Hunter

Hunter (05-296-D) is a ten month old flat coated retriever. Hunter was purchased as a puppy from a Pet Store as a black lab puppy but he grew and grew and now resembles more the flat coated retriever (a flat coated retriever with short ears and long legs!). Whatever breed he really is, Hunter is the most wonderful dog. He is extremely loving and doesn't have a mean bone in his body. He loves to be with his people and will hang out with you whether you are working on the computer, vacuuming the house, or lounging on the sofa. He is happiest with a hard rubber ball in his mouth and will amuse himself for hours carrying it around, dropping it occasionally with a thud and then pouncing on it before it gets away! It is impossible not to love this dog. Hunter loves children and gets along with other dogs and with cats.

But Hunter comes with a medical condition which MAY require surgery as the months go by and he matures. His previous owners had noticed that he sometimes limped on his hind leg after exercise and that he sometimes had trouble jumping up on the bed (his favourite place to spend the night by the way and he doesn't move all night long!). So he was taken to the vet and xrays revealed that he has inflammation of the hip joint and the signs that he may need hip surgery once he has matured. The vet recommends that he does not have the invasive hip surgery at present. Dr. Neufeld in Tofield wants to xray his hips again in about five months time to see if there has been any deterioration. He is on anti inflammatory medication and glucosamine tablets daily. He may never need the surgery but it is a possibility and so whoever adopts this lovely dog needs to be aware that this may become necessary in the future and is a fairly costly operation - in the region of $800. Hunter's foster parents have not noticed any limping after exercise though he does need help getting up onto the bed or into the truck. At the offleash park Hunter runs like the wind and plays with other dogs no problem. He does not appear to be in any pain but the vet said he must be in some discomfort which the Remedil (anti inflammatory) will help alleviate.

Hunter is a beautiful animal who deserves the chance to join a family where he can grow to maturity in a loving environment and become an integral part of that home. He is no trouble in the house and is used to being crated though he doesn't like it much - he doesn't make a fuss. He has very good recall and is not a dog to wander off - he wants to be with his people.

If you would like to meet Hunter or hear more about him please give us a call. His foster home will be only too happy to talk to you.