Frankie

Hi! I’m Frankie and my estimated date of birth is 4/6/2021. Since I did not have a known name, foster mom (FM) named me Frankie because I am such a sweet crooner. I can and do make a wide variety of sounds that FM said was like singing. I am a very happy boy who loves to play with my toys and with you! My favorite toys are the ones you can stuff with a used plastic water bottle (sans cap) and Velcro closure. They make the most amazing and fun sound and I just love playing tug with them. My most favorite though would have to be the special balls. They are soft enough I can chew on them but hard enough that I cannot destroy them like I can tennis balls or rope balls and the like. I am quite the good fly catcher and can snatch them right out of the air or mid bounce. I can also catch the real kind of buzzy flies that are so annoying! They don’t stand a chance. If I ever happen to get something in my mouth that I’m not supposed to have, my FM says she can literally put her fingers into my mouth and dig out whatever it is, even if it is at the back of my throat. I’ve never snapped at her or tried to bite her, and she likes to brag about my sweet nature when it comes to that. I know several commands, both verbal and hand signals. I know sit, am learning stay, and mostly come when called. I’m also learning the hand sign for come as well as sit and stay hand commands. I’m doing really great walking calmly on a leash. I’ve learned the don’t pull command but when I don’t listen my FM just stops in her tracks and it reminds me to be more patient. I just love exploring new smells so am excited to get to what I’m scenting but with a little more work I’ll be a leash walking pro! I get along with my two housemates, Spencer, an old man of a Cocker Spaniel (he’s 13) and my new sister, Maggie, a tiny Yorkipoo. She weighs about 7 pounds. Sometimes I am a bit rough for Maggie’s taste but she is not the least bit afraid of me and I mind her very well when she puts me in my place. I am okay with other dogs once I meet them but probably will bark until we are introduced cause I’m just so anxious to meet and greet them! I’m kind of that way with strangers, too, so controlled introductions work best. Not sure if I like cats or not because they mostly just run away when we come near. As far as kids, children 10 and over would probably be the best match for me so I don’t accidentally knock them over when we’re playing, and so they don’t accidentally leave a door open. Given the opportunity, I might just dart out the door! I am crate trained but also enjoy a nice soft dog bed, or yours if allowed! I am also nearly 100% house trained. I lived on the streets for a while, not sure how long, and had forgotten my good indoor manners, but my FM has worked with me patiently and consistently and I’m nearly there. I almost never go inside anymore, except I did during a hurricane, but that was sort of an emergency. I just need a bit more encouragement and patience, as well as consistency, and did I mention TREATS? That said, when I’m adjusting to a new home and routine, I might take a few steps back in my progress in this area, but next time around, I should get the hang of things faster than the first time! A big old softy who loves a good belly rub, I don’t mind bath time and am fairly cooperative as long as you don’t get soap in my eyes. I also like sitting in laps and REALLY love car rides; in fact, when we pull in the garage, FM sometimes has a hard time coaxing me out of the car! Because I’m known to sometimes jump around all over the car, my FM has figured out that it’s best if I’m strapped in, attached to the seatbelt buckle or headrest. Not only have I been known to jump from the front to the backseat and back again, sometimes I’ve also darted out of the door at our destination, and FM wouldn’t put it past me to jump out of an open window if the urge hit me. She’s still working with me on my car manners and said that it might be safest for everyone for me to ride in a crate, because I’ve also been known to help myself to groceries if they’re within reach! Also, in the spirit of full disclosure, I can be a little barky if I see someone walking close by while driving and I really do not like motorcycles! They are terribly noisy and hurt my ears. My foster mom has been working with me on not barking at things and I am getting better so with a bit more patience and practice from you I know I’ll do great. I am super smart and also very motivated by TREATS. If you want me to learn something new, I respond pretty fast if a TREAT is involved. I was kind of a hot mess when they found me wandering in the swamp country of South Louisiana. No one knows how I got there, but unfortunately, I was heartworm positive. I’ve been through heartworm treatment and got the all clear at my last vet visit when they said my heart and lungs sound clear. Doc wanted me to rest a bit more for a couple weeks and that time is almost over. I’m so excited to find my forever home with my forever people and think I would do really well with active people. I haven’t been allowed to go full steam with my play and ball chasing while I was having treatment so I do know how to just rest quietly near you if you’re working or something. I’m neutered, up to date on vaccinations and microchipped. I’m also quite the handsome boy if I do say so myself…a real glamour dog who knows how to strut my stuff with that cocky cocker spaniel strut. Having sliver highlights on my head is not too shabby either. So, now that you know all about me, will you be my forever person? All I want is to be loved as a part of a family, and I can’t wait to find them! If I sound like I might be a good fit for your family, please fill out an application for adoption here: https://www.gulfcoastcockerspanielrescue.com/2020-adoption-application-captcha.php