Oh, Oso. What a sweet boy. He’s been getting overlooked and not for fair reasons. He’s been with MHCR since the end of June and has seen several of his foster friends already adopted. Even though we think he is handsome and so worthy, Oso sadly hasn’t had a single person apply to adopt or even ask to meet him. Even so, he’s making the best of his situation with a positive attitude and is waiting so patiently, enjoying everyone in his foster home (kids, adults, and dogs alike).
Oso is around a year old and was saved from a high kill shelter in Roswell, NM, where he had been picked up as a stray without any ID and then sadly found himself on the kill list after very little time. We call him a pitbull mix because we don’t know what else to call him, but he isn’t quite a pitbull; he may have a big blockhead but he’s small for a pittie and done growing at around 40 pounds, has a slight curl to his tail, some adorable extra skin and neck wrinkles, and a few other traits that make him uniquely, well…Oso. He’s packed full of personality, heart, drive, and can also be quite the comedian/entertainer. Once he bonds fully with his forever human(s), he will love them fiercely and do anything to make them happy; we truly feel like he’s a ‘once in a lifetime’ dog, and one his family will still be talking and laughing about long after his own lifetime.
Oso is perfect for someone that wants a nice, young, sturdy, medium-sized dog with easy grooming requirements; he’s a good boy for baths and he’ll even lay on his side for belly rubs and kisses when he gets his nails trimmed and even lets you brush his teeth! He is also past the initial puppy phase of life but still young enough for hopefully many years of companionship. He’s crate trained and seems to be housetrained; he’s never had an accident in his foster home but has also had routine and regular, consistent trips outside from the get-go. He sleeps though the night. He loves to chew on things with his jaws of steel, but luckily he’s a fast learner and does well being directed to his bones/toys. He also doesn’t mind being crated when his humans are gone so he doesn’t get into any mischief. He’s a smart, healthy, active, strong, and sometimes stubborn boy, whose energy is easily channeled with playtime. He’s also a professional napper and snuggler who even gives hugs. He is not much of a barker.
While he is working on obedience training, knowing his own strength, and being more comfortable and secure with new life experiences out in the world, he has all the potential and eagerness to learn and has already come a long way since rescue. Though he is broadening his horizons, his comfort zone is routine and consistency at home, and he loves having dogs and people around him. Oso has never met a human he didn’t immediately greet with friendly enthusiasm, even outside the home, and has no concept of personal space 😂. He does best with patient dog introductions in areas he’s familiar with since he’s a bit more awkward with dogs in new places and seems to have some protective instincts coupled with a bit of social anxiety in these situations with certain dogs. He has done great integrating with many dogs in his foster home. His favorite dog has been a female dog that is similar in size, age, and energy, though he has done well with many males, too.
Oso will do well as an only dog if his human isn’t lazy and is home a fair amount, or he would also do well in a home with an established, playful dog that would show him the ropes. He needs a secure, tall fenced yard or acreage as he loves to play and explore, and he has some impressive athletic jumping talents and problem solving skills if there is a barrier between him and any potential friends or snacks. He loves food/snacks with a passion. He does not do well with cats and needs a home without them.
Please give this boy a chance. His zest for life is infectious and something this world needs more of. Once his family finally finds him, they will see what an amazing boy they had been missing out on. We know he’s been waiting for his forever home for a good reason. Is he for you or someone you know?
