Flynn 2

Flynn got the break he needed mid-spring. His original family was older and felt he was putting them at risk of falls. A new family offered help and adopted him, only to quickly discover he had a history of untreated seizures. Within hours, he was off to the vet, started medication, and then began settling into an active household. The medication worked; Flynn had only one mild seizure during the coming months. He made friends with the family’s three children and their Great Dane. Overlooking no one, he gained the trust of the resident cat and her kittens. With a change in nutrition and more activity, Flynn shed 15 pounds. Life was good, but this “intermediate” family wanted yet more for this West Virginia boy. Care in a Springer-savvy home with a little slower pace than theirs was the vision. That led them to MAESSR and Flynn’s surrender was arranged.

In foster care Flynn continues to make friends. He shares space peacefully with two other fosters, one an elderly, blind ESS gal and a male of Flynn’s age.  Flynn sits alongside both, twice a day, for appetizers/meds and has quickly learned where to find his bowl. He settles at his foster mom’s feet in the home office, and later in the evenings by the couch. If invited, he will eagerly climb alongside her for some petting. He’s learned “go to kennel” and snoozes through eight-hour nights or relaxes there when his family is away from home. Flynn’s handling stairs well, knows which door leads out to the potty pen, and has been accident-free since arrival.

He’s continued to be seizure-free. In about a month, testing will be done to further assess the benefit of his medication. In the meanwhile, Flynn checked out well and accomplished basics at his initial vet visit in foster care. He’s being treated for bilateral ear infections, is working on losing another five pounds, and has a thick, plush coat.

Flynn arrived with extraordinary door darting skills but is learning to sit before passing in or out at a relaxed pace. He offers his paws in friendship, gives gentle kisses, and enjoys brushing and even nail trims. The goal during his first two weeks has been to minimize stress. With that accomplished, his world will widen in coming weeks. He’ll be introduced at the local dog park… perhaps a first for him.