Bailey

Bailey, age 6

AVAILABLE SOON - HEARTWORM POSITIVE -

Update 10/12/12:

When a hard rainstorm blew quickly through North Austin one Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago, a nice family opened their door to find more than big puddles in the driveway and twigs knocked down from the trees: out in the street stood an emaciated red Golden, soaked to the skin, without collar or tags. No telling where he’d come from, but he looked to have been on his own for a good long while, carrying just about 60 pounds on a tall, lanky frame more suited to a weight of 80 or so. Closer inspection revealed gunky eyes, badly “cauliflowered” and infected ears, and some pretty sizable mats. Bailey needed help, and Fate had led him to the right place: the family promptly called our Hotline, and after the obligatory stray hold at the closest shelter, Bailey moved into his foster home.

Here’s the latest report:

Despite this boy's poor health, he is about as happy a puppy as I have met.  He is very loving.  He loves rawhides and doggie toys. He is easily directed and learns quickly. He does not get on the couch, he does not go after shoes, and he’s learned to wait at the doors already. He bounces about three inches high on his front legs when excited (cute, like a baby goat); he likes to be petted, and he'll hide his face under your elbow while you rub. His energy is in the middle range, and I don't expect him to get more active even as he gets healthier; he seems to have a mellow outlook.

Bailey is calm around other dogs and doesn’t really try to play, but he does enjoy canine company. And feline company, too – he DOES want to play with the cats. His first day here, he came around a corner and got behind Archie the cat before Archie knew he was there. I thought Archie was going to explode! -- but one solid swat on the nose and Bailey backed up and took a submissive stance. Archie retreated in good order, and we'll see if he gets over his mad quickly (he usually does).

Bailey inhales his food! As you might expect, he’s really hungry and is eager for every bite. He does not like waiting for his food—once you dish it up, he’s more than ready to dig in. We’re giving him three meals a day plus snacks to put on those needed pounds.

Health issues – infected ears, goopy eyes, itchy skin are all resolving. The vet commented that he’s clearly had long-term untreated ear infections (his canals are quite narrowed), and he does seem to have suffered some hearing loss; if he's asleep when I come home, for instance, I can easily get into the house without waking him up.

Once Bailey’s eyes and ears are clear and he’s fattened up a good bit, we  can start thinking about heartworm treatment. One step at a time, though! He’s coming along nicely already. His ideal home could have cats or dogs, but a nice soft bed close to his people is an absolute must. He loves attention, but he doesn’t need you to pet him all the time. Especially in view of all he’s been through, he’s a wonderful guy with such a positive outlook!

Adoption Procedures