My name is Sarge!

History: Sarge needed a second chance at a good life and arrived to rescue with the help of Lightshine Rescue whose efforts are focused on a rural reservation in South Dakota where resources are low.

A Note from the Foster: Hiiiiiii everybody! My name at Coco’s Heart is Sarge, but my foster parents say that I look like the cutest little black bear cub, so I mostly answer to “Koda” and “Koda Bear” - like from Brother Bear! I have two modes - cuddle bug and playtime master! My foster family is teaching me all about what it means to be a sweet cuddle bug - I didn’t even know laying down and resting was a thing before! My lazy foster siblings like to lounge on the couch and sleep all day. I’m a little bit more energetic than that, but I do like to curl up for an episode of TV or two! My favorite spot is lounging right on top of you and rolling over to my back for lots of belly rubs!

I love to run around with older dogs in my foster home, but sometimes I come on a little strong and my foster siblings have to correct me. My foster parents say that the resident dogs are my best teachers and that I’m learning how to be a polite play partner so quickly! I’ll still need some help learning what is a toy and what is an arm when I find my furever home - I’m just a little guy after all! My foster parents say I’m one smart cookie and that I’ll grow out of my puppy playful nips with lots of support from my furever family.

Food and treats are my favorite thing IN THE WORLD - I’ll do anything for a treat or an extra piece of kibble. My foster parents always say I’m a “good boy” or “so smart” for doing things like sit, down, leave it, drop it, touch, off, and all of my other tricks, but I think they forget that I’ll do whatever they ask just for a little snack! I can’t wait to find a furever home that will keep encouraging my love for learning and teach me all of the tricks!

I go outside to potty with my foster siblings and I haven’t had even ONE accident in the house - major puppy win! I sleep all through the night in my kennel, and I try my best to be happy during naps, but sometimes I let out a little whine or two before settling down to rest during the day. I don’t love getting in my crate by myself, so I mayyyy beg for a little bribe in treat form to get in. After you put one of my favorite treats in the crate, I hop right in without too much complaining. My foster parents are still working on leash training with me, as everything outside smells SO good! With more walk exposure, my foster parents think I’ll be a star walker in no time.

You may have noticed in some of my pictures that I have what my foster parents call “a lucky fin”. Before coming to Coco’s Heart, I broke my ankle and it healed all wonky. Though it doesn’t bother me much these days, my puppy doctors are worried that it may slow me down or hurt me as I keep growing. My foster parents keep saying I’m going to have three legs soon and be a “tri-pod” - whatever that means! All I know is, nothing has ever and nothing will ever keep me from running around, having fun, and being a derpy, loving guy!

A perfect home for me is with someone who will help me continue to learn to be a good puppy and help me grow big and strong with just three legs! My foster family says I’m too interested in squirrels and bunnies to probably have a cat friend, but I haven’t been introduced to any yet. I may be a little too excited right now for smaller humans, as I’m still learning how to keep all four (and soon, all three!) paws on the ground when I’m so excited to see my favorite people! Having another doggy friend in my life to help me continue to learn how to be a good boy would be a fun bonus, though! Truly, I would just love to find a place to call my own where I can find the perfect balance of cuddles, belly rubs, and LOTS of play time, walks, and fun!