Dog Name: Chris Traeger
Breed: Pit Mix
Sex: male
Age: 1 year
Weight: 45 pounds
Medical Needs: Chris's front legs are bowed. This is believed to be a congenital defect, not due to injury or malnutrition. It does not seem to cause him any major issues now, but could cause arthritis when he gets older. His legs do not hold him back, and he can get around with no trouble for the most part. He does have trouble jumping off of higher spots, like the deck or a chair that rocks. He has gone for up to mile long walks with no problems other than being tired afterwards. He probably would not be able to go for runs or intense hikes. He should take joint supplements and should maintain a slimmer body weight so as not to put too much weight on his legs. Chris is prescribed gabapentin as needed if he is seeming to be sore or on days when he is more active, but I have not noticed him to be in pain.
Housebroken: Yes, just needs to be taken out regularly when out of his crate. He drinks a lot of water at once.
Crate trained: Yes, goes in easily for a treat. He might whine at times. He definitely prefers to be part of the action.
Good in the car: Yes, he is tethered into the back seat and does well.
Good on a leash: Yes, with a prong collar. He can be very strong when he wants to be (without a prong), which is usually when he is trying to pull to go say hi to the people we pass. Due to his legs, Chris is not a dog who will be able to go running with you or hike a mountain, as much as he would probably love that. He goes for two, mile long walks daily around the neighborhood with his two doggie foster sisters. He seems to have no problem doing these walks although he is a little slower than everyone else at times.
Energy level: He's not really high energy, but he's a little crazy when he's trying to play with the other dog. When he's gotten that out of his system, he's content to chew a bone, calmly hang out with you in the kitchen, or curl up and take a nap. He is at his most hype in the mornings and early evening , especially if crated while the people are working. He has occasionally tried to chew things that he shouldn't, but he is easily redirected and isn't a dog who's going to destroy your house while you're in the bathroom for a few minutes. He naps most of the day and goes back to sleep around 8pm and sleeps like a rock for the rest of the night.
Need a fenced in yard: No but should be given sufficient leashed time outside. We have a small yard, and he's really not that interested in hanging out there other than to play with the other dog. Loves going for walks though, so taking him for walks is even better!
Dog Friendly: Yes. Loves other dogs and loves to play. He could definitely be too much for some dogs, but respects it for the most part when dogs don't have any interest in playing with him. One of his foster sisters plays with him at times, and he has trouble leaving her alone when she doesn't want to play. He respects his older, grumpier foster sister when she tells him to back off. His play style is a bit rough.
If yes, does your foster need another dog in its adoptive homes? No, but he would love opportunities to play with other dogs.
Cat Friendly? Yes
Kid Friendly: Hasn't been around kids since being in his foster home.
If yes, what's the youngest child you'd recommend they be placed with? That depends on how tough the kids are. Maybe 6 and up. Chris jumps on people when excited, which we are working on. He is a bit mouthy when he's playing, but it's not too bad. He is easily redirected.
Special traits that make your foster special or that we need to know about them?
Chris Traeger is a beautiful boy who came up from a shelter in Texas. He is a happy go lucky dog with a good nature. He loves everyone and has the cutest full body wiggles and tail wags. I assume he was named after the Parks and Rec character due to his pretty boy looks and upbeat personality. He's still a big ol puppy who wants to play. When he gets his energy out, he's happy to curl up with you on the couch and snooze (and snore) the day away. Chris loves making new friends and will get attention everywhere he goes. He had no problem going to the vet and enjoyed all of the attention there.
Chris is still working on learning some manners. He is just enthusiastic about life (people, dogs, food) and is learning to control his impulses. He likes to jump to greet people and tries to counter surf. He seems to be making progress in these areas. He knows some basic commands, and is working on the place command. His family will need to continue to set boundaries and work on some training with him.
Overall, Chris is a happy, goofy boy who will keep you entertained and provide you with lots of love and companionship.
Fosters Location: Newark, DE
Application can be found here: https://www.grrde.org/adoption-application (if you already have an approved application on file email GrassRootsDE@gmail.com and ask the app team to pull your app —
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