Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Scuba Steve is a little bit of a hot mess, but he’s also a pretty incredible guy who can’t wait for you to fall in love with him!
When Steve first arrived at the shelter, he was badly injured, frightened and in so much pain. His right hind leg was completely shattered, presumably from being hit by a car. A surgery was able to save Steve’s broken leg, but he had a LONG and difficult road to recovery.
Steve went into foster care after his surgery so that he could work on getting better in the comfort of a foster home. For the first month or so after surgery, Steve really struggled. He was stressed out, uncomfortable and bored from having to be on crate rest. Steve didn’t know how to play with dog toys and he was frightened by the puzzles and interactive toys that he was given to try to keep him entertained during his recovery. As he was able to start putting weight on his leg and venture out on short walks, it became even more clear that Steve’s life before he came to us was heartbreaking. Everything terrified him and he would only take a few steps out of the house before becoming paralyzed by fear. Sounds, scents, the feeling of a gentle breeze or the sight of any movement in the distance would completely overwhelm poor Steevie.
Since he first came to us, Steve has been working on building up his confidence. He has really come out of his shell and is starting to really enjoy life! Steve has found that he really enjoys playing tug with his rope toys and he loves to bat around and pounce on his bouncy balls like he’s a cat. He has begun to approach the outdoors with optimistic curiosity rather than fear. Steve now loves hitting the trails with his foster mom and chasing the other dogs around the yard. If Steve is excited about something like going for a walk or having a treat, he will let you know by doing some light parkour. Or maybe he’s dancing? As soon as Steve trusts you, he turns into a big lap dog. He’s incredibly affectionate for a dog with a rough past and loves scratches and snuggles. However, I’ve never met such a wiggly klutz and poor Steevie ends up falling off the couch at least once every snuggle sesh.
Steve gets more confident and more silly every single day. He works on his manners in his foster home daily and is enrolled in group training classes at Lizzi and Rocco’s to help him gain confidence around other people and dogs. He is doing well with potty training and is well behaved in his crate. Steve is an incredibly affectionate and goofy boy who will have so much love to give his forever person. Because Steevie had such a rough past, certain things like loud noises, quick movements and new people (especially men) can still really scare him. Because of this, Steve would do better in a home without young children. He enjoys playing with other dogs but needs to be introduced to new friends in a calm, neutral environment so he doesn’t get overwhelmed. You may have noticed that Steve is wearing a muzzle in some of his pictures. Steve has NEVER bit anyone, and he only wears his muzzle in situations that could be stressful (like being introduced to men he doesn’t know or going to the vet for shots) as well as situations where extra caution is needed (going for a walk in the park where children might run up to him to say hi) to make sure that we are being as safe and responsible as we can be. Steve is way too cool of a dog and has gone through way too much to end up with a bite record because we put him in an unsafe and preventable situation.
Steevie would thrive in a home with a patient and understanding owner who will continue to help him build confidence and grow into the happiest and most loving boy. He loves women and warms up to men quickly if they make him feel safe (cheese helps). Steevie may have some baggage, but he will bring so much love, joy and laughter to whomever decides to take a chance on this very special boy.
From Steve’s Foster: Over the past decade, we’ve welcomed hundreds of foster dogs of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds into our home. We do our best to give our fosters whatever they need to become happy, healthy dogs who are ready to go to their forever homes. But we know that one day, we’ll say goodbye. Over time, details are forgotten and a lot of the foster cases blend together in my memory. I have perfected the relationship that I share with fosters- caring about them -loving them even- but not growing so attached that letting them go breaks me. Steve is different. Watching this sweet boy overcome the traumas of his past and blossom into the sweet, silly goofball that he is today has been a joy, and I am so proud of all of the progress that he has made. I know that for the right person, Steve will be a once in a lifetime dog. He just needs the right person to give him a chance.
