Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Meet Dottie! Now 1 year old, Dottie is blossoming into a more confident, joyful girl every day—and her love for people is truly her standout trait. She absolutely adores humans and thrives in a home with lots of love and interaction. With people coming and going, she’s happiest making the rounds for pets and kisses. A big crowd arriving all at once can be a little overwhelming at first, but give her a moment and she’ll be right there, making sure no one is missed. Dottie is a total Velcro dog who wants to be as close to her person as physically possible. She loves to snuggle and is an excellent cuddle buddy—she sleeps soundly through the night, doesn’t toss or turn, and knows exactly how to settle in. While she does well in a kennel, she would truly thrive in a home where she can sleep near you or even share the bed. She enjoys spending time outdoors sniffing all the exciting smells, collecting sticks, and going for walks. She walks nicely on leash, though her curious nose can sometimes lead the way. At home, she loves chewing on bones, hard toys, squeaky toys, and yes—cardboard, which she finds especially fun to shred. After playtime, she’s happiest curled up with a soft blanket and her favorite human. With other dogs, Dottie needs very slow, proper introductions and some time to feel comfortable. Once she settles in, she can play well and coexist nicely. Her profile notes that she would do best in a cat-free home, but in her one real-life interaction with a cat, she actually did very well—arguably better than she does with dogs. With slow, thoughtful introductions, living with a cat may be a possibility. Dottie is both potty trained and kennel trained, but she’s still working on independence and manners. She’s a smart girl who would benefit greatly from continued obedience training and gentle guidance. Overall, she has all the potential to be an absolutely incredible dog—she just needs a bit of hand-holding, structure, and patience as she continues to figure things out. In return, you’ll get an endlessly loving, loyal companion who wants nothing more than to be by your side. Dottie is from an Owner Surrender. If you are interested in getting to know this animal better, please fill out an adoption application. An adoption application is the best way to show your interest in an animal and is not a binding contract. To learn more about Ruff Start’s adoption process and the care our foster animals receive, please visit our How to Adopt page. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.January 21, 2026, 4:12 pm
