Buddy has been shedding quite a bit these last few weeks and his foster mom, Jenn, believes she could have made a whole new dog out of the fur she brushed off him. He looks thinner now from losing all that fur and she’s been giving some him some extra vitamins and salmon oil to keep his new fur and skin nice and soft. He doesn’t seem to have any allergies but he did have an ear infection and may still have a small irritation. She noticed he began pawing it again and also licking some itchy spots. We’re trying to find out if he does have allergies which may be linked to his ear infection as well. Buddy also has luxating patellas in both rear legs, or “loose kneecaps” which sometimes can cause a dog a little pain and stiffness. Jenn told us he runs around with no problems but when he sits for a long period of time or gets up from a nap he shows some stiffness. Buddy is getting joint care meds in his food and has been on a treatment plan to make sure his joints stay in good shape.
We’re all very lucky Jenn is his foster mom, she is very dog-experienced and has been learning how to read Buddy’s doggy language. Apparently, Buddy does not communicate the same way as other dogs. For example, if he is getting a belly rub and likes it, he shows his teeth a little and it looks like a snarl but Jenn has learned that’s his “smile.” She also had to earn Buddy’s trust and once she did that, Buddy and her have had a very nice relationship. Buddy is fairly independent, but wants affection on his terms. He will “ask” for it when he wants it by leaning against you, putting his paws up on your lap, or flopping over on his back for a belly rub. Any unsolicited affection could result in him snapping or becoming very upset.
Jenn has stressed that anyone who adopts Buddy must learn his language, learn to read his signals and understand his needs. As she states, ” He really is a good boy and happy dog when he trusts you. I have found Buddy to be a happy dog….not to be confused with overly friendly. He enjoys attention and affection when he wants it. He like to play chase and with his stuffed football. I would still recommend him to a no-dog household. Many things we know about dogs are a little backwards on Buddy (body postures, facial expressions).”
We cannot stress enough that Buddy should not live in a bustling city and cannot live with children. He still guards his food bowl and Jenn has found a way to work with that. She feeds him in his crate and when he is done, opens the door to let him walk out. She does not recommend reaching in to him, or reaching to grab the bowl as that may trigger a negative reaction. Buddy’s crate is his safe haven and he is willing to go in it because he knows good things happen such as receiving treats, getting dinner, and having a nice spot to sleep.
Jenn also sent us some photos of Buddy.
