Waylon - American Staffordshire Terrier and Pit Bull Terrier Dog for Adoption in Murphysboro, Illinois

If you need a daily reminder about resilience and leaving the past in your rearview mirror, Waylon is here to be that guy for you! He is the poster child of "not letting your past define you." After two months being adopted, Waylon was sadly returned to our care because the adopter's felt he had more energy than they could keep up with. He was adopted again and unfortunately, health issues arose with a few months that would not allow his adopter to keep him. How much bad luck can one boy take?! We are devastated for Waylon. He's been through enough and dogs like him don't come through rescue often: big smiles and even bigger hearts for everything and everyone they meet! Waylon did go through a 2 week professional board and train to work on his obedience and general manners. His trainer said he was a breeze and absolute joy to work with and he learned quickly! He was a STAAR student, just like we know him to be! He is currently with a foster who is a trainer and continuing perfect his manners! Waylon will thrive in a home who understands young dog, higher energy needs. He would ADORE another dog to play with or an active family that will include him in all of life's adventures! He also does great at doggy daycare! This boy knows the routine though! His foster mom works during the week and Waylon is fantastic in a crate during the day.

Waylon was found as a stray in horrible condition over a year ago. It was clear he had been neglected and due to the urine staining along his chest, feet and legs, it was easy to see he'd lived most of his short life in a crate...a dirty crate filled with his urine and feces. He had hair loss, scabs and lesions all over his body and even his toenails were a faded yellow. He was flat footed and cow hocked. When he walked, he protected his hind end and the muscle wasting was glaringly obvious. He'd likely also been in a crate too small for him with little to no exercise. The tartar build up on his teeth and poor body condition screamed poor nutrition and little to no veterinary care. Waylon had been on a 7 day stray hold with animal control and his last day wasn't far off.

Yet here comes that smile!! His tail wagging, his body bouncing...he had no idea life had been as cruel to him as we could all see. He just wanted a friend, some love and he'd take it from anyone he met. Waylon came to us at around 8-9 months old. Currently, he is around 2 years old and has been waiting ever so patiently for his forever loving home!!

Since being in his wonderful foster home, Waylon has blossomed into the most handsome, happy, and healthy pup! His coat has grown in beautifully and his heart is so full of love to give! He’s a perfect, petite pittie mix at 50 lbs — crate trained, potty trained, eager to please, loves going to doggy daycare and is incredibly food motivated. Oh, and did we mention he LOVES water!! :-)

Waylon adores everyone: dogs, cats, kids, and humans alike. He’s playful, cuddly and just the best dog you could ask for. His foster family says he has the soul of a dog who’s never known a bad day and we’ve promised him he’ll never know another one again.

Our sweet Waylon is neutered, microchipped, heartworm and tick borne illness negative, vaccinated, dewormed and current on flea/tick/heartworm prevention. He's also totally ready to find his Pittie loving, happy hippo adoring family to love him the way he deserves! No more bad days for Waylon! Reach out to us with any questions about our stellar guy!

The American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as the Amstaff, is a medium sized, muscular breed known for its loyalty and courage. Developed in the United States, they are intelligent and affectionate dogs, making them great family companions. With a distinctive short coat and strong build, American Staffordshire Terriers are often misunderstood due to their past as fighting dogs, but they are actually loving and playful pets when raised in a nurturing environment. They thrive on human interaction and are eager to please their owners.

The Pit Bull Terrier is a resilient and loyal breed known for its muscular build and loving nature. Originally bred for bull baiting and later dog fighting, Pit Bulls today are beloved family pets cherished for their gentle temperament and playful personality. With proper training and socialization, Pit Bull Terriers make affectionate companions that thrive on human interaction. Recognized for their strength and agility, these dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to channel their energy positively, reinforcing their reputation as devoted and trainable pets.