Rat Terrier puppies and dogs in Ferndale, Washington

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FIRST STEPS: Please visit https://www.save-a-mutt.org/adoption-application/ to fill out an application - a Petfinder Inquiry is not the adoption process. We don't do meet and greets until applications have been approved. All our dogs are located IN Washington State - we are a local foster based rescue and no transport from another state required. :) Thanks! --- Hi there! My name is Lexus, but you can just call me Your Shadow. 🐾 I’m a 17-pound Chihuahua mix (looks like I may have some awesome big dog GSD in my family tree). I think I'm a perfect size... small enough to curl up in your lap, tuck under your arm, or follow you from room to room without getting in the way. And trust me… following you around is kind of my specialty. You see, I’m what humans call a “velcro dog.” That means once I pick my person, I stick close. Wherever you go, I’m probably right behind you — supervising kitchen activities, warming your lap during movie night, or making sure you don’t face the scary world of the bathroom alone. Teamwork, right? My absolute favorite thing in the whole world is being with my people. I love snuggles, soft blankets, silly games, and just hanging out together. I’m happiest when we’re in the same room, even if we’re both just relaxing. I'm still a baby, 16 weeks old, and eager to learn, I think I'm pretty smart! I’ll be honest with you though: when my people leave, I miss them a lot. My heart is SO big for such a little dog. I’d probably do best in a home where someone is around most of the time, or where I can come along on adventures. I'd make a great office dog - curling up by my person's desk. I promise I’ll repay you with endless loyalty, cuddles, and tiny tail wags. Here are a few things about me: • Professional cuddler and lap warmer • Tiny but devoted — once I love you, I really love you! • Portable-sized best friend • Super smart... I got this housebreaking thing down, give me a schedule • Excellent car companion, you can pick the radio station If you’re looking for a little dog who will adore you, follow you everywhere, and make every day feel a little warmer, I might just be your girl. Do you have room for a tiny shadow in your life? --- From the Foster Mom - May Update: We are swapping fosters for miss Lexus, giving her time in a couple different homes to get more socialization. Once she knows you... she's such a Good Girl! At night - she's perfect in her crate, next to the foster's bed. Sleeps 8 hours. We don't do a much crating during the day - it's not her happy place, Apartment living won't be a good fit. In her current foster home, it's a work from home situation and Lexus is very content hanging out in the office. I even bought her a car seat to go with me when needed. She is beyond sweet, and it's all about the snuggles and hugs. She goes to a local brewery weekly - she tolerates the people wanting to pet her! Lexus met our 3 year old granddaughter and was more afraid of the child 'stompies' - because of her shy nature, an adult only home would be treat - even a single woman. She takes a couple days with every change in foster home. We reached out to one of our trainers, and they said that change is good for her and getting her on an exercise schedule (a tired dog is a good dog) would help with getting her more confident and less 'velcro.' Baby steps. Honestly - if there is ever a dog that needs the 3/3/3 - it's Lexus. She will likely not want to be touched for the first couple days in her new home. If the adopter is local / Snohomish County - we would love to visits after the application is approved - letting her get bonded to the new owner. The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline for transitioning a rescue dog into its new home and helping it to settle in. It suggests that the first three days should be used for adjusting to its new surroundings, the next three weeks for training and bonding, and the first three months for continued socialization and training. We think her ideal home would be one where her owners work from home, are retired, or can take her to work - she would love that! We know she's a work in progress - but her foster LOVES her and it's very hard not to just cuddle her all the time. She MUST go to a home with another friendly dog - the more the merrier. She's getting more comfortable with new people every week. Her sister's family had DNA done and she's a mix of small breed dogs! Lexus is spayed, microchipped and fully vaccinated. She loves dogs, tries to avoid the foster's mean cat - but sits nicely on the couch with the cat. She is housebroken in our home. Each dog goes home with a goody bag including collar/leash, toys, chews, Kong, and more. You will receive all medical records, microchip transfer form and other paperwork at the time of adoption. Adoptions typically take place in Stanwood. Adoption fee is $475. Save-A-Mutt is a registered 501c3 and half of your adoption fee may be tax deductible. Save-A-Mutt is a foster based rescue, we do not have a facility to visit. Our adoptions are typically done Monday - Saturday, we are closed on Sunday’s to give our volunteers at least one day off. You must be available to do meets and adoptions during that time frame. We can make exceptions only with the approval of the foster home. Please note, we have approximately a 300 mile adoption radius - Portland OR area and Vancouver BC is the farthest north. We don’t ship dogs, once approved you must pick them up in Snohomish County, WA. Canadian adopters must be able to come to Stanwood WA to pick up your puppy.