Otis

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SPECIAL MEDICAL:   Dog diagnosed w/ condition other than HW or parasites? (TrizEDTA 4oz / Baytril 100 mg/ml added) antimicrobial ear flush twice a week, and apoquel once daily for allergies. (Otis had constant rod bacteria infections for the first 6 weeks because of his neglect but have since cleared up. Had significant hair loss and skin infections on back half of body, including on both hind legs and tail, which have since resolved.) 
Diagnosis: ear infections (have since resolved)
Surgeries Recently?:   None 

Otis is one of those dogs who had it pretty bad in life before it got really, really good - he got very lucky one day when he decided to leave his yard and go to his neighbor’s porch - his neighbor took him in because she saw what terrible shape he was in - low body weight, obvious terribly ear infections and what looked to be mange. He hung around her yard all night. She decided to take him to the vet as she wasn’t sure who he belonged to and when she learned what tough shape he was in she decided she was going to care for him; another neighbor let her know who he belonged too so she approached him and let him know she was keeping him - he didn’t argue.

Otis has been staying in her home with her twin 6 year old boys since March and fit right in immediately. Otis adores the kids and the boys love Otis.  He’s interested in hanging around the house and backyard with them and with their neighbor’s 4-year-old daughter and her dog. He loves to hang out on the couch and occasionally sleeps on the extra bed in their bedroom and snuggles them on the couch sometimes. He is outside with the children in the yard for playtime. During snack time he will occasionally sneak under the table or hover near their chairs in the hopes that the kids will drop a few crumbs onto the floor or their seat, but he rarely attempts to get to the table directly. He has even ignored some forgotten few pieces of sliced apples from the kids’ breakfast while mom leaves the house

Dogs & Cats - Otis passed a temperament test in mid-March. At the temperament check he met two cats, an adult dog, and a rottweiler puppy, and was gentle with all of them. Otis plays nicely with dogs of all sizes and energy levelsHe loves to play tug of war.

He will happily chew on his Benebone and lay on a cushion outside while the kids chatter on with each other and the neighbor kids through the fence. He has fallen asleep on the couch snuggled up next to one of my kids, and frequently snuggles  with his foster parents after the kids go to bed.

Otis was not crated in his foster home for the first 12 weeks with them and he usually slept on the couch or on the king-size mattress on the floor of the kids’ bedroom near their bunk beds. They began crate training Memorial Day weekend, and it has been going very well. He has not attempted to escape the crate. 

Otis is alone a few hours at a time, usually less than 3, but occasionally more like 6 hours. Otis does great with being alone and has shown no separation anxiety. Mostly Otis just lays down if people aren’t around. We do not crate him when we are out, and he does not chew or destroy things unless we left them on the floor near his crate and he mistakes them for a new toy.

He walks well in a harness that he doesn’t love getting on at first but once on he is fine wearing it all day. He does not react to other dogs on leash or off leash except to say hello. If a dog barks at him he stays away from them. 

Otis is always excited to go outside so they are careful with doors so he doesn’t escape. Otis also sometimes tries to jump into cars of neighbors if they park and open their door as I am walking him on a leash and passing by their car. We are currently training Otis in “back up” process. Otis has never attempted to jump a fence.

Otis rides in a car without issue and is not crated; he’s not nervous and does not get carsick - he actually sometimes will even try to hitch a ride in the neighbor’s car if he sees them getting in to go somewhere, lol.   

His foster family wonders if he has sensitive hearing due to repeated ear infections as he seems to not enjoy loud noises such as crying children or screaming, motorcycles etc.  They think a home with a baby/toddler who may cry along would be upsetting for him and we should avoid that - also a house with kids screaming all the time.

He loves games - tug of war, keep away, and things like that.  He will let you take toys from him and does not resource guard them.  He’s not a jumper when you come home but he’s definitely happy to see you - he adores his time with his people. 

We think this guy sounds just amazing - talk about a Cinderella story…… wow! 

Name: Otis
Breed: Pit Bull Terrier
Sex: Male
Age: 5 years (estimated)
Weight: 69 lbs
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
Vaccinations: Up to date
Heartworm: Negative March 2022
Microchipped: Yes

BASED ON OUR OBSERVATIONS:
Good with Children: Yes
Good with Dogs: Yes
Good with Cats: Yes

Adoption Fee: $350  (includes transport fee when applicable)

Location of dog currently:  Memphis  TN 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - 

Paws New England is a foster-based rescue - our dogs reside in various locations throughout the south and New England.  

Adoption donations cover pre-adoption vet costs (including vaccinations, spay/neuter when age appropriate, and heartworm testing/treatment when necessary), a microchip, and transportation to New England if necessary.

Donations for our young, healthy puppies and dogs support their fellow canines of advanced age or suffering from injuries and abuse whose donations are reduced but whose veterinary costs are typically much higher. We appreciate your understanding that your newly adopted dog will help others in need.