Denny in Chesapeake, VA

Say Hello to Denny!

This handsome fellow came to rescue as an owner surrender in mid-May. He currently lives in a foster home with two other Cavalier siblings.

Denny’s anxiety was cited as the cause of rehoming. In the first week of foster care, he experienced one minor anxiety episode that lasted no more than three minutes. Other than that, Denny has exhibited no anxiety at all, and is actually a very “go with the flow” kind of guy. He has been exposed to low flying jets, thunder and fireworks and shown no reaction whatsoever.

Denny is an introvert by nature, but in the six weeks he has been in foster care he has relaxed a little bit more each day. It has been a joy to see his personality flourish as he becomes more comfortable.

Denny is a big boy. He is tall and long, but not overweight at 24.4 pounds.

It seems that Denny was not allowed on furniture by his previous owner. He has no inclination to jump on furniture. With coaxing though, he will now climb the pet steps to get on the couch.

Denny’s behavior is wonderful. He listens well and comes when called.

The price of getting him to join you on your lap is endless tummy rubs and ear scratches. He’ll stay on your lap until your legs fall asleep or you need to get up. Prepare to have your hands and arms licked.

Denny always wants to know where his favorite human is. He is quite content to nap alone on the doggy bed, but will occasionally come in to check on everyone once he hears activity.

Denny does very well on walks. He walks ahead of his two foster siblings, turning his head occasionally to check on the stragglers. He’ll stop to watch other walkers and dogs as they pass, and has only barked at another dog once.

He enjoys the frequent forays into the fenced yard. Denny and his youngest foster sibling fly out the door onto the deck looking for the neighborhood bunny. After that is out of the way, he’ll roam about the yard until it is time to go in.

Denny is not put off from going into the yard by wet grass or rain.

He currently sleeps with his two foster siblings in the sunroom. Denny prefers sleeping on a doggy bed, an open crate or just a floor rug. When he is awakened each morning, he is the first one out the door.

Denny has not been allowed table food, and therefore has excellent manners in the kitchen. He does know where the treat jar is kept, however, and is quick to line up once it is shaken.

He eats his meals efficiently and cleanly. He does not bolt his food.

Denny has some medical issues. He was on 10mg Prozac daily. Additionally he was on prescription dog food for digestive issues.

No information was available in his medical records on the need for Prozac or the requirement for prescription digestive care dog food. (Several attempts to get his records from a second vet were unsuccessful.)

After a week in foster care Denny had a check-up where  a grade four heart murmur was detected. Based on this, he was started on Pimobendan pending the results of a scheduled echocardiogram. Denny’s echocardiogram of June 29 was excellent, and shall be provided to his new family. No cardiac medications are recommended. A twelve month follow-up is recommended.

Additionally, a discussion was held with the vet about weaning him off the Prozac. Two additional weeks of observation showed no anxiety at all. No changes were noted in his behavior after that. The vet decided to reduce the Prozac to twice a week, which is where he is now. All Prozac will likely be ended within the next thirty days.

The prescription dog food is being slowly phased out as well, with no digestive changes noted.

Denny did experience one unusual incident during his second week in foster care, wherein his front legs collapsed under him twice then followed by all four  legs giving way. These symptoms have never been repeated. The vet could find nothing attributed it to his heart murmur. Denny has quickly resumed his full range of motion, and climbs stairs with ease.

Denny is a sweet boy, with an amazing ability to adapt and adjust. He is ready for a home with lots of love and snuggles.

If you think you would be the perfect fit as Denny’s forever home, please fill out our online application if you have not already done so. Then send an email to Diane Lombardo at cavalierrescueusamdwv@gmail.com to express your interest in Denny.
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