Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Needs special attention,
Needs experienced adopter,
House-trained,
Story
**** DEXTER'S ADOPTION FEE IS SPONSORED **
Dexter / Male / Approx 4 years / 50 lbs / Australian Cattle Dog Mix / Good with Dogs / Good with Children / Not Tested with Cats / Medium-Low Energy / From Tennessee / Fostered in Brampton
** Follow Dexter's journey on Instagram: @lilcuddlebugsfosters**
Meet Dexter! If you think there's no such thing as too many cuddles, this handsome boy might just be your perfect match. Dexter is full of joy, affection, and a little bit of goofiness. Sweet, calm, and endlessly loving, Dexter is happiest when he's by your side, whether that's joining you for a walk, lounging on the couch, or greeting you at the door after a long day.
Dexter is a velcro dog who likes to stick close to his trusted humans. He has lived with children ages 7 to 17 and treats them just like the adults in his life, with gentleness, affection and enthusiasm for playtime and snuggles. When meeting new people, he may take some time to warm up and appreciates slow introductions and time to observe and sniff.
Dexter walks well on leash and doesn't pull. He currently gets a short walk in the morning, a couple of breaks to play in the backyard with his canine foster sister during the day and an hour-long walk after work. Dexter also spent three weeks with dog sitters where he lived comfortably with their dog and had the chance to hang out with one of our Fetch + Releash alumni. He would do great with another laid-back dog or on his own. His dog sitter has also grown very fond of Dexter and would love to continue sitting for him once he finds his forever home.
On occasion, Dexter can be uneasy and react to unfamiliar men or fast-moving people running, biking or riding scooters. With calm introductions and some space to approach on his own, Dexter has shown that he can become very comfortable with men. During his three-week stay with his dog sitters, he successfully lived with a man and eventually became his belly-up couch cuddle buddy.
Dexter is great when left home alone and settles immediately. He is not crated and usually just curls up on a dog bed or the couch and chills out until his people come home. Dexter is a bit of a foodie and may counter surf, so having him in your home will be the incentive you've been waiting for to keep a tidy kitchen. He has been left for up to six hours without issue and is fully potty trained.
While in foster care, Dexter received a diagnosis of megaesophagus, which comes with some long-term care. Megaesophagus means that Dexter's body doesn't push food into his stomach the way it should. He is stable on medication and eats his meals in a Bailey Chair, which keeps him in an elevated position. After he eats, Dexter stays in his chair for about half an hour to help his food settle and has become very accustomed to his routine. Small amounts of regurgitation are common for dogs with this condition, so Dexter's health does need to be monitored. When lying down, Dexter uses a travel pillow (which we can confirm is as cute as you're imagining it) to help minimize regurgitation.
Megaesophagus can sound intimidating if you've never cared for a dog with the condition before, but Dexter's routine is quite manageable once you get used to it. His dog sitters had never cared for a dog with megaesophagus before and adapted to his feeding routine very quickly, finding it easy to work into their normal day. Dexter is incredibly patient in his Bailey Chair and his routine has simply become part of his day.
We were fortunate to raise funds to help cover Dexter’s medication after adoption. Based on his current medication costs, we have enough set aside to cover at least two years. If medication prices increase, those funds may not stretch quite as far.
Dexter's ideal home would be with a loving family who is ready for endless kisses and has a willingness to commit to his healthcare. He would do best in a home with a yard in a quieter residential area. Much to our surprise, Dexter has been waiting for his forever family for a very long time. This cuddle bug is ready and waiting to commit to a long-term relationship and would love nothing more than to spend his days snoozing at your side.
If you're interested in adopting Dexter, please apply at https://www.fetchandreleash.ca/adoption-info#adoption-form
Dexter's adoption fee has been generously sponsored. To learn more about our adoption process, please visit our FAQs at https://www.fetchandreleash.ca/about-us#about-faqs.
