Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
House-trained,
Story
Socialization/training: Chelsea has been a very easy foster dog. She is friendly with people of all ages she’s met, including a 7-year old boy. She is compatible with dogs large and small, but we have not seen her play with other dogs. She hasn’t formed particular bonds with the dogs in our foster home so she could be an only dog or live with others. We know she lived for a couple of years as an only dog. She is completely trustworthy with house training and we can leave her unsupervised when necessary. She does tend to steal children’s toys and chew on them. On a rare occasion she will get possessive of a high value item but will trade easily for a treat, so we have not considered that a problem, but because of this and the toy chewing, we recommend a home with older children. She’s not fazed by activity and loud noises, though the vacuum isn’t her favorite thing. She just goes into another room. We do not have a cat but she met one while off leash, and although interested, she did not chase or harass it.
Crate trained: For the first 2 nights with us she wasn’t happy about the crate but did settle down after a few minutes. We found that she doesn’t need a crate at night and now has free run of the house.
Leash trained: Chelsea is quite easy to walk and draws attention with her beauty wherever she goes. She is friendly with dogs and people she meets. Squirrels, cats, and birds don’t faze her. 99% of the time she trots right along, but rarely, such as when going to a special place like PetSmart, she gets very excited and will pull. So small children or the frail would need to hold on tightly if on the other end of her leash.
Activity Level: We have found Chelsea to have a lower energy level than many setters we know. She needs encouragement to go on walks, but when on them she seems to enjoy herself. When given the opportunity for off leash exploring on fenced acreage, she will sniff around for a while and then head up to the house, usually before the other dogs. Our routine is to eat breakfast, go for a walk, and then she’s quiet and sleeping until the afternoon when it’s time for another walk. In the evening she tends to get spurts of energy and become playful, bouncing around and chasing toys. It’s possible when she loses more weight that her energy level will increase, but we suspect in general her exercise needs are less than many setters, though she does need regular exercise to get to a healthier weight.
Fence: Chelsea has not attempted to get out of our 4-foot fencing. It’s possible she could adjust to an invisible fence.
Behavior: We would describe Chelsea as having a sweet, easy-going, low-key personality. She does seek out affection during the day, but is generally content to lay quietly wherever a family member is. She’s more a “regally laying by the fireside” kind of girl. Though if you want to see her get excited, suggest a “car ride”!! That is her favorite thing to do and makes her so happy! She doesn’t care where she’s going, but loves to feel the wind buffeting those long, beautiful ears around. She sleeps quietly all night on her bed in our bedroom. She doesn’t attempt to get on the furniture, but might if she didn’t have all that weight to hoist around. She initially required steps to get in and out of the car, but now can do that on her own.
Medical History: Chelsea is up to date on vaccines, spayed, microchipped, on heartworm prevention, and flea/tick control. Chelsea’s primary issue is that she’s a “full figured girl,” originally weighing in at 90 pounds. A proper weight for her would be closer to 60 pounds. She’s bravely lost 13 pounds in 2.5 months and continues on that path. We expected her to be begging at the table, counter surfing, stealing food, etc. but surprisingly she does none of that. Make no mistake, she DOES enjoy her food, but is well mannered about it. A weight control diet and daily walks are working to achieve a healthier weight. She may have a little arthritis but weight loss should help with that. She is receiving a joint supplement but no other medications.
Foster Comments: Chelsea is a lovely, sweet, lower energy 8-year-old English Setter. She came into rescue in September 2024. Much of her past is a mystery, but we do know that for the past 2 years she lived with an elderly couple that loved her very much. When they had to leave their home, the extended family could not keep her and reached out to rescue. Chelsea has been an easy, enjoyable, beautiful girl to have in our home. At 8 years old she is mature but not a senior and has many good years ahead of her. She is sweet and rather regal in her bearing. We are sure that her body will soon catch up with that elegant setter head! She will need a family that will be committed to continuing her weight loss program. While close to perfect, she does snore at times, is messy while eating and drinking, and isn’t a fan of much brushing. She’s a good watch dog, though not guard dog (visitors make her very happy!)
Perhaps you’re looking for a car companion or a walking buddy. Or maybe you’re looking for a beautiful, sweet, low-key companion, Chelsea might be just the dog for you.
Foster Location: Waynesboro, VA
Volunteer transport can be arranged in the Continental US within a 1,000-mile distance between adopters & foster home. If interstate transport is provided for your adopted dog, there will be an additional charge of $50.00 for the required Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (“Health Certificate”). Typically, we are able to transport your adopted dog to within 2 hours of your home. *Dogs can be adopted outside the 1000-mile transport distance; however, adopters must be willing to either fly their adopted dog, drive to a location within the 1000-mile transport range, or make independent transport arrangements for their adopted dog. Transports to far Western states, from Eastern states, may have additional restrictions.
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