Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Orion is a 2–3-year-old Lab mix with an enormous amount of energy and an even bigger personality. He is genuinely happy to see people and always excited for attention. Once he is out of his kennel, running takes priority, followed closely by taking care of his potty business. 😂He occasionally plays with toys, but his favorite game is chase. He will let you get just close enough to think you’re finally going to catch him, then dart away at the last second. Don’t worry, he always comes back once he gets tired of winning.Orion already knows how to sit, especially when a treat is involved. When I point toward his kennel and guide him with my hand, he will jump back inside on his own. He may not do it 100% of the time yet, but he is improving and has shown a wonderful capacity to learn. He has also learned not to jump on me, although he may still enthusiastically greet new people that way until they establish the same boundary with him.He appears to do well with other dogs and has spent time with a couple of dog-friendly dogs without any problems. He is curious about cats but has not shown signs of wanting to harm them. As always, introductions to other animals should be slow and supervised.While very few dogs arrive at the shelter with happy stories, Orion’s is one of the harder ones.💔💔💔💔💔Before coming into our care, Orion spent his days confined beneath a carport in a small, rusted crate. His previous owner would leave for work for approximately 10 hours, and Orion was left without access to food or water. A water bowl sat only a few feet away, close enough for him to see, but completely beyond his reach.The crate was so small that Orion could not stand upright or fully stretch his legs. When he arrived at the shelter, he was severely underweight and dehydrated.But that is only where Orion’s story with us began. It is not where it ends.Since coming into our care, Orion has gained 13 pounds and made incredible progress. He has learned that meals will come every day, that water will always be available, and that people can bring kindness instead of neglect. He still needs to gain a few more pounds and rebuild the muscle his body was never given the opportunity to develop.A securely fenced yard would give him the freedom to run safely, but an active person committed to exercising him on a leash could be just as wonderful. More than anything, he needs someone willing to help him become the strong, healthy dog he was always meant to be.Restoring Orion’s health has been the priority, so he has not yet been neutered. He will receive a veterinary examination soon, and his neuter date will be scheduled according to the veterinarian’s recommendations.Despite everything he endured, Orion still loves people. He is happy, playful, affectionate, and bursting with the energy of a dog who is finally being given the chance to live. His past explains where he came from, but it does not define who he is.Come meet Orion and spend some time with him in the yard. If he cannot convince you to commit to adoption immediately, please consider fostering him for a little while and giving him the opportunity to show you who he really is. ❤️
