Our New Foster Springer Spaniel

Marshall was an "owner surrender".
He is our 4th English Springer Spaniel foster through ESRA.  He is an unneutered male, born in April, 2012.

(If you love Springer Spaniels, follow our fur family journey on Instagram ~ sweetwoodruffs )

 

Going to someone's home to remove a surrendered family pet is not something I want to do again.  This was our first owner surrender pick up.  I did not enjoy it.  The family was upset and the dog was confused.

 

All went well.  I'm grateful it wasn't as dramatic as it could have been.  You feel so sorry for the family saying good bye.  I can't imagine.  She was a single mom and couldn't afford to take care of Marshall any more.  As painful as it was, she did the right thing and shouldn't be faulted or judged. So many people just dump their dogs or worse.  She contacted ESRA and surrendered this beautiful boy to a safe foster home for eventual re-homing.

 

Marshall had been living in a bad flea infestation for awhile.  It's been a very wet summer here in Florida.  Once you get fleas this badly, it's hard to get rid of them.  His skin is in terrible, bad shape. He is badly scabbed from chewing himself to pieces. Has substantial hair loss all over.  He has allergies I guess from flea bites, as well as possible food allergies.  As bad as he is, we have seen MUCH worse.  This is nothing a good vet, good nutrition and round the clock care can't clear up.  His hair will be growing back in a few weeks.

 

His mental, emotional health is fine.  He was alone for 12 to 16 hours a day.  I think he is happier here with a pack to play with.  He walked into the house and was immediately made to feel welcome.  No issues at all with the other dogs, which surprised me.  He bonded with my husband quickly, of course.  Everyone bonds with Tim the Enchanter quickly.  :)  Marshall is sooooooo easy, gentle and sweet!!  He gets a long with all the dogs, cats and children.  Minds his manners. A PERFECT dog.  He is a little clingy, and I could see where separation anxiety could be a problem, but that is normal.  Springers aren't called "Velcro Springers" without reason.  We can manage separation anxiety with walks, toys and games.

So far so good.  He will be up for adoption when he is neutered and healthy again.  Maybe a month or two.

"Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace."

~ Albert Schweitzer ~

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Marshall is in Florida.  If you love Dogs, know anyone who loves to support rescues, or someone who might be looking for a new family member....especially a Springer Spaniel...... please forward or pass this along.  We NEED and WANT exposure for ESRA and English Springer Spaniels.

Choose Joy!

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing

Pooh says hey.  He is cool with the rescue dogs.
He catches all the action from the bannister above.