Here’s a picture of Dougie with his new family…
Hi, my name is Dougie, but don’t let my baby name fool you, I’m a big boy! I came into rescue after my mom passed away and my dad didn’t want for me to be boarded while he traveled for work two weeks a month. My foster mom says I am a “chunky monkey” because I came to her at 25 lbs and I like to eat all the time, so she’s using portion control to slowly reduce my weight since the vet recommends I lose 5-6 lbs. Other than needing to lose a little weight, the vet says I am 100% healthy and ready for whatever adventures come my way.
I am almost 2 years old, so I’m still a teenager and I love to play! I love my toys and my balls and will play lots of fetch. My foster dad is working to teach me to “drop it.” I’m pretty smart so I think I will learn this quickly. I say I’m pretty smart because of all the things I know how to do. First, I am fully potty trained and know how to use a doggie door.
Second, I know lots of commands: sit, stay, down, lay down and no. I’m also crate trained when traveling and to sleep at night, but I wouldn’t mind a family that lets me sleep on the big soft bed with them. And guess what, I don’t bark – that’s right I am a chill dude with no attitude. In fact, even when the doorbell rings, I will run to the door to greet the guests, but no barks from me.
I have two foster fur-sisters and I LOVE to play with them and let them chase me around. When I arrived, I immediately showed them that I was submissive and they could rule the roost. My foster sibs and I get along great–we all eat in the same room, share our toys and share my foster mom’s great big comfy couch. But because I am chunky, I usually only play for short spurts, about 10-15 minutes or so, and then I want a big drink and a short nap, but then I am ready for play again. I also am slow and intentional using stairs, probably also because I’m chunky (sigh!), so my ideal home would not require frequent use of stairs initially.
I get so excited when my foster parents harness me up to go on car rides, but once in the car I am super chill. What I love most though is being outside with my foster fur-sisters in the big, fenced yard where we run the fence line, chase balls and… Yup, I admit it, we chase the wild bunnies and quail that come into the yard (so you probably don’t want to have chickens or kittens because I will go crazy chasing them).
I also like going on walks, smelling the new smells, and walking beside my foster sister. I am super well behaved on a leash–I don’t pull and I don’t react to other dogs or the sound of cars going by. I think I’m so good on short walks because it’s designated “me” time and I love the one-on-one attention from my fosters. But I don’t like to go potty on a leash and I will hold it for a long time, so a fenced yard where I can take the time to do my business in my own chosen location and on my own schedule is a must.
Okay, I will admit it, I am a very affectionate cuddle bug who wants to be right next to you all the time. Belly rubs and under chin scratches are my FAVORITE. In the evening, there is nothing better than laying on the couch sharing body heat with you. Even though I can be left alone for very short periods, I really need to be in a home with a fur-brother or sister to keep me company if my human leaves the house, and a human who is home most days. Being alone is not my cup of tea!
Look at my face, don’t you think I am just the most handsome dude?
Doug’s foster mom here: We’ve tried to expose him to different things to get a good sense of his temperament and wants and needs in a new home. We’ve learned he doesn’t really understand children and is fearful of younger ones. Therefore, an adult-only home is best for him. Also, while Doug is a youngster, he isn’t interested in long walks, hiking, etc. Instead, he likes to play fetch and be chased by his fur-sister. So, a home where he can get his exercise with indoor play and daily racing with another dog in a fenced backyard is ideal. Additionally, he has some anxiety when left completely alone, so a companion dog for those times his family has to be away is important. Whichever family gets this pup is going to be extremely lucky and truly loved by him!
If you’re interested in adopting Dougie, please complete the online application (if you haven’t previously) and then be sure to email rescue coordinator Melissa Cincotta at happycavaliers04@gmail.com so she knows to consider your application. Please take a moment to read about adopting at the following links: Process & FAQ
Online Application