My name is Phoenix!

Phoenix is a 18 month old, male, neutered mixed breed dog. He’s a smaller guy, at around 45 lbs and he has a very shepherd appearance. He was found living with a homeless man who was unable to care for him so he came to us. Phoenix was found with severe damage to both hind limbs. His right hind limb was severed half way up and is now a stump. His left hind limb was severed across the foot and is now a usable paw-like stump with paw padding. We do not know what happened to him other than it was blunt force trauma at a very young age. Phoenix had surgery on both limbs to correct the damage and his disability does not slow him down as he gets around well by hopping back and forth between his hind legs. We have ordered a rear wheelchair for him so that he can go for runs and walks much more easily. Phoenix pretty much loves everyone he meets, dogs, cats, people, and his sweet spirit was not damaged by his accident. He has a heart bigger than most and he loves hard. He is one of the happiest dogs we have ever met and he has so much love to give a family. He is crate trained, house trained, UTD on vaccinations, microchipped, neutered and ready and willing to meet you!

Child appropriate? Children of any age would be fine except that Phoenix can be a bit mouthy when excited so small children would have to be watched to make sure he doesn’t mouth them and accidentally hurt them. He doesn’t mean any harm, he’s just overexcited and is learning to be better about mouthing.

Other dog appropriate? Yes! Phoenix loves other dogs! He has been around small and large dogs and seems to like everyone. He really enjoys playing with other dogs and seems to get a lot of pleasure out of teasing and annoying them! He would benefit from a playmate.

Cat appropriate? Phoenix lives with two kitties in his foster home and gets along great with them. He’d enjoy some feline company in his forever home!

How is he with strangers? Phoenix is great with strangers and greets everyone with excitement (and often a little pee!) and he especially appears to like men. He’s always very excited to meet anyone who will rub his belly.

What is his play style? Phoenix is medium energy when he plays. He’s a smaller dog and due to his disability, he often likes to roll over and bite on the dog but he will also play chase. He gets very excited and he might be a tad bit annoying to a really mellow dog who just wants to be left alone. He has a lot of puppy-like behavior still because he’s still young.

Does he like toys? Yes! He loves stuffies! He works very hard to tear them open and gut them and it’s pretty much the most fun thing ever! He likes chew toys as well and he’s happy anytime he gets a new toy.

Does he like water? He hasn't been around much water but he seems to enjoy the hose and enjoys bath time. He's probably not going to be an awesome water dog due to his disability, but he doesn't seem to mind it.

Does he like car rides? He loves car rides and rides very well. He's calm, no anxiety and pretty much loves being in the car because he's with his people!

Exercise level needed? Phoenix doesn’t need a lot of exercise but he does enjoy going for walks. Once his wheelchair arrives, it would help him to go for daily walks to keep his weight down. Being a smaller dog with a disability, and an over the top love of food, he does need some structured exercise to keep the pounds off! Other than that he enjoys playing in the yard or house.

Behavior issues? Phoenix does not have any known behavior issues. He’s a super sweetheart! He does have some puppy mouthing when he gets excited but that has lessened as he has aged.

Medical issues? We already mentioned his mobility issues and that is his main medical issues. He may need some follow up medical work on his stump if there is rubbing or chaffing but otherwise he is healthy. We do not think it is a medical issue but Phoenix is an excited pee-er and when people come to the home or any time he gets overexcited, he does pee a bit on the floor. He would likely do best in a home with non-carpeted floors. He does have belly bands he can wear that help so that is an easy fix as well.

Skills? Phoenix knows how to sit but he can learn more tricks if taught!

Special/endearing things? Phoenix is a super sweetheart. He is so loving and affectionate and adores being with people. He's happy all the time and he never has a bad day. For a dog whose start to life was hard, you'd never know it because he just embraces every day with happiness. He loves everyone he meets and there is no such thing as too much love for this boy. He is a heart stealer for sure. He's fun and silly and gets along with everyone. It's very hard not to love him once you know him.

Ideal home? Phoenix’s ideal home would be one who understands and appreciates a dog with mobility challenges. While he gets around fine, he’s not like a 4-legged dog and he does need some care to ensure he can easily move around. He needs someone patient to hook him up to his wheelchair and take him for walks and be willing to make accommodations should he need them. A home with tile or hardwood is ideal both for his mobility and for his pee accidents and a home with limited stairs would be ideal. Phoenix is a complete love so he really needs a home with people who will adore him and love him and help make up for his not-so-good start in life. He would love canine or feline friends to play with as well. He’s happy and well adjusted and loves to cuddle on the couch or bed. He’s a master snuggler so it would be great if he could find a home who allows him on the furniture because for Phoenix, there’s no such thing as too close!