My name is Teddy!

HOW TO ADOPT: This dog is available for adoption by appointment. To schedule a time to meet this dog, please email meetme@arl-iowa.org.

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- Came from a situation where he did not get the socialization and exposure to the world that dogs typically get from a young age; because of this, he may struggle with new situations, show uncertainty with novel everyday objects, and need help understanding leashes and potty training; has come a long way in his foster home and will thrive in a calm, patient home where he can continue to gain confidence

- Shy, sweet, kind boy who enjoys being held and petted

- Has been a cuddler in his foster home and loves to either relax on a blanket at his family's feet or lie beside them on the couch; still doesn't quite understand the height of couches, so he does need to be watched when he's on them to make sure he doesn't try to jump off

- He's unsure about stairs at this time

- Has done well with a "safe space" in his foster home where he can go if things overwhelm him; his foster family has a pen in a separate room with a bed, water and potty pads, and he will retreat there when he needs a break

- Still needs patience with potty training; has been getting the hang of potty pads in his foster home but still is struggling to understand the concept of going out to potty

- Loves to lie out on the deck in the sunshine

- Very curious and is always using his sniffer, especially in new places

- Has had interactions with people young and old in his foster home; has done OK with young kids, but they can be a little too much for him and he would back up and try to find somewhere safe when he got uncomfortable; would likely be happiest in a home where all family members are more mature

- Had a play date with another small dog in his foster home and by the end of it he even did a zoomie; would benefit from having a friendly, like-minded companion dog to help him continue to open up and build confidence

- Met the two adult cats in his foster home and did fine with them; unfortunately, the cats didn't want to be his friends

- Has keratoconjunctivitis sicca, a lifelong dry-eye condition requiring medications several times a day, as well as routine vet visits to monitor his eyes (more info at ARL)

- Really nice guy with lots of potential who just needs a patient person or family to give him a chance!

All adoptable dogs and puppies are spayed/neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations (rabies and DA2PPV as appropriate for their age)

The ARL's shelter software requires that we choose a primary breed for our dogs. Visual breed identification in dogs is unreliable, so for most dogs we are only guessing at primary breed. We get to know each dog as an individual and do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality, not breed label.