Adopt

My name is BRAD!

Posted over 2 months ago | Updated over 3 weeks ago

My basic info

Breed
Pit Bull Terrier
Color
Brown/Chocolate
Age
Adult
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
Sex
Male
Pet ID
21998898-A068788

My details

Checkmark in teal circle Purebred
Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered

My story

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

BRAD is a nervous boy who has been settling in with his foster, decompressing, and showing himself to be an affectionate pup.

OTHER PETS: Brad was unsure meeting dogs at the shelter and would likely do best as an only pet. [Likely (Must Meet First)]

OWNER Brad will do best with someone who has experience with positive reinforcement while helping a nervous dog gain confidence. Brad has some anxiety going through doors, and meeting new people, so a slow introduction to new stimuli and the world will be essential in helping him feel comfortable in a new home and environment. While he has been nervous going through doors, barriers should be used while he is still nervous so he doesn't accidentally become startled and find himself lost. [Some Experience]

KIDS: Brad bonds closely with his people as he becomes more relaxed. He is very affectionate and social, but young children may be frightening to him. He would be a best fit for teens and older humans that would be able to recognize when he needs space, and when he requests interactions. [15+ / Dog Savvy (Must Meet First)]

ACTIVITY LEVEL: Brad enjoys playing in the foster's fenced yard, and so far is going on short walks as he builds confidence and takes in his surroundings. He is a combination of playful and affectionate, and will benefit from regular exercise, and plenty of mental enrichment such as food puzzles and games to help meet his needs. Mental stimulation is incredibly important for all dogs, and can help worried dogs cope with the world. Because he is nervous, a leash or fence will be necessary for all outings. [Couch Potato / Good Walking Buddy]

VETERINARY CARE: [Average]

LEVEL OF TRAINING NEEDED: Positive reinforcement training will help Brad bond with his new owner as well as help him learn new skills and tricks. Positive reinforcement, and counterconditioning will help him create happy associations with things he finds scary. Helping Brad continue to blossom will mean letting him learn about new things at his own pace without being forced.

GROOMING: Occasional brushing will help keep Brad's coat clean. [Minimal Grooming]November 29, 2025, 3:03 pm
Shelter

Contact info

Pet ID
21998898-A068788
Contact
Address
627 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 01104

Their adoption process

Additional adoption info

Our shelter operates on a walk-in, first come, first served basis. The first step is to fill out an adoption application, answering some basic questions about yourself and your household. This will help the Animal Welfare Specialists facilitate the matchmaking process. Most adoptions take at least 45 minutes to one hour to complete. The Adoption Center is a busy place, so please be patient and allow yourself enough time for our process. THANK YOU!

What we will need to know when you adopt a new companion:

Other pets already living with you will need to be up-to-date on vaccination. This is to decrease the risk of spreading infectious disease from one animal to another.

It is important to understand that your new companion will be a member of your family. This can mean a
10-15 year commitment from you! Please bring along family members so we can make sure it will be a good match before you make a commitment. Also, if adopting a second dog, please bring your current dog with you---we can let them spend some time together and give you some suggestions on surviving the adjustment period.

Please be sure you have considered the financial obligation involved in caring for a companion animal. This includes routine veterinary and emergency care, in addition to food, supplies and training. The adoption counselors can give you an idea of basic costs involved for each type of animal.

Many animals adopted from shelters can require an immediate visit to the veterinarian. Because of the volume of un-vaccinated animals entering a shelter’s care, the risk of transmissible contagious diseases can be quite high. Kennel cough in dogs, and upper respiratory infections in cats are the two most common diseases that your newly adopted companion may experience. You must ask yourself if you have the financial means to care for your new friend, beyond the initial adoption costs.

BEFORE YOU COMMIT: Please be honest with yourself about the actual time you have to train, groom, and exercise the companion animal you have chosen. Some things to consider: Do you work long or erratic hours? Do you like outdoor activity? Who will care for your pet while you travel? Will your pet be the appropriate size when he or she is full grown? When adopting into a home with children: Are you adopting to teach your child responsibility, or are your adopting because you have a responsible child? Are your children comfortable around the animal you’ve chosen? Will YOU still remain committed to this animal when the children lose interest? Take the time now to consider these things and find the best match for your lifestyle!

We thank your for offering your home to a “pre-loved” companion. We hope he or she will be a wonderful addition to your family and your home!

Go meet their pets

Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
Thursdays 2:00 PM- 7: 00 PM
Closed Wednesdays, Sundays and holidays

More about this shelter

The Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center provides comprehensive animal control services and programs to our communities for the protection of animals, public health and safety, and the environment.

The Thomas J. O’Connor facility believes in providing a second chance to animals that are not reclaimed by an owner. Our center has a full-service adoption service, a service rarely offered through municipal animal control programs. TJO has an in-house veterinarian four days per week, responsible for shelter animal wellness and sterilization surgery. Adoptable animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and screened for other health concerns. Each animal is then placed into the adoption area to await a new home. Every animal is microchipped at the time of adoption.

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