P.O.Box 10186 Columbia, MO 65205 (573) 445-5598 columbiasecondchance@hotmail.com
	CSC # 06370 Name: Tommy DOB: 02/06/2003 Gender: Male Breed(s): Cocker Spaniel Size: Medium Spayed/Neutered: Yes Location: Foster Care
Description
Tommy is a healthy and beautiful Cocker Spaniel. His only fault is that he was born in a puppy mill. He is shy, and needs a person with an abundance of patience to help him adjust to a new home.  He needs another dog in the house to have as a friend. Puppy mill dogs are shy because they are not properly socialized as young puppies. House training and fear are obstacles to overcome for these dogs.   Please let us know if you would like to talk to us about adopting Tommy. PS: If you know of anyone looking for a puppy, ask them not to buy over the internet or from a puppy mill! Too many dogs are living in poor conditions just to give birth to cute little puppies, and will not be properly taken care of!     The minimum adoption fee for this dog is $125.00.  Every CSC animal has been spayed or neutered, vaccinations are up to date for age and each is microchipped.
Breed Characteristics
Temperament This breed is known as the “merry” cocker, and the name is most fitting. It is playful, cheerful, amiable, sweet, sensitive, willing to please and responsive to its family’s wishes. It is not known for retaining its hunting instincts, but it is inquisitive and will appreciate a country outing. It is equally at home in the city and will happily walk on leash for its exercise needs. Some bark a lot; some are overly submissive. Upkeep Although it enjoys a romp, the cocker can receive adequate exercise with a long daily walk on leash. The coat of the cocker requires a greater commitment than that of most breeds, although pets can be clipped short. In order to maintain a nice coat, it will need to be brushed and combed two to three times a week, in addition to professional clipping and scissoring every two to three months. Special attention must be paid to ear and eye cleanliness in this breed. The profusely coated feet tend to carry debris. The cocker is physically able to live outside in temperate climates (given adequate shelter), but it is not mentally able to do so; this is such a social dog that to banish it outdoors would not be acceptable. cockers have a tendency to become overweight. Health • Major concerns: cataracts, glaucoma, patellar luxation • Minor concerns: CHD, ectropion, entropion, PRA, allergies, seborrhea, lip fold pyoderma, otitis externa, liver disease, urolithiasis, prolapse of nictitans gland, CHF, phosphofructokinase deficiency, cardiomyopathy • Occasionally seen: gastric torsion, elbow dysplasia • Suggested tests: eye, knee, DNA for phosphofructokinase deficiency, (hip) • Life span: 12 – 15 years