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My basic info
Breed
Silky Terrier
Color
Red/Golden/Orange/Chestnut
Age
9 years 9 months old, Adult
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Weight
19 lbs (current)
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Not good with kids
Good with dogs
Good with cats
Needs experienced adopter
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Has special needs
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Steve Martin is an adorable 19-lb, 8-9 year old Silky Terrier who originally joined our Safe House from Egypt a few years ago. It was difficult to find a forever home for Steve because of the horrible neglect he had suffered prior to making his way to the US. He likely had been repeatedly kicked and beaten by kids on the street and will always suffer the emotional scars that such abuse has left. As a result he gets scared if people walk close to him without warning him, and is slow to trust people he does not know.
Most unfortunately, today Steve finds himself looking for a new home because the couple who had adopted him added a baby to the family and they are concerned that Steve will not be able to handle the antics of a toddler. The couple invested a lot of time, patience, and love to help build Steve’s trust and confidence, and are crushed to have to rehome him, but are concerned about the baby, who will soon be a toddler.
Steve has made a great deal of progress over the last few years, as he has evolved into a greatly loved family member. Today, he is a sweet, smart boy who loves his trusted people; he can sense his trusted people's feelings and has learned to adapt to their world.. It took some time, but Steve became very comfortable in his home and came to trust his new family..
Today, with his trusted people, Steve loves to sit on the couch and cuddle, and get petted or have his belly rubbed. But he also likes to lay on his bed, blanket, or the other end of the couch to have his alone time.
He will look for comfort from his trusted people by being by them during thunderstorms or fireworks. He can be home alone during a typical work day. He loves meeting new people but is very curious about everything new.
He loves to run in his fenced yard and go for walks too. He gives his paw for treats and along with dog treats he likes human treats of cheese, watermelon, apple, and peanut butter (works well with pills).
Steve is a reactive boy due to his past and would only work in a home with adults and no small children. We believe Steve would be ok with another calm, possibly senior dog. However he'd be overwhelmed by a young / active dog who would pester him. We expect that he'd ignore cats. . He doesn't like the groomer and needs to work with a patient groomer who will go at his pace.
Due to his history of repeated, violent kicking he has issues with feet, being stepped on, or feeling threatened that he might be stepped on or kicked. If he is stepped on or brushed against, he may snap at your foot. His family has worked on this with him and this behavior has dramatically decreased with his trusted people. If they brush against him, he will be able to calm himself down and not bite. Steve Martin would work best in a home with patient adult owner(s) who can work with his quirks and history…..for their commitment to him, they will be greatly rewarded with a sweet, loving boy.
An ideal family for Steve Martin consists of a single adult, or a couple, experienced with the breed (or a similar breed). They must be patient and understanding of Steve’s past as well as the temporary difficulty he may experience in transitioning one more time, to a new family. No children. No high-energy or active dogs; a single older dog could be beneficial and may help Steve to build his confidence. Steve deserves all the attention and love for himself, to allow him to overcome not only his abusive past but the loss of the family he had grown to love and trust.
A fenced yard is most ideal for Steve; he loves his freedom and running in the yard! The ability (and means) to provide regular grooming for Steve by a trusted groomer, as well as a solid vet history for past dogs are most important.
If you might be interested in adding Steve Martin to your family, and have solid experience in meeting the needs he has, please contact 847-852-0895 or BAARKDogRescue@gmail.com
