Meet Rowdy

At just 9 weeks old, Rowdy has enough confidence and personality for a dog three times his size. He is fearless, playful, curious, and completely unaware that he is usually the smallest dog in the room. He wants to be right in the middle of whatever is happening, whether that's playing with the big dogs, following his people around, or finding something he probably wasn't supposed to take outside.

Rowdy came into the shelter alone after being dropped off by a "Good Samaritan." We don't know anything more about how he ended up there, but we do know that being alone isn't part of the plan for him anymore.

The Promise We Made to Rowdy

We promised Rowdy he would never be left alone again. From here forward, he gets people who show up for him, a family to belong to, and all the love and adventure that should come with being a puppy.

At a Glance

Energy: High

Training: Working on potty training, knows "kennel," and is doing really well with "sit."

Dog Friendly: Yes

People Friendly: Yes

Kid Friendly: Yes

Cat Friendly: Rowdy currently chases the resident cat. Because he's so young and we don't know how that may develop as he matures, a cat free home or one with a very dog savvy cat and experienced owner would likely be the best fit.

Personality

Rowdy is a confident, fun loving little character who approaches just about everything with enthusiasm. He's full speed ahead when he's awake and tends to go straight from play mode to sleep mode without much in between. He loves being around people and wants to be included in whatever they're doing.

He's also very much a 9 week old puppy and currently uses his mouth to explore and interact with the world. Those little puppy teeth can pinch, so his future family will need to keep redirecting him toward appropriate toys while he learns better manners. Once he's finally worn himself out, he's more than happy to crash near his people for a power nap before starting all over again.

In the Home

Rowdy is currently living in a busy foster home with two adults, four adult pit bulls, and a cat. He does well with a structured daily routine and set mealtimes while he works on potty training. When his foster family is home, the dog door is open, and Rowdy figured out how to use it on his very first day. By day two, he had already figured out how to launch himself onto the bed and couch so he could snuggle.

He's also doing great with his kennel. He sleeps soundly in his own kennel overnight with limited accidents and can handle up to six hours of crate time three days a week when his foster parents are busy.

Rowdy does have one habit worth mentioning. He's a thief. Plastic pitchers, mop heads, slippers, and other random treasures have a funny way of disappearing from the house and turning up outside. Apparently, Rowdy has appointed himself in charge of relocating household items.

With Other Dogs

Rowdy loves other dogs and has absolutely no concept of his own size. Being raised around four adult pit bulls has apparently convinced him that he's one of them, and he enthusiastically throws himself into playtime with the big dogs. He loves to mouth wrestle, tackle, and join the pack for a high speed game of chase around the yard.

He's still learning how to read when another dog has had enough. Sometimes he'll keep trying to restart the fun after they've told him playtime is over, so tolerant adult dogs who can appropriately help teach him boundaries are a good match for where he is right now.

With People

Rowdy is a big time people lover who wants to be part of whatever his humans are doing. Whether he's charging around playing or completely passed out after wearing himself down, he likes having his people close.

With Kids

Rowdy has had good experiences with the children he's met. He was unfazed being carried around by a 9 year old and also did well meeting a toddler. He didn't jump up on the toddler, although his usual puppy desire to use his mouth was still there. At this age, he doesn't seem to view kids much differently than adults. They're simply more people to hang out with.

With Cats and Small Animals

Rowdy currently lives with a cat and chases him. From what his foster has observed, the behavior appears playful rather than driven by prey, almost as if Rowdy thinks the cat is another puppy he should be allowed to annoy.

Because Rowdy is only 9 weeks old, we can't predict how his interest in cats may change as he matures. A cat free home would be the safest option, although an experienced home with a very dog savvy cat may also be considered.

Training & Care

Rowdy is working on potty training and already has a good start on some basic skills. He knows that "kennel" means it's time to head into his crate for a treat, and he's doing really well learning "sit."

He still has plenty of puppy learning ahead of him. Continued structure, training, redirection for his mouthiness, and appropriate outlets for his energy will all be important as he grows.

Ideal Home

Rowdy would love an active home where he gets to be right in the middle of everyday life. He enjoys being outside, playing with other dogs, spending time with people, and having plenty to do.

He's a confident, busy puppy who will need a family ready to put the time into raising him while also appreciating just how much fun he brings along with him.

A Note from the Foster

Rowdy is a total character. Between confidently playing with dogs many times his size, figuring out the dog door within a day, finding new ways onto the furniture, and carrying random household objects outside, there's rarely a dull moment with him around.

Promise Pup Highlight

Rowdy's personality gets plenty of attention, but his coloring deserves some too. He has a soft, light brown fawn coat with gray brindle striping that looks almost like tiger stripes in person, finished off with little white accents on the tips of his toes.

The Promise Moving Forward

We promised Rowdy that he would never be left alone again. Now we're looking for a forever family with an adventurous spirit as big as his, one that's ready to give him the love, structure, fun, and commitment he needs as he grows up.

We'll keep that promise until the day he finally goes home.