Champ 2

Champ came to MAESSR via a Virginia shelter where his owner surrendered him saying she had nowhere to live. He did well on the long transport to his foster home and has settled in after the first week.  Champ has kennel cough, probably from his two weeks at the shelter. Once that resolves, he will be neutered and receive his vaccines, as well as have a loose tooth removed. Unfortunately, it appears as though Champ may have injured his rear leg or back and is now walking gingerly. His foster mom is hoping that some rest and pain medicine will help return him to his spunky self.
 
Because Champ is still working on his housetraining, he wears a belly band to prevent accidents when no one is home. He is learning to signal to go out and is becoming less anxious as the days pass, so it is hoped that this will continue to improve. Other than this, Champ is the perfect house guest – no trash picking, begging, barking, counter-surfing, or attempts to get on the furniture. He is not crate trained but sleeps on a dog bed at night.

Champ is quiet and calm in the house and walks well on a leash, greeting everyone he sees – humans of all ages and dogs alike – with a big tail wag. He is a bit nervous in the car but this will likely improve with experience. Champ had a bath and a haircut including having his feet trimmed within hours of arriving in his foster home and did better than any previous foster (or resident!) dog.  Champ knows to “sit” and to fetch a ball but further training and play will have to wait until he feels better.
 
This sweet little guy is about half the size of the typical Springer but he has a full size Springer temperament - attentive and Velcro and always looking for some affection. Once Champ overcomes his health challenges, he will be just about perfect!