October is a 2 year old mutt (Bichon Mix they say), recently imported from China.
He weighs in at the 16 pound mark. He has a DOB: March 21, 2024 on his import papers. He is microchipped, but likely to China, but we're trying to determine the microchip origin.
He was obtained by his family by an organization calling themselves a rescue, an he had been with his family only a few days, before they realized he wasn't a fit for their home.
The organization he came from was concerning. Basically, fill out an application, make an appointment to come see the dog, pay the fee, leave with the dog or claim within 72 hours or forfeit the fee paid.
October had some fairly bad bruising on his neck when his family brought him home. They took him to the vet out of concern and the vet believes it's from a human or dog trauma. He was prescribed pain medication.
When it was realized October was not a fit for their home, and with questions post adoption not being answered by the agency, they reached out to Mattie's Place for intake support and I agreed to welcome him, since there are no clauses stating the dog needs to be returned to the originating agency should things not work out.
October is a great dog. He'll do best with a resident dog in the home as he really loves other dogs.
He's also quite the athlete and would be great if an adopter wanted to do some amateur agility with him.
October, like many young dogs, would do well with some professional training, to help him settle in as a companion pet and learn some basic skills dogs miss out on when not given puppy training. Confidence building is a great one that dogs can benefit from in new situations.
October is a higher energy boy, so will absolutely need an active adopter to keep his body and mind balanced and his soul happy. A home with a secured backyard would also benefit him for the days where longer outdoor adventures aren't an option.
October has had a lot of upheaval in his life, so a work from home, home most often or doggy daycare option will probably make him happiest, at least in the interim, as I don't think he'd do well being home alone for 8-10 hour work days.
October will need regular grooms, so be sure that's budgeted in when considering adoption.
FROM THE FOSTER:
October is best described as a warm burst of energy with a side of professional cuddling and, apparently, springs for legs.
When October first arrived, he was quite shy and wanted some distance from us, so we gave him the space he needed to decompress. Then we introduced him to one of our dogs...and it was almost like someone flipped a switch.
October LOVES other dogs. As soon as he meet one of our dogs October shifted completely. Before long, October was approaching us for kisses and showing us the happy, goofy guy underneath those initial nerves.
And wow, has that guy come out.
October is HAPPY and apparently that happiness cannot always be contained within four paws on the ground. When he gets excited, he JUMPS.
Walk time? Jump.
You’re home? Jump.
He’s happy you exist? Probably jump.
We’re not entirely convinced he’s 100% dog. There may be some bunny in the family tree.
Mornings are especially adorable. Opening his crate reveals what can only be described as a vibrating dog: tail wagging, feet doing a happy dance, excited little noises and kisses ready for distribution. Apparently surviving an entire night without us is cause for a full reunion every morning.
And then there are walks... October loves them. He’ll happily explore for anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour. He’s confident and curious outside and loves seeing people, dogs and even squirrels, who receive some very enthusiastic tail-wagging. We’re working on his loose-leash walking, and he’s already had some lovely successes, walking right beside me like a little champ. Lamb treats have currently been deemed acceptable payment for his efforts.
At home, October loves chasing, wrestling and play-bowing with our dogs. One of my favourite things, though, is watching him with our foster Nibbles. He’ll sniff him, wag his tail and sometimes invite him to play, but when Nibbles isn’t interested, October gives him his space. For a guy with approximately 147% enthusiasm for life, he has such a gentle side.
Once the adventures are over, the bunny becomes a cuddle bug. October has a great off switch and is perfectly happy curling up beside you while you work or watch TV. He’s also perfected requesting affection: head on your knee, snout in your hand, or, when subtlety has failed, placing his head directly underneath your hand. It is a highly effective system.
He’s fully house trained and hasn’t had an accident with us. At bedtime, he may file a formal complaint about his crate for approximately 5–8 minutes, but once his grievance has been expressed, he settles and sleeps through the night. He also settles well when crated while we’re out.
What has surprised us most about October is his resilience. He can still be a little unsure when meeting someone new, but give him some time to realize he’s safe and his confidence comes out so quickly.
Watching this initially shy dog blossom into an affectionate, adventurous, goofy little shadow has been incredibly special.
As it turns out, October is equal parts adventure buddy, cuddle bug, professional happy-dancer...and possibly part bunny.
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$875 ADOPTION FEE INCLUDES: spay/neuter, deworming, flea/tick prevention, vaccinations, dentals if needed or any added surgical needed surgical care, food, nose to tail health exam, toys, leashcollar, winter coat (seasonal), poop bags, dishes and 30 days of Trupanion pet insurance with immediate coverage on adoption day for any illness or injury not pre-existing.
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To note: the above description is relevant to this dog in it's current & previous setting. Home changes & adopter personalities can bring out different behaviours not previously seen.
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Mattie's Place does not deem any dog in our care hypoallergenic, allergy-free or non-allergenic. Unless you are willing to take daily medication to manage dog allergies, please do not apply to adopt because I can't risk a dog being returned due to allergic reactions.
