Hey guys, I’m back! Actually, I never left, and I am still available and waiting for my new family. I was so excited after my Patch debut, but unfortunately the right fit did not come along for me. I’ve been studying and working hard on my training, so I have some new skills and update to share. Read on!
Just to recap…My name is Hippo. I know that’s a funny name for a dog, but my foster mom named me after the kid’s game, Hungry Hungry Hippos, because no matter how hard I try, I just can't get those last darn bits of kibble out of the bowl! I make her laugh, and really lucked out getting such a great foster family. My original owner was going to surrender me on Christmas Eve when I was only four months old. Thankfully, he posted my photo on Facebook and my foster family stepped up to take me in. I’m so thankful I didn’t have to experience the hard life of a shelter so young; I know I’m one of the lucky ones.
Not only am I lucky but I’m a handsome pup too, with a gorgeous, shiny black-and-white coat and a great big smile. Mutts Matter thinks I may be a Terrier-Border Collie mix, which would explain my higher energy level and smarts. I’m only nine months old and weigh about 45 pounds, and I have plenty of puppy energy and enthusiasm to share with my new family.
Like all puppies, I’m a work in progress. I’m already potty-trained and crate-trained, but I’m still learning my manners and do like to jump up on people when I greet them... I just want to show how happy I am to see them, but I’m learning to tone it down. My foster family has me working with a trainer on obedience skills and I already know sit, down, stay, and wait – my foster dad can put food in front of me, even right on my arm, and I won’t touch it until he says it’s ok and releases me. I’m now able to sit and stay when somebody leaves the room or goes to a different floor of the house, waiting patiently on command until they return. I’m a very smart pup and learn quickly.
I’ve been working on my leash walking and am pretty solid on that front now. I can still get a little excited when I see other dogs that I want to introduce myself to, but I’m improving. I really like other dogs, but my energy level can be a bit too much for some of them. I’m not aggressive at all; I’m just an excited puppy who wants to play with them. I get along great with my foster pup sister, Liddy, and would play with her all day if my parents would let me.
Now on to my favorite things: Toys! I love them all – plush toys, pull toys, bones, Kongs, balls – you name it and I’ll play with it. My newest favorite activity is chasing my two Kongs in the backyard. I can totally entertain myself and will drop one to chase the other. My foster parents love this new development and enjoy watching me run around in the back yard with glee.
I also enjoy running with my foster mom or going on long walks with my foster dad, and playing fetch is a MUST. Basically, I love to play, lie in the sun on our back deck, and get rubs. In fact, when I crawl up on the couch at night to cuddle with my foster mom, my favorite thing is a good scratching on my rump. Don’t judge me for this.
I know I’m super cute, but I’m also a serious commitment. The key to me settling into my new home is an active and patient family that is committed to my development and to getting me the exercise and stimulation I need to stay healthy and balanced. I’d make a great running partner and, frankly, I’m one of the smarter pups you’ll meet. If my new family invests some time to continue my training, I have enormous potential.
Do you have room in your heart and home for me?
To learn more about me, go to the Mutts Matter Adoption Page and fill out an application, or you can contact my friend Suzanne at suzanne@muttsmatterrescue.com
Follow Mutts Matter on Facebook to learn more about us and see new pups coming into the rescue!
