Prepping for pet parenthood?
There's a lot to learn when you have a new pet. Our sister brand, The Wildest, is here to support you—with new pet checklists, virtual training, and expert guides. Sign up for free.
Close button icon
Adopt

My name is Dakota!

Posted over 2 months ago | Updated 2 days ago

My basic info

Breed
Cocker Spaniel
Color
Brown/Chocolate - with White
Age
Adult
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
Sex
Male
Pet ID
20262084

My details

Alert icon Not good with kids
Alert icon Not good with dogs
Checkmark in teal circle Shots current
Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered
Checkmark in teal circle Housetrained

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Dakota’s foster mom wants everyone to know that this merle/chocolate, fluffy, and super-soft cocker spaniel mix is a bundle of joy wrapped in fur. At about 5 years old, Dakota is a neutered male who is up to date on all his vaccinations. He’s a cheerful companion that finds joy in simple pleasures like leisurely walks, car rides, cuddle sessions, and playful antics with his favorite squeaky toy affectionately referred to as his 'baby.' Dakota forms strong bonds and can become quite clingy, making him an ideal companion for someone who spends a lot of time at home, such as a retiree or someone who works from home. His need for a close companion stems from his insecurities, which also means he's better off as the only dog in his new home. This setting will provide him with the calm and stable environment he needs to thrive. Given his personality and needs, Dakota would fit best in a home without young children and as the only dog.

As Dakota continues to blossom under the care of his foster family, he’s showing great progress with potty training, though he’ll need a patient and understanding adopter willing to continue guiding him towards perfection. His dietary needs are specific but easy to manage, thriving on a mix of wet and dry food. Weighing in at around 30 pounds, he’s the perfect medium-sized companion with a heart as big as his smile.

Dakota has been working closely with a trainer to navigate through some attachment issues, revealing that he’s a dog with a lot of love to give, but one who also requires the comfort and security of having his people nearby. This means Dakota is looking for a home where someone is present more often than not, as he tends to get anxious when left alone. He’s not a fan of crates, but he’s shown to be well-behaved when having access to spaces like the living room and kitchen in his foster home. His early experiences, marked by extended periods in a kennel, led him to gnaw his little teeth in a bid for freedom. Since finding sanctuary with his foster family, Dakota has not seen the inside of a kennel and has shown tremendous progress, adapting well to the warmth and comfort of a loving home.

If you’re looking for a loyal, affectionate, and fluffy friend who will make every day brighter, Dakota could be the perfect addition to your home. His journey hasn’t been the easiest, but with the right companion, Dakota is ready to start a new chapter filled with love, walks, and plenty of squeaky toy adventures.

Adoption information at https://shelteranimalsrescue.org/adopt



Visit the SARG, Inc. website for more information about our policies, events, and to submit an online application for one of our animals: https://www.shelteranimalsrescue.org.



April 29, 2024, 5:27 pm
Rescue
Shelter Animals Rescue Group (SARG)

Contact info

Pet ID
20262084
Contact
Address
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Donation

Their adoption process

Additional adoption info

Cat adoption fee is $125, and $175 for dogs. We attempt to match the animal's characteristics with the family and their lifestyle. We require an application form, which becomes part of the adoption contract, a personal or phone interview, veterinarian reference if applicable, home visit, and an additional agreement about how the animal will be treated. Cats must be indoors only, not declawed. Dogs must be fenced or leashed when outdoors and treated as part of the family--indoors as much as possible, and always at night. Adopter agrees to provide regular veterinary care, and to return the animal to us if they ever give it up. We reserve the right to check on the animal's welfare from time to time, with appropriate notice.

Adoption application

Go meet their pets

As a volunteer group, we do not have a facility. Our animals reside in foster homes. We show them at local events and by appointment.

More about this rescue

We are an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 nonprofit rescue group, with emphasis on mixed-breed dogs and cats. We adopt primarily from our local animal shelter, although we occasionally take in hardship cases. We also assist individuals in our area by advertising on our website animals they need to rehome, if the animals have been spayed/neutered. We donate pet food to a local food bank as well as to the county senior center's pet food distribution. We fund free spay/neuter and vaccinations through a local veterinary service for low-income families. We gratefully accept donations, and we need volunteers for many events. More than anything, we need foster homes.