CHARLES (aka Chance)

NAME:  Chance/CHARLES AB#19-204

Gender: Male
Age: 11
Size/Weight: 50 pounds

Color: Primarily white with brown

Breed: English Setter

Good with Children: yes

Good with Cats : unknown

House trained: yes

Crate trained: yes

Leash trained: Making progress

Activity Level: laid back

Fence: Yes

Training/Behavior: Sir Charles is best described as a dignified English gentleman, sweet, and loving.  I could picture him in the manor house with a pipe and a glass of sherry.  He’s an older gentleman, estimated to be 11 years old.  Why adopt a senior dog and Charles in particular?  Let me count the whys – (1) Your shoes and furniture are safe.  He’s way past the chewing stage. (2) House manners are impeccable.  He does not mark or have accidents in the house.  He can be left alone without fear of mischief.  (3) He knows how to get along with dogs, kids, and strangers.  He blended seamlessly into our multi-dog foster home that has occasional visits from a (to put it mildly) energetic 2-year-old. (4)  While he loves a couple of good walks a day, he’s also an experienced couch snoozer.  After a walk and dinner, he’s ready for a relaxing evening with the family.  (5) The only time Charles barks is when he wants to come inside. (6)  Even though Charles might be a little older, he’s got plenty of spunk.  He loves car rides, stuffed toys, squeaky toys, walks, tennis balls, laying in the sun, food time and treats.

Medical History: (1) Charles came into foster care after reportedly being a stray for several weeks, after which he was briefly cared for by a local family, and finally picked up by animal control.  He was emaciated, very weak, sad, and had hair loss, particularly on his tail.  At some point he was covered in motor oil – we don’t know why.  With good nutrition his hair is growing back, though still sparse on the tail.  It should grow out with time. We suspect the hair loss was due to fleas. He did not have mange.  (2) According to the veterinarian he has some “age related” vision and hearing changes.  These issues have not altered his care in our foster home and do not hinder him running and maneuvering on his off-leash walks in the woods. He loves to put that nose in the air and explore his surroundings.  He’s wonderful about staying with me on our walks.  

Foster Comments: Is there a downside to adopting a senior dog and Charles in particular?  Some folks are concerned that an older dog won’t be with them as long as a puppy.  Certainly, that could be true.  But really, love is love.  There are no guarantees about the length of time we will have with those we love.  The love and joy that a deserving dog such as Charles will give is worth everything, whether for many years or a few years.  Charles would say he’s in it for the long haul!

If I (and every person in animal rescue) was given a nickel for every time I said, “How can this fabulous dog have ended up in such bad circumstances?”, I’d be very rich.  Well, with Charles I’ve earned another nickel – “How could sweet Charles have ended up emaciated, covered in motor oil, homeless, and desperate?” We’ll never know, but Charles has put all that behind him and is ready for new beginnings in his new family. If you are looking for a charming, easy, sweet companion that will appreciate the attention, love and comforts of a good home please consider adopting Charles.  It will be the best decision!

Adoption Fee: $250  

Foster Location: Waynesboro, VA

Volunteer transport can be arranged in the Continental US within a 1,000 mile distance between adopters & foster home. Typically, we are able to transport your adopted dog to within 2 hours of your home. *Dogs can be adopted outside the 1000 mile transport distance; however, adopters must be willing to either fly their adopted dog, drive to a location within the 1000 mile transport range, or make independent transport arrangements for their adopted dog. Transports to far West states, from Eastern states, may have additional restrictions.