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.
Hey, everyone! My name is Buddy and I’m a handsome and lovable 2-year-old Lab/Hound mix. I’m a young, active dog who loves to run and play, and I’m the undisputed champion of playing fetch. I have a football and basketball that I treasure, but any kind of playtime is good in my book. I’m also very affectionate and bond closely with my person, and will make someone a great companion for running or just hanging out on the couch.
My foster mom calls me a “guy’s dog” because I’m 65 pounds and love to play ball and wrestle, but the truth is she’s my favorite person in the world. She takes me on long walks, gives me yummy treats and belly rubs, and has had such a positive impact on my life.
Since I’ve been in her care, we’ve worked with a trainer to learn how to walk properly on leash and greet visitors who come to the house. I’ve learned to go to my special spot when someone comes to the door and, once I see my foster mom approves of them, I greet guests with joy and enthusiasm. Sometimes I still have a little too much enthusiasm and will jump up to see if they want to play with me, but I’m working on that.
Not only is my foster mom awesome, but I get along great with her son Yannick too. Since he’s been home from college, we’ve been going on morning runs and he’s been teaching me cool tricks. He gave me the basketball and football that I kick around the house, and we play soccer together. He takes me on play dates with his friends’ dogs to make sure I stay socialized, and we have a blast. Although I’m great with older kids, I’m not a good fit for families with smaller children who don’t understand boundaries. I’m a bigger pup and still have a lot of puppy energy and excitement, and could accidentally knock over a small child while we’re playing.
I’m already crate-trained, potty-trained, and know my basic commands, and my foster mom trusts me to have free roam of the house. I’ve learned to walk well on leash and am good when I see other dogs in my neighborhood. I’ll ignore most of them even if they bark at me. I fancy myself a hunting and tracking dog, and will follow the scent of rabbits, deer, and squirrels as I walk along the local trails. If I see a deer, I’ll check them out and move on, but squirrels and kitties are a different story. I will chase them if you let me, but will also listen to “no.”
Like all pups, I have a goofy side. I have a thing for slippers, but not shoes. I never destroy the slippers, but I do like to throw them in the air and then chase them. I also like to flop on my belly in the grass and crawl around like a soldier on patrol. I am a HUGE fan of popcorn, and as soon as I hear or smell some being made I get very excited, and will do just about anything for a buttery nugget. I love it so much that my family has used it for training over any other kind of treat.
I’m a sweet dog who needs an active, structured home and a family who will commit to my daily exercise, playtime, and training. I need an owner who will teach me boundaries and take charge so that I don’t have to.
I’d be good as an only dog or paired with a calmer, mature pup too. A fenced yard would be ideal, since my favorite thing to do is to chase balls in the back yard, but I also like to bask in the sun, play tug with my rope toys, and of course always enjoy a good bone chew. You should know that any and all squeaky toys will not survive for long under my care.
So that’s me in a nutshell. I’m a sweet, playful pup who needs a dedicated and active owner, and I promise to be the most loving and fun dog you’ve ever had.
If you are interested in opening your heart and home to a pup in need, please go to the Mutts Matter Adoption Page and fill out an application, or if you have questions, you can contact Suzanne at suzanne@muttsmatterrescue.
Photos via Mutts Matter Rescue
