Popeye

Popeye, born October 9, 2021 weighs in at 3.5 kg (7 pounds), and he originated with a Canadian backyard breeder living with up to 200 dogs. Authorities got involved and began moving the dogs out of the home and also giving the breeder the opportunity to send to rescue. Mattie's Place has taken 19 dogs from this situation since March 2024. All have been adopted except for 6 dogs. These 5 new welcomes plus 1 remaining, Nelson, from March. They are all good dogs. They have just been wronged by humans, breeding for profit and never had an opportunity to learn basic skills like housetraining/leash skills/respectful socialization/confidence outside the home they spent their life in etc. There is no aggression in these dogs, but because of their lack of confidence in the outside world a quiet home, with patient and experienced adopters is required. They would not do well in a home with small children or lots of kids coming and going, so a home with no kids under 14 years old. You must be willing to work with housetraining and leash training and confidence building and just helping this dog to learn how to be a companion pet. Most of the others were adopted by their fosters, so that goes to show how amazing these dogs really are; they just need patience to guide them through. Popeye had his vetting completed August 12th. He is fully up to date with vaccines, has had bloodwork run, is on parasite prevention and is neutered. He has moderate to severe tartar with gingivitis, so post adoption, when he's home and settled, we'll arrange for him to see our veterinarian in Unionville for a dental cleaning and if he needs extractions (he has a fractured tooth - canine tooth) we'll do them as well, at the cost of Mattie's Place. His foster family is about 1.5 hours from our veterinarian, so it'll be easier for Popeye and Mattie's Place to have the dental surgery completed post-adoption. We were able to have his other medical completed near his foster, but the dental needs to happen with our regular rescue veterinarian. Popeye was groomed July 24th and did well for a 1st time groom. A home with a fenced in backyard would make life easier for dog and adopter for training purposes, but some have been successful in a condo setting to date. Not cat tested, but the dog is small enough that a dog savvy cat should be just fine sharing the space. Another well natured dog of equivalent size would be fine but preference will be given to no dog homes as I think that would make these dogs happiest given their previous living conditions. To adopt one of these dogs means work and commitment, but you'll be rewarded with a lifetime of canine companionship in return. FROM THE FOSTER: The first night that Popeye arrived he was extremely nervous of his new surroundings, he was hesitant to getting out of his crate and letting us near him. But with patience we were able to sit down with him and offer him small treats and were able to pet him. Throughout his first week with us, his personality is slowly starting to come out as he grows to be more comfortable with us. Popeye is like a little shadow who follows right at your feet wherever you go. If you turn around to try to pet him or pick him up quickly, he will scurry off but if you move slowly, he will be ok. He is a very sweet dog who is just trying to learn how to live a dog (pet) life. He is learning from my 2 resident dogs what a dog life truly is. When he sees my dogs come up for attention or sit on my lap, he wants up too but doesn't know quite yet how to get up and off of furniture or use stairs but we will work on this. He loves to sleep with constant human contact but he can be a bit awkward when you pick him up to join you on the couch. He is very good with using pee pads. He still doesn't understand to go to the bathroom outside yet. We are working on leash training and bathroom breaks; he is picking up the leash training well and by his second walk was able to make it all the way around the (15-20minute) walk without needing to be carried. Popeye is not super fond of sleeping in a crate at night, but we have had success with giving him his own bedroom at night time with night lights. He does not bark but he does scratch at the door occasionally and loves to look at himself in the mirror as i frequently catch him doing on my dog camera that is set up in the room. He will not use his dog bed quite yet as he is not accustomed to having one so he sleeps on the floor but before we go to bed he sees my dogs on the our human bed and indicates that he does want up. Popeye has had minimal interactions with my dogs but has shown little interest in playing with them or any toys. I think with time he will be more open to playing. Popeye only barks at the door when his foster dad comes home from work but aside from that, no barking. Popeye comes to work with his foster mom in a low volume dog grooming salon and does very well in the kennel as he sleeps or just sits most of the time. He is able to hold his bathroom breaks the entire time and not go in the kennel and goes when let out of the kennel which is amazing. During his first groom he reacted as though he has never had a bath in his life but did ok for the rest of the groom. He is still very shy or scared of any new dogs and people. He does very well in the car as he sits/lays down in a soft carrier (1 hour commute each way). He can be a bit picky with food and treats. I believe with time he will be an amazing companion for anyone who wants a little shadow to do anything and everything with. He is so sweet and deserves all the love and attention he can get. ---------------------- To note: the above description is relevant to this dog in his current &/or previous setting. Home changes & adopter personalities can bring out different behaviours not previously seen. We also do not claim, endorse, suggest or hint at, that any of our dogs are hypoallergenic, low shed or no-shed. ----------------------- Adoption fee includes: spay/neuter, deworming, flea/tick prevention, vaccinations, food, nose to tail health exam, toys, leash|collar, go home preventative based on season.