HERSHEY IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!! 

Since the day of his rescue, Hershey’s story has been shared on Facebook and other social media, where he already has so many loving fans following him! Thank you Hershey fans! ❤️

Hershey is an absolutely gorgeous chocolate Cocker Spaniel! He’s estimated to be about 5-6 years old and weighs 20 pounds. Check out those eyes! *Please note that any age provided is only an estimate, based on veterinary examination.

He was rescued from the North Central Shelter in a state of rear paralysis - unable to use his rear legs, or to urinate or defecate on his own. He was immediately taken to veterinary specialists where he received an MRI and back surgery, followed by an incredible extended program of multi-disciplinary post-op physical therapy!

Hershey’s recovery has been remarkable! He’s now able to enjoy outoor walks and runs. And he’s house-trained too!

Hershey is an amazing, very special dog with a charming personality & dreamy eyes! He’s affectionate, smart, brave & playful - which makes him a great companion!

Hershey is a “you can do hard things” hero!

>>>> In order to set up Hershey to thrive, stay healthy, and be the best companion ever, he has some special needs that must be met by his future adopters. Here’s the condensed version:

- Hershey will always have IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) and will always be prone to re-injury. This will require an environment that will help to prevent activities that could lead to re-injury.

- It will never be safe for Hershey to have access to stairways, or to furniture & beds that he can jump on or off.

- Though he might enjoy the company of another dog, it's important that he not be subject to jumping, wrestling, or engaging in active play with other dogs.

- Since he’s also not a fan of loud or unexpected noises, Hershey will be best served in a quiet home with no children, no other dogs, and probably no cats. Hershey's ideal home will be a house with a yard, in a neighborhood that’s not excessively noisy.

>>>> Before submitting your application, PLEASE BE SURE TO READ HIS *ENTIRE* BIO so that you’re truly aware of his needs, and will be prepared to discuss in an interview.

>>> The key to Hershey’s survival & recovery has been that he is intelligent and eager to please his trusted people.

• He is very smart, likes to please, and loves to learn new tricks, which will be a significant part of building trust.

• Training with his new adopter will help to strengthen that bond between them.

• His new adopters will need to be patient and consistent in showing Hershey what they need him to do. This may take a little extra time, but once he learns to trust, he’s all yours!

>>> Hershey will continue to be vulnerable to back injury.

• His new adopters will need to make a strong commitment to maintaining Hershey’s current weight. This is one of the most significant risk-reduction steps that can be taken.

• Daily controlled walks will be an important ongoing part of his at-home therapy - contributing to weight management and muscle-strengthing.

• Steps and stairways are something that Hershey should not attempt! Stairways will need to be blocked with baby gates, and low steps should be covered with a doggie ramp.

• Adopters will also need to be watchful of Hershey’s activities, being careful to prevent him from engaging in activities that could reinjure his back, like jumping for example.

• Hershey’s foster mom will be happy to share her expertise in minimizing Hershey’s risk of re-injury.

>>> Camp Cocker would like to work with Hershey’s new adopters to build a new #TeamHershey!

• We’ll start by working together to find a certified veterinary physical therapy center at an adopter-convenient location in order to establish a relationship for any future interventions that might become necessary for Hershey’s specific needs.

• Camp Cocker will remain a part of #TeamHershey in terms of offering advice and recommendations as needed to help Hershey maintain his physical well-being.

>>> Hershey will do best as an only dog - or at the very least with a dog that won’t engage in high-energy activities that could result in him reinjuring his back. Since he’s not a fan of loud or unexpected noises, he should be in a quiet home with no children, and probably no cats. His ideal home will be a house with a yard, in a neighborhood that’s not excessively noisy.

>>> Hershey is highly alert to “stranger danger“ wherever he encounters new people! He’s not a dog that is suited for a highly social lifestyle out in public where strangers can approach him. For Hershey, a slow controlled introduction to new people is the key for him to feel safe and comfortable.

>>> Hershey is active and playful but he does not mind just spending time cuddling and snuggling with his people! He will follow you everywhere, and would love to be your lapdog! And one last thing - He LOVES to give kisses ❤️ Hershey’s Kisses!

HERSHEY IS BEING FOSTERED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

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APPLY TO ADOPT HERSHEY TODAY!