Pops

Pops aka Peanut is a Shiba Inu/Terrier mix of about 10-12 years old. As his photos show, Pops is a hefty boy. His former life included too much human food and he packed on the pounds. He has lost a lot of weight but still needs to lose about 5-6 pounds to get at his ideal weight of 25 pounds.

Despite his age Pops is quite active, adventurous and LOVES walks. He is ready to go whenever his person is! That, with a good diet is how he has lost weight and continues his weight loss journey. Pops would thrive in a moderately active all adult household, especially one with a big, fenced yard where he can run and explore.

Pops likes to ‘talk’ and often lets you know when he is excited to do something. He gets SO excited if he thinks he is going on a walk! He can be stubborn at times and suddenly develop a case of ‘selective hearing’. He has a strong prey drive. Pops is very sensitive to touch and certain objects, but we aren’t sure why. He does not like to be picked up or handled much and will growl and attempt to bite if his warning growl is ignored. For this reason, he will not be placed in a home with children of any age. Pops may act ‘tough’, but underneath that ‘tough guy’ exterior, is a playful, loyal dog that just wants to be loved! The more comfortable and secure he feels the more playful Pops becomes. He plays a bit rough and tends to mouth a lot when playing. He enjoys belly rubs on his robust tummy! He lives with a smaller Pom mix and enjoys his company. He is said to be good with cats as well.

Pops is excellent in the home and will often whine to let you know he has to go outside for potty time. When the adventures of the day are done, Pops likes to find a quiet place to sleep away the night, either in his crate or on his big, soft bed.

Medically, Pops is in pretty good shape. At a recent veterinarian visit he weighed 30.2 pounds. He has luxating patellas in his back legs, causing one leg to turn inward. He walks a bit off, but it doesn’t slow him down much. Losing an additional 5 pounds or so will help a lot to reduce stress on his knees. Pops has his own stairs to get in and out of vehicles. His heart and lungs are clear. He is Heartworm negative, but did test positive for Lyme and is taking antibiotics for it. It was also learned that he may have hypothyroidism and will be re-tested to determine what medication, if any, is needed. Hypothyroidism may be a factor in his obesity. Pops is neutered and microchipped.

Pops is looking for that special family who understands love doesn’t always happen overnight. He may need extra patience, but if a family is willing to let him progress at his own pace, the bond formed will be something truly special.

Happy Days Dog and Cat Rescue microchips all dogs and cats before adoption. Microchips are implanted between the shoulder blades and are another form of identification should the animal get lost. The microchips are registered to Happy Days Dog and Cat Rescue. The microchip is transferred to the adopter once the adoption is complete. The adopter is responsible for a one-time $15 microchip enrollment fee. Microchips are enrolled with AKC Reunite. Dogs and Cats still need to have collar with tags should they get lost.