URGENT- Medical Foster Home Needed

This message is cross-posted from my good friends at MUSH- Massachusetts Union for Siberian Huskies. Some of you may have met MUSH members at the dog festival. Their website is http://www.mushdogs.org/.

About Maverick
Maverick is a beautiful, 3-year-old, intact male with a tale to tell. Some time ago, he and his mate were brought to a boarding kennel to stay while his human family was in the process of moving. However, 6 months later, the family still hasn't reclaimed them, and attempts to contact the family have been unsuccessful. While at the boarding kennel, they lived mostly outside with very little exercise. Maverick became very stressed due to lack of exercise and social interaction. He was recently surrendered to the Animal Rescue League (ARL) in Brewster, MA.

Unfortunately, at some point during his outdoor time, Maverick also became infected with heartworms. This was discovered as part of ARL's routine intake screening. Maverick needs to start treatment soon. MUSH and ARL will pay for this treatment as well as his eventual neuter.

Maverick's Prognosis
The prognosis for Maverick's recovery is excellent, if treatment can begin shortly. Heartworm is, of course, very treatable, but the process is a lengthy one (months, not weeks). In order for Maverick to survive his treatment, he needs to be kept relatively quiet. After 6 months in a kennel, he is what we call "kennel crazy". He is circling in his kennel and anxious. ARL and MUSH volunteers have begun walking with Maverick every day, and his stress levels appear to be decreasing. For his treatment to be successful, he MUST be treated in a home setting with structure and love where there is a chance for keeping him quiet and resting.

We are optimistic that he will do very well in a home. We have let him run in the paddock at ARL. Once he works off some energy, he comes over and leans into you to be petted. While he appears to have had no formal training, including housebreaking, he learns fast. In 5 minutes, he was sitting for treats which he takes ever so gently. So manners are mostly a matter of training which can be carried out simultaneously with his heartworm treatment and mild exercise. He has been temperament tested and show no signs of aggression. Just love. His spirit is clearly not broken.

Help Us Help Maverick
There’s very little about Maverick that is not correctible. His only fault is that he hates cats, and it is apparent that he would best be placed in a home without cats or other small animals. At 3 years of age, he should have many long years of good health and happiness ahead of him. If you have room in your home and a place in your heart for Siberian Huskies, this guy is definitely worth the effort. He responds to treats, and he can be bribed, which should facilitate training. His coloring is spectacular, and he should get lots of attention no matter where you take him. Those who have had the experience of fostering a dog through heartworm treatment have been amply rewarded with a bonding experience they will always cherish.

If you are interested in fostering and saving Maverick's life, please email us ASAP at help@mushdogs.org. Here are the requirements for fostering:

• NO CATS or other small animals. Although he likes other dogs, he is very cat aggressive

• The patience and leadership to teach a very smart and loving boy to be a house dog.

• Willing to work on crate training so he can be crated during the height of his treatment.

• Willing to commit to foster for approximately 3 months which is the estimated length of treatment.

• Willing to go to either Wakefield, MA or Eastham, MA for vet visits.

• Preference to homes with only one or two other dogs in order to increase the probability of keeping him quiet during treatment.

For more information, please email MUSH at help@mushdogs.org.

Please help us save this beautiful boy!

Thank you from all of us at MUSH