Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Bettie — Your Professional Couch Potato
Bettie is a 5 1/2-year-old Great Dane/Black Lab mix with soulful brown eyes, the cutest little dimples when she smiles, and a personality that can best be described as professional-level chill.
Bettie came into the Roswell, New Mexico shelter severely emaciated—you could see every bone in her body. Eventually, she was placed on the euthanasia list simply because the shelter ran out of space. In a crowded shelter, this quiet, unassuming big black dog was easy to overlook.
Thankfully, someone saw the gem hiding behind those big brown eyes.
Bettie spent time in a foster home in New Mexico before making her way to Washington in hopes of finding the family who will make sure she never feels unwanted again.
And what have we learned about Bettie? This girl is all about the slow life.
She is spayed, house trained, walks nicely on leash, loves car rides, is cat friendly, and is wonderfully mellow in the home. She enjoys going for walks and taking her time sniffing all the good smells, but when she gets home? It's back to her true calling: sleeping.
Her favorite things include: Snuggling with her people Serious, almost-comatose-level snoozing Car rides—she’s an excellent passenger Standing peacefully in a kiddie pool (no splashing necessary) Yummy snacks Leisurely sniffing walks Getting ALL the pets—and gently pawing you if you stop too soon And, naturally, more sleeping
Toys? Meh.Food? Now you have her attention.
Bettie & Other Dogs
Bettie is dog selective, and finding a home that respects this will be important.
She has made it very clear that she does not appreciate energetic dogs getting in her face or trying to engage her in play. She will growl or snap to communicate that she wants space. Because of this, Bettie would be happiest as an only dog, in a home with cats, or potentially with another mellow, low-energy dog who respects her boundaries.
She previously lived successfully with an older, calm dog and did very well. She also passes dogs beautifully on walks with no leash reactivity.
But dog parks, daycare, and rowdy canine playmates? Bettie respectfully declines the invitation. We don't yet know how she feels about small dogs.
Cats? Yes!
Bettie lived with cats in her New Mexico foster home and was reported to be great with them. A home with feline siblings could be a wonderful fit.
Bettie's Health & Future Care
We believe in being transparent about our dogs' medical histories so families can make informed decisions about their care.
Bettie has been diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a condition involving the discs that cushion the vertebrae of the spine. In Bettie's case, her veterinarian identified a compressed disc in her neck. While IVDD is more commonly associated with smaller breeds, it can also affect larger dogs like Bettie.
IVDD can cause episodes of pain and, in more serious cases, neurological or mobility issues. Bettie has already experienced an episode that was successfully managed with restricted activity and anti-inflammatory medication.
The important thing for her future family to understand is that IVDD is a condition that will require lifelong awareness and management.
Activities such as jumping on and off furniture, roughhousing with other dogs, strenuous exercise, and sudden or jarring movements can potentially aggravate her condition or trigger another episode.
Moving forward, Bettie will need:
A calm, predictable home without rough play or high-energy canine companions.
Gentle, controlled exercise, including shorter, easy-paced walks rather than strenuous activity.
Limited jumping and impact, with assistance or ramps when appropriate for getting into vehicles or onto furniture.
Ongoing veterinary care to monitor her condition and manage any future episodes of discomfort.
A family prepared for potential medical expenses, including medications, additional diagnostics, or specialized care if her condition worsens.
While her previous episode responded to conservative treatment, there is always the possibility of future flare-ups. More severe spinal injuries can sometimes require surgery, and Bettie's veterinarian has explained that surgical intervention may not necessarily provide significant improvement.
This doesn't mean Bettie can't have a wonderful quality of life! It simply means her family needs to understand her limitations and be committed to protecting her long-term health.
The good news? Bettie's naturally mellow personality makes her a wonderful candidate for a quieter lifestyle. She doesn't need long hikes, running partners, or hours of playtime to be happy. A gentle walk, a comfortable bed, and someone to love are much more her speed.
Bettie's veterinarian at Harbor Animal Hospital in Gig Harbor is familiar with her condition and can help prospective adopters better understand her diagnosis, limitations, and future care needs.
You may also notice a small portion of one of Bettie's ears is missing. This is where a lump was surgically removed, and thankfully, the results came back benign.
Bettie's Dream Home
Bettie thrives in a peaceful, lower-energy environment. She is good-natured but can be a little nervous around loud noises and really values her beauty sleep.
Because of her IVDD and the importance of avoiding accidental injuries, we believe a home without very young children or energetic dogs would be the best fit. Even well-intentioned play or an accidental bump could put unnecessary stress on her spine.
She could be an amazing companion for someone who works from home, an older person or couple, or anyone who appreciates a quieter lifestyle and understands the responsibility of caring for a dog with an ongoing medical condition.
Bettie isn't looking for someone to run five miles with her.
She's looking for someone to share the couch with.
And while her medical diagnosis does come with additional considerations, we hope potential families will see Bettie for the incredible dog she is—not just her condition.
She's affectionate, gentle, wonderfully well-mannered, and genuinely content with the simple things in life. Dogs with such low-energy needs who are also this loving and kind don't come along every day.
After everything she's been through, Bettie's wish list is pretty simple:
A soft place to sleep. Good snacks. Gentle walks. Lots of snuggles. A family willing to support her medical needs. And a home she never has to leave again.
If you're looking for a lazy, “fun-sized” Great Dane with an incredibly kind soul and elite couch-potato skills, Bettie may just be your girl.
Currently fostered in Kent, Washington.
Adoption fee $300
www.northwestwagrescue.org
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