Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Current Location: Ijamsville, MD
Adoption Fee Covered + Free Training! Thanks to a generous supporter, this pet's adoption fee is fully covered — and OPH is including six virtual training sessions with a certified trainer in the first 60 days to help you start off strong together!
Meet Cheese: Professional Cuddler, But Still Learning the Ropes of Dog Life
At 6 years and 57 pounds, Cheese is the ultimate "couch hippo"—a master of affection who defines his day by how close he can get to his people. Whether you’re hitting the local farmers market or catching up on your latest Netflix queue, Cheese is your devoted shadow. He is, quite simply, one of the most lovable, happy, and genuinely sweet souls you will ever meet.
The "Real Talk" on Cheese
Cheese is looking for a family who values him for who he is—quirks and all—and he’s still working on some life skills:
The Co-Pilot Requirement: Cheese is a social butterfly who thrives with a wingperson. Because he currently relies on his best friend, Macaroni, to feel completely settled when left alone, he needs a home with a confident, calm canine sibling (a chill male or a submissive female works best). He is currently on anxiety medication, which acts as a helpful "training wheel" while he settles into a new routine. It keeps him cool, calm, and collected, and he’s doing a great job transitioning toward his best self.
A Work in Progress: He’s a total food enthusiast, which means he’s still learning that the kitchen counter isn't a buffet. "Personal space" is a concept he’s yet to master (though his preference for napping on top of his person is admittedly hard to argue with).
Adventure Manners: He’s a happy traveler, but he’s still practicing his "public decorum." He occasionally forgets his manners when out and about at stores, so a little extra patience and consistency while you're out exploring will go a long way.
Why You’ll Want Him on Your Team
Despite his quirks, Cheese is a dream companion for the right person:
Zero Stranger Danger: He has yet to meet a person—man, woman, or child—that he doesn't immediately love.
Eager Student: Because he is so food-motivated, he’s a dream to train—he’ll be learning his new house rules in no time, especially with the six virtual training sessions included with his adoption to help you both hit the ground running.
Endless Loyalty: His capacity for love is unmatched. When you adopt Cheese, you aren't just getting a pet; you’re gaining a dedicated, nap-loving, adventure-ready best friend for life.
The Perfect Match
Cheese is looking for a home that can offer:
A Canine Bestie: He needs a home where he isn't the "only child." Macaroni (his current foster sister) would love to stay by his side, but he is happy to bond with any balanced dog.
A Patient Guide: An adopter committed to consistent, positive-reinforcement training to help him master his house rules and confidence.
Room to Roam: He loves a good walk and would thrive in a home with a securely fenced yard.
Are you ready to embrace the perfectly imperfect life with Cheese? If you’ve got the heart and the patience to help him finish his training, hit the apply button today! OPH is including six virtual training sessions with a certified trainer in the first 60 days to help you start off strong together!
Since Cheese is currently thriving with his foster sister, Macaroni, we would love to see them find their forever home together—but his ultimate goal is simply finding a household where he has the doggy companionship he needs to feel secure.
Cheese tested positive for heartworm disease before arriving to the rescue. The disease was treated while in foster care. Heartworm disease is transmitted to a dog through a bite from an infected mosquito. With monthly preventatives, the disease is completely preventable. Read about heartworm disease here: https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm-basics
