Teddy Roosevelt is now ready for adoption. This skittish little guy had a very rough start in life. See he spent the first year of his life living in a rabbit hutch, with another dog. Teddy had little to no human contact. Our rescue partners in Texas stepped in, and we immediately had to help this handsome man. When he first arrived, Teddy was extremely matted and the matts has enormous amounts of fecal matter ground into his fur. We immediately gave Teddy a bath, cleaned him up, and had him groomed. The next step was getting him to trust someone. To know that not all people are mean and cruel and would forget about him leaving him alone, untouched for months at a time. He needed to know that people can be gentle and kind. So slowly we began the work to rehabilitate Teddy. It’s been a process, and we feel that is it time for Teddy his forever-loving home.

Teddy is an 18 month shihtzu mix. What exactly he is mixed with we don’t know. But we do know he has the softest coat. Teddy is extremely timid around new people. We tell adopters that it usually takes a dog 2 weeks to settle into a new home. With Teddy Roosevelt, it will most likely take a month. He is very observant and will sit and watch what is happening in his surroundings. Teddy is a young playful dog. In his new home, there are some specific requirements. He does need a home with at least one other young playful dog. He also requires a fully fenced-in yard. He is not able to walk on a leash at this time and is considered a flight risk. Sorry, no electric, invisible or portable fences will be allowed for Teddy. A family with mill dog or fearful behaviors experience is preferred. Teddy is not ideal for a new dog owner. A quieter home with older kids (over 14) is best.

In his foster home, Teddy has not only learned to trust his mama, but he has also learned that the couch is soft and comfy. One of his favorite spots to lay is along the back of the couch while watching TV. Teddy has also learned the bed is a lot of fun, especially in the morning. He runs, jumps, and leaps all over his foster mom in the bed. He wakes her up with lots of kisses and even some nibbles on her hands. His favorite thing to do is to run in the backyard and chase his foster siblings. He has learned that chasing squirrels is a ton of fun. And now he even barks at them! It brings his foster mama such joy to watch him sprint through the yard and leap off the deck.

His transformation has been amazing. From a dog that froze there or ran away from people, to a happy-go-lucky dog racing around the yard.  Now keep in mind, that Teddy will not be like this in his new home immediately. It will take him time, but he will get there. Teddy is still working on his house training. He’s doing pretty well. He knows what to do when he goes outside. So as long as you let him out regularly, Teddy will do well. Again, accidents will happen as he adjusts. His foster mama does not crate Teddy at this time. He spent enough time locked up and she does not want that again for him. She typically leaves him gated in the kitchen when she is out for the day.  Teddy loves to cuddle with the other dogs in his foster home as well. Sometimes he will climb into the smallest of dog beds with 2 other dogs in his home. He just gets right in there and settles in for a good nap. A dog that does not mind sharing space is a must. At night he does sleep in his foster mama's bed. He is usually pressed up against her or rests his head on her belly. He does very well in the car, but when traveling he should be in a crate, with a leash attached. As soon as you open that crate, Teddy will try to get out. You always have to be diligent to keep him safe.

He’s a sweet little guy with so much potential, but this may also be who he is. He likes his person, is comfortable with her, and that’s about it. A real homebody. Teddy Roosevelt will not be an instant match with anyone. His family needs to understand that. If you think you will give Teddy the time he needs, and the love he deserves, make sure you apply today. You won’t be sorry! 

Teddy is neutered, up to date with vaccines, microchipped, flea/worm treated and tested neg. for heartworm.  His adoption fee is $450