Louise came into MAESSR’s care when a Springer breeder in
Maryland developed serious health problems and had to rehome his dogs. This
sweet girl lived in a kennel with little socialization. Now a new chapter in
her life has begun through MAESSR.
Louise is enjoying
foster care with a family of three adults, one of whom is a college student. This
beautiful, freckled liver and white girl is a friendly and happy Velcro dog. After
one week in foster care, she is housetrained and signals she need to go out by
going to the back door and sitting. Her family takes her out routinely after
meals and before bedtime. There has been so much progress for this little shy
one.
Although she is crate
trained, the crate only is used when nobody is home. Louise greatly prefers to
stay close to family and has bed and furniture privileges. She likes to sit or
stand up on the ottomans to see what’s going on outside the windows. She
“chuffs” at the squirrels and birds, but just watches them.
A bit of a guard dog,
Louise barks a few times to let her family know of a visitor at the door, or
the garbage truck coming up the street, or the garage door opening. She is
devoted to her foster family but shy around strangers. She needs time to warm
up to new people and situations. She does not yap or bark endlessly; she has a
reason.
One charming eccentric behavior is the
collection of socks and shoes. Louise does not chew them; she just carries them
around, makes a pile of them, or presents them to her family. Those are her
favorite toys and lovies. She could probably be trained to bring slippers. She
will also sit on her person’s feet under the dining table…guess she loves those
shoes!
Louise is very affectionate, a real
licker. She needs vigorous exercise for
about two hours daily. That is about two energetic walks a day, and time to
explore the property and see what’s going on in the world. On the leash walks, she
pulls with excitement, wanting to run. Her family is working on that. She
covers 6-7 miles a day, according to her Whistle GPS tracker. She is a high energy
dog but an afternoon nap, enjoyed with a family member, is also an enjoyable
part of her routine.
Louise is shy about meeting people but warms
up. She still isn’t sure what to make of her disabled foster dad’s wheelchair,
but she will go to him when he’s stopped and reading in the bedroom or living
room. She happily follows him to the van for a ride. She enjoys car rides and
does not get carsick.
Many things are new to Louise: garbage trucks,
mailmen, jet planes, neighbors with dogs; but she is learning and not too
timid. She can handle it, reassured by a foster family member. Louise is cautious with dogs met on walks, but
not aggressive. She has had no exposure to children or cats since her arrival
at her foster home.
This good girl’s house manners are excellent:
no counter-surfing, no trash digging, no chewing on shoes, clothing, or
furniture. She displays no resource guarding. At mealtime Louise is fed in her
own corner in the kitchen – a quiet, private place.
At her first vet visit, she was shy but did
well. Louise was found to be heart worm negative, received her rabies vaccine,
and was found in good health. She will be brought up to date on all vaccines when
she is spayed. She has not been to a groomer, but tolerates baths, nail trims,
and ear cleaning very well at home.
Please note that
MAESSR will require the adoptive family to take Louise through a series of
obedience classes within 60 days of adoption. MAESSR only places puppies – even
older ones – in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup
in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience.
MAESSR believes the decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy,
happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment. A real people-pleaser, Louise
is sure to be a star pupil.
Louise needs a forever home with an
affectionate, active family, who will give her the attention and exercise she
needs. She needs a quiet place to eat, and a routine, so she knows what each
day will be like. She should not be crated unless necessary; she wants and
needs to be with her people. Sweet, affectionate Louise is on her way to
becoming a wonderful member of a very lucky family.