At night, he sleeps alone quietly in the family room behind a closed door........although his foster mom has her suspicions that he sleeps on the couch along with the resident cats! She also reports that Bailey is a snorer. Twice, Bailey has attempted to get on the bed at his foster home. He looked very disappointed, but didn't complain when he was shooed off.

A very sweet, people-pleasing dog, Bailey is sure to make a great addition to his new family. Watch for updates as he gets ready for the next chapter in his life.