Watch Irene play in the yard.

Sweet, petite spaniel pup Irene is the perfect lapdog – happily cuddling the day away with her favorite human. She has lots of love to share with a special adopter, someone willing to help her through some potentially lifelong health challenges. She is on the small side for a Springer, a pretty brown and tan pup who may have some additional spaniel breeds in her DNA.

Irene has a special needs condition resulting from a cyst on her spine that was probably there since birth. She had an MRI and has been evaluated by a veterinary specialist. She has full function in the front half of her body. However, her rear legs show a lack of coordination and muscle strength that is most evident either when she first rises from sleep, or if she has had too much stimulation that day (but she’s able to complete a three-mile walk at a normal pace each morning).

With no prior MRI for comparison, the neurologist does not know if it will remain the same or will grow over time, but surgery was not an option due to the location of the cyst. It appears to be the source of her neuromuscular issues. Those issues do not stop Irene from being an energetic pup who wants to romp and play with other dogs, roam around a fenced yard, go on long walks, and give her love to anyone and everyone.

The cyst might explain why Irene struggles to control her bladder. It’s unknown whether this will improve over time, or if this will always be a challenge for Irene. Therefore, cute “panties” and patience will be required.

In foster care, Irene gets along well with the two resident Springers and enjoys family life. She sleeps in her crate at night and hangs out in her foster dad’s office while he works during the day. She does fine being crated overnight but needs someone home during most of the day.

Irene loves to meet new people and is curious about new sounds. She enjoys actively watching television with her foster family in the evening, especially when other dogs appear on the screen! She is not particularly stressed or uncertain. During a recent vet visit, they remarked on the fact that Irene was happily napping while all the dogs around her were stressed out about being at the vet’s office.

Irene is a sweetheart. She needs someone who welcomes a bit of a challenge and is willing to put in the love and attention she needs. In return, that person (or those people) will get a wonderful dog who will also shower them with love and attention.

If you’re interested in adopting Irene, please submit an Online Adoption Application. It is always the first step in our adoption process.