Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Maltese
4mo/ DOB 08.29.25
5 Pounds
Neutered /Microchipped
UTD on vaccinations
Heartworm / Flea Preventative
INSTRUCTIONS for ADOPTION:
***Please read the bio in its ENTIRETY.
***If you feel your family is a perfect match, please send a completed application to gateway4paws@gmail.com.
***Applications & FAQ regarding adoption can be found on our website.
***Only completed applications that meet requirements will be reviewed.
***Since we are 100% foster-based rescue, only approved applications will be contacted.
***We do not allow shipping & do not transport. You must live within 350 miles from Maryville, IL & be able to drive for a meet & greet.
Super affectionate, loves to cuddle. That is the first thing Kiefer's foster mom told us about his personality. He loves to play with other small dogs who are careful with his size. He is sweet, gentle, & ready to fill your home with love & extra fluff, lol.
We like to remind applicants that a new puppy is a lot like a toddler. Keifer will need to be supervised, and the best way to do that is to have a dedicated space set up for him. This area will be a part of the home where he can see activity & observe, but it is a place that is puppy proofed. Where he can play, lounge, or nap when his family is not directly engaging. Playpens, 4-squares, or x-pens are excellent tools to make this possible. They are easily mobile if you want to move them around, too. If you have interior stairs, please have a plan to keep your puppy off the stairs unsupervised. Additionally, please be aware of the stair railing & the distance between the spindles. Small children, anyone unsteady on their feet, and large dogs could be a safety hazard for Keifer. So please consider that when making the decision as to him being a good fit for your family.
Keifer has not yet mastered potty training, but he is very motivated. He is just a puppy; he needs consistency & encouragement to continue progressing on this task. It is a process that will require commitment & patience, as puppies have a little puppy bladder. Remember, in a new home, a new environment means that new habits will have to be established. Please give him time to get used to a schedule & set him up for success!
This adorable little bundle has not had any experience with harness & leash training. We will accept applications from families who do not have a fenced yard. But we will insist on you having a plan for a safe area where Keifer can do his potty business without being stressed or startled. If you do have a fenced yard, your fence must be very secure, an 5lb puppy can quickly fit through very small spaces. There are easy tools available to help block any small openings, we'd be happy to make recommendations. It is worth considering having an x-pen for your yard, as this would be an extra layer of protection for Keifer's safety. No puppy should ever be left in a yard without supervision, NEVER EVER.
Bringing home a new puppy is a huge responsibility. It requires lots of patience & time! But it is very rewarding if everyone is invested. Please apply if you meet the requirements & would like to adopt a wonderful new friend. Please don’t apply without speaking to your spouse/partner first.
