Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Shawn – A Gentle Soul Learning to Trust
Shawn is a 6-year-old Maltese/Poodle mix with a tender heart and a whole new world waiting to be discovered! Shawn is a sweet little fellow who is learning that life can be full of good things, like warm hugs, tasty treats, a soft place to rest, and people who genuinely care about him. He's the quieter, more cautious of two brothers, and while he may take a little longer to warm up, his foster mom is already seeing the affectionate dog hiding beneath that shy exterior.
Before coming into rescue, Shawn and his brother Gumbo lived a very sheltered life, spending most of their time inside an apartment without much training or exposure to everyday experiences. Both arrived underweight and with severely matted coats that had to be shaved. Shawn also came into rescue with an uncomfortable ear infection, which may have contributed to some of his initial sensitivity.
At first, Shawn would occasionally growl when something made him uncomfortable. He wasn't showing his teeth, but he was communicating that he needed a little space. His foster mom has learned that he doesn't particularly like sudden movements and prefers a calm, gentle approach. As he's become more comfortable in his new surroundings, his sweet personality has begun to shine through. He now happily accepts hugs and affection from someone he trusts!
Shawn is making wonderful little strides every day. He's developing good eating habits, enjoying treats, and making encouraging progress with potty training. He's even learned to use the doggy door all by himself! For a little dog who spent most of his life indoors, that's a pretty big achievement. He's also discovered how much fun it can be to run around the backyard! Toys are still unfamiliar to him, and leash training hasn't begun yet, but every new experience is helping him build confidence and discover the joys of being a dog.
Like his brother, Shawn isn't crate trained, and his future family should be prepared to continue working on potty training and helping him learn the routines of a loving home. He's also quite the little backyard watchdog when squirrels make an appearance!
Because Shawn is sensitive to quick movements and unfamiliar situations, we believe he would do best in a quieter, patient household, ideally with adults or older, gentle children who understand how to give a dog time and space to feel comfortable. His compatibility with cats is unknown.
Shawn and Gumbo are bonded siblings who have always had each other, but their foster mom believes they may also adjust well to separate homes with patient, understanding adopters.
Shawn may not be the dog who rushes into your arms the moment you meet him, but give him time, kindness, and a little patience, and you just might discover a very special friendship.For someone who finds joy in helping a shy dog build confidence and learn to trust, Shawn could be an incredibly rewarding companion. Could you be the person who helps Shawn's next chapter become his very best one?
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