Nick

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Entered: 10/11/2014

Status: Adopted

Age: 10

Color: Liver/White

Weight: 41 lbs.

Gender: Altered Male

Location: Altoona, PA

Health: UTD, HW-, Lyme-, benefiting from a supplement and medication to alleviate pain due to a prior

Health Cont.: injury, benefiting from a supplement to assist with a possible tracheal anomaly, benefiting from a

Health Contd.: supplement and occasional baths to improve coat, stable weight, treatment for ear and skin

Health Conts.: infections complete

Temperament: Good with adults, unknown with children, good with other dogs, unknown with cats

eo Link: Click here to see me in action!

Nick's Story . . .

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Update 02/26/2015: “This sweet guy would make an excellent companion for anyone who considers one – or more – daily walks essential for a healthy lifestyle.”

Nick is patiently waiting for Old Man Winter to pack his bags and exit the Allegheny Mountains of central Pennsylvania. It’s not that he doesn’t enjoy winter and running through the snow with his foster home buddies; it’s the regular walks he is missing due to frigid temperatures and the icy sidewalks that are spoiling his fun. Nick is raring to go as taking walks makes his day. His foster mom feels that if she wasn't leery of braving the ice, wind, and freezing temperatures, Nick would gladly go walking in any kind of weather.

Other than being subjected to being more sedentary, Nick is enjoying life. The resident Spanish Water Dog puppy is still his best buddy, and the two of them have a grand time whether they are ripping through the snow or playing tug-of-war with stuffed (or more often than not, unstuffed) toys. Then it’s into his crate for a nap to revitalize. If only his foster mom could get these two to pick up after themselves! Nick’s interactions with the other two senior residents are limited, but the curmudgeonly resident Springer has been known to groom his face now and then since he has mostly warmed up to Nick.

Nick’s coat continues to improve with a diet of high quality dog food, a supplement, and occasional soothing baths. His foster mom has not been bathing him as often due to the weather. Nick likes to go outside frequently, and she doesn’t want the poor boy to come back inside as an icicle! He is such a good boy for his baths and seems to enjoy them. He even allowed his mom to use her blow dryer on him after one of his baths. She is still trying to get those toenails whittled down as they are still slightly on the long side; but they are slowly coming along. Nick is still not keen on getting his front feet done but submits to it. Overall, his health is stable. There is some occasional panting and coughing when Nick gets excited. He lets his foster mom know that he wants to go outside by standing at the door and whimpering if he is not noticed right away. There have been a few accidents recently as his foster mom tried to limit time outside due to the cold. Now she knows if Nick wants out, he needs to go out! Nick will usually come back in quickly if his foster mom waits inside the warm house instead of joining him in the yard. There were a couple days when the deck steps were a sheet of ice, and Nick needed help getting back in the house.

Nick’s weight remains the same, which is good on one hand as he hasn’t put on any winter pounds. Eating is still his most favorite activity, and Nick truly relishes his meals. He continues to have a good helping of green beans thrown in to help fill him up…if that’s even possible! No one knows how long Nick was on his own and what he had to eat to survive, so his meals are very precious to him. His foster mom switched him to a brake bowl in hopes that it would slow him down. It has slowed him down…a little. Nick is so enthused about eating that his foster mom can put his medications in his bowl between the kibble and green beans, and he scarfs them right down. No struggle getting this boy to take his pills!

Nick continues to crate well, goes in on command, and is well-behaved. His nights and his foster mom’s work days are spent in his safe haven. Nick starts barking as soon as he hears her returning home but knows that “quiet sitting” is required before he gets out of the crate.

This sweet guy would make an excellent companion for anyone who considers one – or more – daily walks essential for a healthy lifestyle. He won’t let you consider skipping a day, so consider adopting Nick as your exercise buddy!

Update 01/25/2015: “Ask to meet him and Cupid will take it from there!!”

Nick continues to be a pleasant and welcome houseguest in his foster home. He is a sweetheart who enjoys cuddling and giving kisses. He is also a vital part of the resident puppy’s world. The two of them have become best friends and continue to play very well together.

Given his physical limitations, Nick gets around pretty well. The winter weather has made it difficult to get Nick out as often for walks but he gets really excited on those days that he can take a jaunt around the neighborhood. His biggest mobility issue is stairs and slippery floors so carpeting would make his life easier. Nick continues to receive medications for his physical issues and doesn’t appear to be in any major discomfort from his activity level.

During cold weather, brushing is done in the basement, and Nick needs to be carried down, though he will go back up on his own. This makes him uneasy so brushing has not been as frequent as when done outside during mild weather. His foster mom has been working on whittling away bits of Nick’s toenails since they were terribly long when he was rescued. It is taking patience on Nick’s part since he is having nails trimmed about once a week. He is not keen on having this, especially his front feet, but is accepting that it is going to get done. He doesn’t mind having his ears occasionally cleaned. Medicated baths have not been as frequent due to the cold weather so Nick still has some minor skin issues, but his coat and skin are much improved from several months ago

In true typical Springer fashion, Nick believes that his foster mom is starving him. Toward helping him lose a few pounds, she has been adding a good helping of green beans to his meals to help fill him up, but he is still convinced that he should be eating more! Nick gets excited when his foster mom starts meal prep and will encourage her to work a little faster by barking orders at her. Once meals are ready, Nick makes a mad dash into his crate where he quickly cleans up his dish.

Nick generally does not get himself into any “trouble” around the house. There has been only one accident during his entire stay, and he never touches anything other than dog toys/bones with one exception. He will steal human food if it happens to be accessible, so his foster mom smartly keeps it out of his reach. He will nuzzle the kitchen wastepaper can lid but does not get into it. Food waste does not go in that trash can, so chances are Nick would get into it if it did. After all, the poor boy is starving!

Nick continues to sometimes use his crate for evening naps but enjoys napping on the plush pillow in the family room, too. He continues to be well-behaved in the crate. Nick most likely would not need crated if floors in his home were carpeted and if the resident Springer wasn’t sometimes a curmudgeon.

A young-at-heart senior, Nick would be a ready-made partner if your New Year’s resolution was to walk regularly in your neighborhood. Whether you pledged to go for health reasons or pleasure or both, having a buddy who’s eager to go will get you out the door more days than not. Just bring out the leash and see what happens! Even those really wintery days become all the more enjoyable when you’ve got a cuddler at your side indoors. Nick has excellent house manners, requires not training, and gives kisses rain or sleet, snow or shine. His biggest wish is for a like-minded family to be his Valentine. Ask to meet him and Cupid will take it from there!!

Update 12/20/2014: “So, anyway, Santa, if you can find me a family of my own I would be one lucky duck—ah, dog.”

Word for word as dictated to his foster mom is Nick’s letter to Santa…

“Good golly, Christmas is almost here! My foster mom said I’ve been a very good boy while I’ve been a guest here. Okay, there were a couple little mistakes like when I stole her muffin off the end table and the other time when I opened up the bread she left on the deck while she carried groceries into the house. Boys will be boys, you know!!

Anyway, my foster mom said I should come up with a list for Santa. I don’t have a huge list so it would be easy for you to come through with my simple wishes. Of course, I would like stuffed toys so I can play tug of war with a friend or unstuff one when I feel like chillin’. And I like butcher bones and chew bones. Other than that, I don’t need much to keep me happy.

I really like it here at my foster home where I get to go on walks, have friends, and enjoy a nice soft comforter in my crate; but, gee whiz, it would be awfully nice to have a furever home. Santa, that’s what I would like most of all!

It doesn’t have to be a fancy house although carpeted floors would help me keep my footing especially when going upstairs. I do have some physical issues which require daily medication so I need someone who can manage my routine medications. Don’t worry. I try not to let those physical limitations hold me back. I’m not a real hyper guy so my family wouldn’t have to be super active. A four-legged friend to keep me company would be a plus but is not mandatory (you know, sometimes it’s nice to have all the attention for yourself).

So, anyway, Santa, if you can find me a family of my own I would be one lucky duck—ah, dog.

Thanks,

Your friend, Nick

P.S. And Santa, please tell that family my friends at MAESSR are waiving adoption fees for seniors like me from now until December 31!

Update 11/27/2014: “It won’t be long until Nick is ready to meet a family that will cherish calling him their own……..a family that can commit to monitoring his health needs, will see that he continues to enjoy moderate activity and is fully supplied with toys.”

Nick is a happy camper. His affect is brighter and he is enjoying life. Not only does he have lots of toys for play, but he also has a playmate in the Spanish Water Dog puppy at his foster home. They are great friends and will play tug-of-war or keep-away and engage in old-fashioned horseplay throughout the day. Between the two of them, the family room floor is usually scattered with formerly-stuffed toys, chew bones, and tennis balls. Nick and the puppy will play chase outdoors with Nick making every effort to keep up. Unfortunately, he is unable to with his physical limitations, so the puppy literally runs circles around him at times……still with both having fun!

Although walks have not been as frequent with the cold weather, Nick is enjoying mile-long outings when he dons his leash. Usually Nick is at the front of the pack leading the way and setting the pace. He is no longer doing the interior staircase in his foster home but is able to handle the elevated deck steps with no problems. Every once in a while Nick will topple on the tile floor or when he is playing with the puppy. If needed, his foster mom helps him up, but he usually takes his spills in stride and goes on about his business. Despite his activity, it doesn’t seem that Nick has lost any weight. It would be helpful for his mobility if he did. He continues to take medications for his physical ailments, and they are helpful in keeping him mobile and comfortable. Nick is not panting like he used to and rarely coughs now. This boy has lots of life and love left in him, thanks to appropriate medical care.

Nick remains a good house guest. Other than leaving toys scattered about like a typical boy, he has not displayed any bad habits. If Nick needs to go to the bathroom, he will stand at the back door and possibly whimper if not noticed right away. He continues to spend his nights in a crate downstairs, peacefully alone with a radio on low for company. He’s great for baths and enjoys being brushed. When out in the yard Nick is less vocal now when foster mom goes out the gate and no longer barks until she returns. His growing sense of security is showing!

It won’t be long until Nick is ready to meet a family that will cherish calling him their own……..a family that can commit to monitoring his health needs, will see that he continues to enjoy moderate activity and is fully supplied with toys. He is a sweet dog. He wants a furever home where he will get lots of hugs and can return that love with lots of kisses. Then, as with his foster family, he will feel the security that “being home” brings!

Update 10/27/2014: “After just a few days of medication given, Nick's teeth have stopped chattering and he has a brighter affect. Poor Nick must be feeling so much better!"

Nick visited the vet after completing his antibiotic treatment for skin and ear infections which are clearing up nicely. The other good news is that he is free of parasites. Unfortunately the news wasn’t as positive regarding his right hind leg. An x-ray revealed that Nick has three pins in his right femur, and, he is missing the ball in his hip socket which causes his hip to be frozen. This is not a recent condition as the muscles in that leg are atrophied. Nick was started on a medication to treat the pain associated with the condition. After just a few days of medication given, Nick’s teeth have stopped chattering and he has a brighter affect. Poor Nick must be feeling so much better!

The vet also suspects that Nick may have a tracheal collapse based on symptoms that his foster mom described regarding his frequent panting and occasional coughing. This condition is possibly congenital and does not require treatment at this time. He receives a supplement daily to help keep him calm and assist him with breathing normally rather than panting. So far this seems to provide relief.

Nick’s foster mom has begun crating him downstairs at night because he has difficulty navigating the staircase on his own. This is for his safety since he had fallen on the steps on a few occasions. Nick continues to lose to a healthy weight. Although he’s not a heavy boy, it would benefit him to lose a couple of pounds, especially for mobility’s sake since he essentially uses just three legs.

Like many seniors both human and canine, Nick may have some health issues but he isn’t letting them keep him down. Fortunately for him he’s now a MASSER boy, receiving love and quality healthcare in his foster home. This special guy would just love to have a forever family to call his own. Consider adding this sweet senior to yours.

Original: “So far Nick has been a good houseguest. He is too small to counter-surf and has not bothered the trash, climbed on the furniture, or chewed inappropriately.”

Nick’s known life history began about three weeks ago in Pennsylvania. Was he dumped? Did he wander off? How did this sweet little boy come to be staying in a barn for two weeks when a neighbor began the rescue process?   How did he end up matted, toenails starting to curl under, and having skin and severe double ear infections? Thanks to the neighbor's posts, a groomer started the cleanup process and another Good Samaritan contacted MAESSR, got him bathed and to the vet for treatment of the infections and a rabies shot. Then, off to a warm and comfortable foster home he went to get the TLC he needs before finding his furever home.

So far Nick has been a good house guest. He is too small to counter-surf and has not bothered the trash, climbed on the furniture, or chewed inappropriately. While Nick is good in the fenced yard, he is unhappy if his foster mom goes outside the yard. Even though she may be visible and no farther than a few feet away, he will bark until she returns through the gate.

Nick was apparently crate trained in his past life as he will go in on command and is well-behaved in the crate. When his foster mom leaves the house, he will sometimes bark for a short while but calms down. He is crated up to seven and a half hours and patiently and quietly waits to be let out upon his foster mom’s return. He had an accident in the crate the first day he was left for the workday, but has been fine since. Since he is currently on steroids, this senior frequently needs to go outside and will start to get fidgety and whiny at the door when he needs out.

The new boy in the house usually alternates sleeping on one of the dog pillows or in the crate in his foster mom’s bedroom. The first night he spent alone in the family room in his crate as that is what he seemed to prefer. Nick has a tendency to be restless during the night and is up several times but will lie down when prompted.   He does okay with the deck steps which are elevated one story but is leery of the bare wood stairs inside the house. When he ventures upstairs, his foster mom has to carry him when she returns downstairs.

Handsome knows the commands “sit” and “lie down.”   He is learning that he is required to sit for treats which he takes gently. Nick enjoys a walk almost daily and generally does well. At first he pulls but settles down after a few blocks. He has been able to walk enthusiastically about a mile at a time although he is definitely out of shape. His foster mom has not transported him but was told that after being initially whiny, he calms down in the car.

Nick is currently residing with two senior residents. He and the female Bearded Collie mix tend to ignore each other, and Nick has learned to avoid the male Springer who has not yet learned to appreciate the new boarder and put Nick in his place on two occasions.   Nick is fed separately from the residents and eats his meal in his crate. He has discovered the dog toy box and will get out various stuffed toys to rip apart and bones for gnawing.

This tolerant fellow was very patient while his foster mom worked on combing out all the mats on his ears and was cooperative for general brushing. His foster mom was told he does not like to have his nails trimmed which is understandable given that they were excessively long.

Time will tell what Nick’s dream family might be. He has medical issues to be resolved and needs a general overall check up at the vet. But, we know this senior’s next few weeks will be better than his last, and he will experience the love, comfort and caring that a MAESSR foster home will provide.