My name is ~*~ POPEYE ~*~!

That's me, when I was a baby. Handsome devil, aren't I?

But now I'm a big boy. I'm about 1 year old at the beginning of this year and weigh almost 30 lbs.

I'm neutered, microchipped, heartworm tested negative, and current on shots. My breed is probably mixed with Formosan Mountain Dog, a breed indigenous to Taiwan, where I was born.

Typical to this breed, I'm highly intelligent if I do say so myself. I've been to training and know "down", "go to bed," "leave it," "wait," and "no."

I'm also very curious.

What is this strange creature?

He smells kinda funny.

I'm watchful too.

Those squirrels are up to no good. Wish we could join them.

I'm strong-willed and tenacious.

Feisty.

And I have a bit of devilish 'tude too.

(That's attitude for you unhip cats out there.)

Yet I can be sweet as well.

And sometimes even a little bashful.

I ride extremely well in the car, patient and quiet no matter how long or bumpy the trip.

(Between you & me, my foster mum's got no sense of direction.)

I'm very food-motivated.

I love to play tug.

I don't mind sharing. Once in a while.

I try not to make it a habit though.

I like to nibble on Phoebe's leg.

I'm not the only one.

I hate the vacuum cleaner. It's got a mind of its own.

I LOVE to be petted and massaged.

Feels so good.

Purrrrrr.

Wait.

Why'd you stop?

Ahhh. That's better.

They call me a Special Needs dog.

That means I especially need you to love me.

You see, I can't walk like most dogs.

My rear body is paralyzed and I've only got 2 front legs now.

But don't think a little thing like that is going to keep me down.

I go on walks.

On trails.

To the beach.

And the dog park.

I have lots of fans there.

I can still keep up with the pack.

And even outdistance the leader.

They may say I'm paralyzed, but I don't know what that means.

And I don't let it stop me.

Because what God left out from my legs,

He put in my heart.

I've got spirit.

Lots of it.

They say I wouldn't be alive today without it. When I was found, it was on the very harsh and cruel streets of Taiwan. I was only a tiny puppy, all by myself and unable to walk. Dogs bigger than me don't always make it, and they say it's a miracle I did. But it's because I'm s-p-u-n-k-y. That spells spunky, and that's me.

As far as caring for me goes, you have to be mindful of my stumps so they don't get cut or scratched. And because I am mostly paralyzed from the waist down, I don't have control over my bladder and bowels, so I need to be manually expressed, usually first thing in the morning, last thing at night and at least once about every 6 hours during the day. It's not difficult and I am very patient about it. My foster mum will show you how.

Now don't think that just because I'm cute

--oh so cute--

--really really cute--

and can't use my back legs means that I'm meek and submissive.

My foster mum says that if I was meek, my ears would look like this.

Instead, they're as opposite as can be.

I am Popeye, hear me roar.

But I'm mostly a good boy. I'm not destructive and even though I'm playful, I am calm around the house.

My foster mum says the only things you should be aware of are that I can be territorial with my food bowl. It's because I used to be so hungry all the time when I lived on the streets. I take treats with gentleness and am very good about waiting for my food, but once I'm eating, if you want me to stop, rather than reaching for my bowl while I'm eating, it's best to tell me to "leave it" first so I turn away, and then you can take away my bowl.

I also don't like to be disturbed when I'm very tired and trying to nap. When I was alone on the streets, I had to keep my defenses up even while I was sleeping in case anyone tried to mess with me. So it's best to perk me up first by showing me a treat.

I would do best in a home with an experienced guardian. One who will be a leader and isn't afraid to train and discipline me so that I remain a well-adjusted and happy boy. My foster mum says it would be very easy--and very harmful to my well-being--for someone to feel so sorry for me that they let me get away with unwanted behavior rather than teaching me authority and boundaries. She doesn't want that to happen to me.

After all, I'm a smart fellow and capable of learning just as much, if not more, than those guys who walk on all 4's.

I would prefer someone who doesn't work full time so that they can be proactive in my life. There is so much fun we can have together.

An environment without slippery floors is necessary since I only have 2 legs to balance on.

I think kids are fine but an adult-only home would be best.

I am currently being fostered in Antioch. If you are interested in adopting or fostering me,
please email your completed Adoption Application.
There is a $250 adoption fee, which will be held in trust and reimbursed to my new family for training or medical expenses.
I will come with my cart, stroller, harnesses and extra gear.

My foster mum will spend as much time as necessary with my new family to help them learn the ropes in caring for me, even though it's not that complicated. She would also like to be part of my support system in case you need someone to dogsit in the future.

It's true that I may need a little helping hand with some things, but my foster mum says I'm worth every second of it. I'm one in a million. I have a zest for life, an unbreakable spirit, and an amazing capacity to inspire everyone who crosses my path. And to keep things interesting, I'm a little ornery too.

Do you have room in your heart for a fellow like me?

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Can You Lend a Helping Paw?


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