This biweekly column is written by Suzanne Lawter, Director of Community Outreach for Mutts Matter Rescue, a local nonprofit, all-volunteer dog rescue. Mutts Matter is a network of volunteers who love animals and want to make a difference by helping forgotten and discarded dogs find loving families. Since our founding in 2010, we have successfully rescued and placed more than 1,400 dogs in the local Washington Metropolitan area.
Introducing the fabulous Doug, a.k.a. Dougie. Dougie is a handsome American Staffordshire Terrier mix who has a unique brindle coat with golden undertones, pretty hazel eyes, and a big bully smile that will melt your heart. He weighs a solid 68 pounds and is only about 3 years old, which is the perfect age: old enough to be calm and out of puppy stage, but young enough to be active and make a great hiking buddy. Dougie is a sweet dog who is devoted to his people, and will make someone a great companion.
Mutts Matter learned about Dougie from one of our veterinary partners. He was a star patient and a staff favorite who had been coming to them regularly since he was a puppy. Dougie was with his original owner for almost two years before he was turned into a local shelter (with his pup sister) because his owner was moving.
The news of his surrender came as a shock to all those who knew the family because Dougie’s owner was dedicated to him and spent a lot of time and money on training and vet care. It just didn’t make sense. The vet staff knew they had to do something to save him, so they called Mutts Matter to help. Dougie was lucky to have these guardian angels looking out for him, but unfortunately we didn’t find out in time to save his sister.
Sadly, dogs like Dougie who are considered one of the “bully breeds.” The American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or Staffordshire Bull Terrier are often overlooked by adopters because of the unfounded stigma placed on them. These dogs are also targeted by local governments with ineffective and misguided breed-specific legislation, and are by far the most euthanized breeds in our shelters. A study by the organization Animal People reports a staggering 93 percent euthanasia rate for Pit Bulls, and finds only a 1 in 600 chance that a bully breed in a shelter will find a forever home.
Dougie is one of the fortunate survivors. He’s been in foster care for almost a year now and has been patiently waiting for the right adopter to see him and realize what a wonderful, sweet dog he is. His foster mom, Vicki, describes him as “a lovable goof who thinks he’s a lap dog. He likes to cuddle on the couch and always wants to be by our side.” He’s currently living in a condo in Alexandria and has made special friends with a little Chihuahua in his building who bosses him around. It’s hysterical to watch this big bully pup being led by a tiny Chi’, but Dougie falls right into line.
Like all big, strong dogs, Dougie needs a confident owner who can handle and lead him, and will be committed to his daily exercise, playtime, and continued socialization. He is always up for a new adventure, and likes to go on car rides and daily walks, and would make an excellent sidekick for outdoor activities. He’s good on the leash, and will only pull on occasion if he sees a squirrel, but also responds well to correction. He loves to play, and you can see the joy on his face as he runs and chases his ball or toy.
Dougie will be fine with or without another dog in the home. He’s pretty social with other dogs, but because he’s a little rough and tumble, he would fit best with a larger, confident dog who has a similar style of play. He’s not the best fit for a family with young kids who may not understand boundaries, and could be easily knocked over by a big, playful dog. He’s a smart pup and knows several commands, and has been taught to sit and wait for food, and sit at the door before going out. He’s very treat-motivated and wants to please, so he’ll do great with all kinds of training.
We are committed to Dougie for the long term, but he really needs a family who will love him as their own. Awesome dogs like Dougie are overlooked every day just because of their breed, but he’s a great pup who deserves a second chance, like any other rescue pup we save.
To learn more about Dougie, go to the Mutts Matter Adoption Page and fill out an application, or you can contact Suzanne at suzanne@muttsmatterrescue.com.
Follow Mutts Matter on Facebook to learn more about us and see new pups coming into the rescue!
