Happy Tails
Sir Winston
By Stefanie J.
“He’s such a good dog!!” That’s what Jenni K. often says about her handsome two-year-old English Springer Spaniel Winston (fka Jackson). Winston came to Pet Haven from a shelter in Pine City, Minnesota and did not look so beautiful then. His long, silky coat was a mess and his ears were so badly matted that he went straight to the groomers before he even went to the vet. While there, his hair was shaved and it was clear Winston was on the thin side. It’s believed that Winston probably lived outdoors in a kennel.
It had been two years since their Springer died and Jenni and her family were ready to have a new dog. Jenni started looking on-line and when she saw Winston’s picture she thought he was “so pretty.” The next step was contacting Pet Haven and arranging a visit. The foster family brought Winston to Jenni’s house where he met her and the three kids.
It was a great first meeting! Winston was a loving dog immediately, says Jenni. Winston made himself at home by sitting in Jenni’s lap. He also seemed to fantasize about the fun he’d have if he lived there. The family has a large sunroom with lots of windows. Winston put his paws up to the window and surveyed the view; two acres with lots of marshy, swampy areas to roam. There is a large “L” shaped pond and Winston seemed to envision springing through the tall grass and marsh for his daily swim.
There were a couple of other families interested in Winston but, in the end, he found his home with Jenni and her family. After about two months, Winston settled into his routine. Jenni says there were no major hurdles even though he wasn’t sure what he should be doing at first. The family changed his name to “Winston” for Sir Winston since he is an English Springer Spaniel after all. He also went through eight weeks of obedience school and did well. He walks very nicely on a leash, goes running with his dad and loves to ride in the car. Sometimes Winston even goes garage-saling.
Winston’s favorite place is the pond in the backyard where there’s always something interesting happening. For a while, there was a mama goose waiting for her eggs to hatch and Winston loved to sniff her out but was careful not to get too close. One day, after they hatched, the father goose spent an afternoon luring Winston away from the babies and Winston ended up exhausted after doing eight laps in the pond.
Winston likes to spend time with his family outside and exploring through the tall grass. Jenni will say “Winston come” and he runs over to check in and then goes back to bouncing, jumping and sniffing in the grass. He also has a 110 pound golden retriever friend next door. Winston is only about 41 pounds but their difference in size has not stopped them from playing their favorite game - “steal the stick.” They also like to go into the pond together, of course.
Winston gets along very well with his three human siblings. The two boys have a lot of energy and love to play with him. Sometimes they get a bit rough and tumbly but Winston doesn’t mind – he just plays right back. His human sister prefers to nurture him. In the end, he is a mama’s dog and follows Jenni around, even sleeping on the floor by her bed.
Winston enjoys a good rawhide and has a favorite spot in the house at the top of the stairs where he can keep track of what is going on upstairs and downstairs.
It’s been a successful adoption. “We are very happy to have him” Jenni says “He’s been a nice addition to our family. I think he’s quite happy too!”