This is Dexter...

This is Dexter. Dexter is wearing the cone of shame because he ran into a fence and currently has a lot of stitches in his belly. Time will heal him though, he's already doing fantastically and doesn't seem to feel any pain at all. Our trouble comes when he wants to frolic on his walks and we can't let him (^_^).

Unfortunately, Dexter's parents don't want to keep him. They are divorced and I don't know if that's why they're getting rid of him or not. We barely managed to talk them out of putting him to sleep and after a difficult custody argument that we at the vet got drawn into, they decided to surrender him to us and put him up for adoption when he is healed. I still don't understand why Dexter's injury would trigger this in his family. He is healing nicely and while there will be some long-term care, it's not as if he has some terminal, or life-altering disease. They seemed to believe that keeping him quiet while he recovers will be unbearable for this active dog and would rather he just be put to sleep.

I, however, disagree and so I'm hoping to help find Dexter a new home where he can finish healing and live out the rest of his happy dog life.

I'm not going to lie though and say that this is a simple or perfect adoption situation. Yes, there will be long-term care for Dexter's injuries. On top of that, while listed as a great dane cross, you see that Dexter is actually a fair amount pit bull. Breed aside, though, I have found him to be one of the sweetest, calmest most accepting little buddies. He loves to run and swim, he loves his stuffed bunny and his stuffed goose, he loves a scritch on the head and he also loves to be babbied a little. I wouldn't be surprised if he was the kind of guy that would always share the couch with you during TV time, and even let you pick the channel.

I know it's long shot, but I'm trying to spread the word. Dexter will most likely stay with us until he is healed enough that the cone can come off, but there's no harm in reaching out now. If you know anyone who knows anyone, who knows anyone who is at all interested in adopting a dog like Dexter, let me know. He's 7 years old, in Toronto, and from what I've seen is good with other dogs and cats, but you'd have to talk to the old owners for more details.

Remember: don't buy from breeders! There are tons of lonely dogs and cats in shelters, rescues and at vets like ours, so if you're ever looking for a new family member, ADOPT!

Thanks,
-E