Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Story
💙 Dakota Is Looking for a Very Special Kind of Forever Home! 💙
If you’re looking for a sweet, silly boy who will listen to every word you say (complete with the cutest head tilts!), Dakota might just steal your heart. 🐾
Dakota is a male Boston Terrier who came to PCHS after his breeder surrendered him because they could not afford his medical care. Since arriving, we’ve been working hard to get answers about his health and figure out how we can give him the best quality of life possible.
Dakota is a happy, energetic boy who loves to explore, play, and be part of whatever is going on around him. He’s always taking in what you’re saying with those adorable head tilts, and when all that excitement finally wears off, he’s more than happy to curl up on his favorite dog bed and snooze the day away. ❤️
Now for the important part of Dakota’s story. We want to be completely open about his medical needs so we can find the right home for him.
PCHS recently took Dakota to Minnesota Veterinary Neurologist, where he was diagnosed with spina bifida, a condition affecting the development of his spine. As a result, Dakota is both urinary and fecal incontinent, meaning he cannot fully control when he urinates or has a bowel movement. He will need an adopter who understands this and is prepared to help him stay clean, comfortable, and healthy throughout his life.
After discussing his diagnosis, prognosis, risks, and treatment options with the neurologist, we’ve decided that supportive care is the best path for Dakota right now. The good news is that Dakota has a good prognosis with supportive care and can live a happy life with the right accommodations! 🐶
Surgery may be an option in the future, but it is important to understand that it is not guaranteed to correct his condition. An MRI is not needed unless surgery is being pursued, and we have been quoted approximately $10,000 for these procedures. Surgery is not necessarily off the table forever, but any future decision would be up to his adopter, based on Dakota’s progression and their ability to pursue treatment.
Dakota will also need routine urine testing to monitor for urinary tract infections (UTIs), which he may be more prone to developing due to his incontinence. PCHS will continue working on completing his standard veterinary care, too.
So, what kind of home are we looking for?
We’re looking for someone truly special. Someone who sees Dakota for the happy, loving dog he is, but also understands that adopting him comes with extra responsibilities. His future family needs to be comfortable managing his incontinence, providing daily supportive care, keeping up with veterinary appointments and monitoring, and being financially prepared for his ongoing medical needs and any unexpected expenses that may arise.
We know Dakota’s needs may mean he isn’t the right fit for everyone, and that’s okay. We want to find the right fit for him. He deserves a family that goes into this adoption with open eyes, a full heart, and a realistic understanding of the commitment involved.
Dakota has so much love and personality to give. He doesn’t need someone to promise him a perfect, problem-free life. He needs someone willing to give him a comfortable, happy life filled with patience, love, and the care he deserves. 💙
