Sponsored by Brittney Black – in honour of our Maltese, Minnie who was saved by Save Me Rescue.
Stuart Little (affectionately known as Stewie) came into care with Save Me in mid-July from an Ontario puppy mill. It is thought that he is at least 8 years old. Despite all the hardships he must have faced in his life up to this point, he is such a sweet, curious, and intelligent boy.
Upon being released from the mill into rescue, he initially stayed for a couple of weeks with his first foster before transferring to his current foster due to unrelated circumstances. Some things were identified in his first foster home that have not yet been observed in his current home, so it will be helpful for his potential adopter to be aware of all. Understandably, with transitioning into new environments with new people, both homes have found him to be frightened with new introductions but easily warms up once he feels more comfortable. Quick movements or sudden noises can be scary for him, so slow approaches are best. His previous foster home found that Stewie could be an instigator with other dogs and is prone to resource guarding his bed, toys, and person. His current foster has not seen any of these behaviours despite him living with several other dogs. He sleeps together in the same space with another foster dog and they even play together. He has become agitated once when things were a bit overly rambuctious with her in a confined space, but nothing concerning observed.
He definitely loves to be around his person and does not like being left alone. He especially does not like being crated or even in a larger pen, as shown by his continued barking and crying and and just not being able to settle; therefore, he is left to free roam the main level in his home with the other dogs. He occasionally goes exploring and has recently found a steam mop he was interested in pulling out! He’s just curious about things and has taken leashes and harnesses to briefly chew on, but he has not caused damage to any items and does not randomly chew things.
Because he has lived life in a puppy mill with not knowing the comfort of a real home, he is still learning to be housetrained. It will be helpful to have someone home most of the time to help take him out frequently as well as work on his anxiety with being left alone. Currently, belly bands (male diaper wraps) are being used, as he also has been “marking” various areas in the home while not necessarily needing to actually potty. He has also pooped in the house occasionally, including “stress poops” when foster mom leaves him to do laundry in the basement, though he is usually good with leaving this to do outdoors.
Stewie is not yet able to go for leashed walks, as he becomes scared, shaking, and frozen in place when put on the ground to walk. However, he enjoys being carried in a sling for walks which allows him to take in all the sights and smells in his new surroundings.
Stewie is a special little boy who is going to bring a lucky someone so much love!
**Adoptions within the province of Ontario only