Buddy - SRF192

Ideal Home

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Buddy is looking for a calm, steady home where he can relax, enjoy people’s company and feel safe. He thrives as an only dog and is happiest when life is gentle and predictable. A home without cats and without children living in it suits him best while his back is being assessed, although he is very good with visiting children when things are kept quiet and supervised.

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He is a people‑focused boy who loves being part of everyday life, so a home where someone is around for most of the day would make him very content. What he needs most is a fosterer who enjoys a close bond with their dog, can keep things calm, and is happy to follow his vet’s guidance. All of his veterinary care is covered by Spaniel Rescue Foundation, and he arrives with a clear plan so his fosterer knows exactly what he needs day to day.

 

Energy & Exercise

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Buddy enjoys his walks and has always had excellent recall. For now his exercise will be gentler, with lead or long‑line walks until his vet sets out a proper plan. He still loves getting out and about, and he is a working cocker who enjoys having something to do. Sniffing games suit him beautifully and tire him out far more than distance. Scatter feeding in the grass, snuffle mats and simple ‘find it’ games keep him happy and relaxed.

 

He walks in a harness because he pulls, which we will review in foster to make sure it supports him well. He has recently started charging around the garden, which may be his way of releasing stress. We will keep an eye on this and mention it to his vet.

 

Training

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Buddy has good basic training and knows stop, sit, wait and look at me. He is very food‑motivated, which makes training enjoyable for him, and he loves scent games around the house and garden. A lick mat, a snuffle mat or a good chew will keep him content.

 

Behaviours

Buddy’s difficulty is with other dogs rather than people. He lived with another dog for years and, over time, the two of them stopped being able to share a home safely. With people he has never guarded anything and has always been gentle.

 

Out on a walk he can manage a brief hello, but he is uncomfortable if a dog is pushy or gets in his face, and he will tell them so. He is not looking for trouble, but he does not want to be sociable with other dogs and should not be asked to be. As an only dog he is calm, easy and settled.

 

Meeting New People

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Buddy is very friendly with people. He is docile, affectionate and enjoys being made a fuss of, and he settles well with visitors.

 

Children

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Buddy is gentle and has lived happily with children. While his back is being assessed we are looking for a home with no children living in it, and any visiting children supervised, so that life stays calm and handling is quiet and predictable.

 

Dog/Cat Test

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Dogs: Buddy needs to be an only dog.

Cats: We advise no to cats. He has not been cat tested but he does chase cats outdoors.

 

Home Alone

 

Buddy is fine when left and can be left for up to four hours. He is not crate trained but settles downstairs in his bed and does not appear anxious.

 

Medical Summary

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Buddy has a back condition. It is mild at the moment and he is on pain relief, but it is something that will need managing for the rest of his life and is expected to worsen as he gets older. His last episode of wobbliness resolved once pain was controlled - this is reassuring and shows he responds well to treatment.

 

It does not stop him enjoying himself – he has no idea anything is wrong – but it does mean his days need to be calmer than the average spaniel’s. He needs help avoiding stairs, leaping on and off furniture, jumping in and out of the car and tearing about. Non‑slip flooring helps too.

 

Once he is settled in foster, his vet will assess him and set out what he needs, including how much exercise he can have. Until then he will stay on gabapentin and rheumocam.

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He has twice needed treatment after swallowing something he shouldn’t, so bins, food packaging and small objects need to be kept out of reach, and chews and toys given only when someone is with him. He has some internal scar tissue from previous surgery, so any signs of gut discomfort should be checked promptly.

 

Travelling

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Buddy travels well and enjoys a car journey. He will need a ramp, or to be lifted in and out with his back supported, rather than jumping.

 

Handling/Grooming

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He is easy to groom. His previous owner usually did it herself and he has also been fine at the groomer. He dislikes swimming but enjoys having a shower.

 

Food

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Buddy currently eats raw food. He is a big foodie and enjoys interactive feeding. He uses a raised bowl and a slow feeder.

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Sleeping

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He sleeps downstairs in his bed and settles well overnight.