Mutts Matter: Ozzie's Next Adventure

Meet Ozzie, a unique-looking pointer mix with a beautiful spotted brindle coat, a curly tail, and a winning smile. He’s about five years old and weighs 50 pounds, but could stand to lose a few after some extra snacking over the winter.

Ozzie is an affectionate and people-oriented dog who loves to be petted, and just wants a family to love. He’s been through a major life change over the past year and is due for some good news. 

Ozzie was adopted as a puppy by a great family, and lived with them until this past year. Then his mom got very sick and died of brain cancer, and his dad’s world turned upside down. His dad moved into an apartment, threw himself into work, and Ozzie started spending a lot of time alone.

He didn't do well being by himself; he was nervous in the apartment with nobody there, got very little exercise, and really missed the companionship of his family. Sadly, as Ozzie was mourning the loss of his mom, he lost his home and his dad too. Ozzie’s dad decided he was no longer able to properly care for him and decided to take him to the shelter.

Thankfully, a very loving and compassionate family stepped up to save Ozzie. Kelly and Andy were friends of Ozzie’s dad, and when they heard he was going to the shelter they knew they couldn't let that happen. They understood that Ozzie, too, was a victim of these tragic circumstances and deserved a chance at another loving home. Taking Ozzie in was not an easy decision, as they already had a full house with new twin babies, a rescue dog, and three kitties, but they selflessly decided to foster Ozzie and contacted Mutts Matter for help. 

Ozzie has settled in nicely with the whole family. He’s good with the kids, has found a buddy in Carmella, the family hound, and has learned to like the kitties, too. He occasionally chases them, but it’s all in good fun.

Andy describes Ozzie as very loyal and aware, following him everywhere and waiting for him to go to bed at night. "Even when I play with the kids in the play pen,” he said, “he’ll just sit outside of it, maybe five feet away.” Kelly and Andy try their best to do right by Ozzie, but they have their hands full and can’t give him all the time and attention he needs. He deserves his own family and we’re counting on our Patch readers to help.

When I met Ozzie, he greeted me warmly, didn't jump and gently took treats from my hand. Andy says when guests come over he’ll typically give a quick bark to let them know company has arrived, and then ends up laying quietly by their feet during the visit. He’s great with people, and loves human attention. If you give him belly rub, you’ll get to see his charming smile, but if you ignore him for too long, he’ll put his head in your lap to remind you to that he’s there and ready to be loved.

My husband and I took Ozzie for a walk along the Rock Creek Trail to get pictures for his Patch debut. He pulled on the leash at first.  He gets a little anxious when he sees other dogs but there was no aggression and by the end of the walk he was in the groove and walking close by my side.

Ozzie will need some practice with leash walking, and could use a few extra walks to get back to his natural svelte physique. He immediately calms down and relaxes when petted, and naturally wants to stay close to you. He’s already potty-trained and knows basic commands like sit and stay, and understands the rules of home life. 

Ozzie is a medium-energy level dog and needs an owner who will commit to daily walks and play time, to keep him healthy and balanced.  He would do best in a home where someone is around during the day or doesn't work long hours. It’s not that he can’t be left alone; he just deserves a little extra TLC right now. He’s good with cats and dogs, but would probably fit best with a more submissive, calm dog like Carmella.

To learn more about Ozzie, 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!