Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Hi, I'm Baxter.
The Guy Who Somehow Turned Being a Stray Into a Personality Trait.
Life has been a bit of an adventure so far. I was originally found as a stray in Kern County, California, and from there I started what can only be described as a very unnecessary road trip. I was transferred to Los Angeles, eventually made my way to Arizona, and finally landed with my foster family in Tucson. Nobody knows exactly what happened before I was rescued, but whatever my story was before, it clearly prepared me to handle change pretty well. Since arriving in rescue, I've settled into foster life like I've been doing it forever. I sailed through my neuter surgery, have shown no signs of any medical issues, and every day I become a little more convinced that the couch was invented specifically for me.
Equal Parts Athlete and Professional Cuddler
If you ask my foster family what I spend most of my time doing, the answer depends entirely on what time of day you ask. Some days I'm flying through the house at full speed with a toy in my mouth, launching myself over furniture like I'm auditioning for an action movie. Other times I'm completely convinced that my purpose in life is to be attached to a human at all times. I love to play, I love to wrestle with my toys, and I especially love anything that involves a game of fetch. Once I've burned through my energy, though, I'm perfectly happy to curl up next to my people and spend the rest of the evening supervising whatever they're doing.
A Man of Routine
One thing you'll quickly learn about me is that I take my schedule seriously. Every morning starts with a sprint outside to handle business, followed by an immediate return to the kitchen for breakfast. Once breakfast is secured, I head right back outside again just to make sure the yard is still there. It's an efficient system that I've spent a lot of time perfecting. I am also extremely food motivated, which means training me is pretty straightforward. The downside is that if you're taking too long to pour my breakfast, there's a good chance I'll try to assist. My foster family has accidentally poured kibble directly onto my head more than once because I insist on being involved in the process.
The Little Things That Make Me... Me
I have a few quirks that my foster family finds endlessly entertaining. For example, I absolutely love slippers, but only if they're attached to someone's foot. A slipper sitting on the floor is completely uninteresting. A slipper attached to a moving human suddenly becomes the greatest toy ever created. I also enjoy licking ears and toes, which apparently isn't something every dog does, although I personally think everyone is overreacting. Then there's my famous "froggy stance." If you scratch the middle of my ribs while I'm standing, my legs spread out and I strike a pose that has caused more laughter in my foster home than I care to admit. They've spent weeks trying to capture it on camera, and somehow every attempt has failed.
Sleep Is a Full-Body Experience
When bedtime rolls around, I become one of the least dignified creatures on the planet. Most dogs curl up in a nice neat little ball. I sleep completely upside down with all four legs pointing in different directions like someone assembled me without reading the instructions. It's not uncommon for my foster family to walk by and stop to make sure I'm actually alive because I look so ridiculously comfortable. The good news is that I sleep soundly and wake up ready to tackle another day of being adorable.
About Other Dogs
I get along with many dogs, but I also think honesty is important when you're looking for a forever family. I generally do best with dogs around my size who have easygoing personalities. Bigger dogs or dogs that are very assertive can sometimes create situations where I make less-than-stellar decisions. The best way my foster family describes it is that when another dog gives me a warning, I occasionally mistake it for the beginning of a conversation rather than the end of one. Because of that, I benefit from slow introductions, clear boundaries, and humans who are willing to help me continue building good habits. I'm not looking for conflict; sometimes I just need a little help reading the room. I need a leader and someone that will listen to the guidance of the rescue and my foster family. They do know me best!
Why I Think We'd Be Great Together
At the end of the day, I'm a young dog with a huge heart and an even bigger personality. I love people, I do great with kids, I'm potty trained, I listen well to my humans, and I genuinely enjoy being part of whatever is happening around me. I'm the kind of dog who will make you laugh when you least expect it, follow you from room to room just because I want to be near you, and then fall asleep upside down on your couch like I pay the mortgage.
My life started with a few detours, but I think I've finally reached the part of the story where I find my family. I'm looking for people who appreciate a dog with character, a little bit of sass, and a whole lot of love to give. If you're searching for a best friend who can keep you entertained, keep your lap warm, and occasionally remind you that slippers are never truly yours, I think we should meet.
Love,
Baxter
I am vaccinated, microchipped and neutered, currently I am being fostered in Tucson, AZ. You can apply for me at freedomfrenchierescue.org and my adoption donation fee is $1100.00.
