My name is Hezly!

Name: Hezly
Nickname: Hezzo. Hesleyan University. Hezzo Bezzo. Leelee.
Breed: Havanese
Sex: Male
Age: ~ 1 year
Weight: 8.5 lbs.
Before OMD: OMDR took Hezly and 3 of his housemates into rescue when a local animal shelter impounded over 50 animals from a hoarding case. There were 23 matted, under-socialized dogs covered in urine and feces. Hezly, Suni, Simone, and Jordan have been with dedicated OMD foster families learning what it means to live in loving homes, “how to dog” and, of course, receiving their vet care.
Energy level: Slow-mow in public, medium-high at home.
Confidence level: Low in public, high in his home. Hezly is very unsure about the outside world – which isn’t surprising given his history and the likelihood he was never brought outside the first year of his life. His fear does not result in any aggression, but he will pancake, make himself small, and/or freeze.
What we love most: His innocent nature and his little attempts to try and be brave. His bunny hops. How he melts into you when you pick him up. How incredibly sweet he is.
What he loves most: Chewing. Bones. Hopping and running through the yard. Food. Playing with his foster (dog) brothers. Sleeping in bed with foster family.
What he doesn’t love: Coming inside when it’s a nice day outside!
What he knows: Not much tbh. He’s learning “how to dog” and be confident in the outside world.
Working on: Confidence. Independence/being alone – He absolutely wants to be right with his people when they are home and has a hard time (barking and crying) when they leave. His foster family is working with him on this, but he will do best with a family who is not consistently gone for long periods of time.
Kids: 8 years and up please! He has not shown any aggression to people, but fast-moving, loud kiddos will make him very nervous.
Dogs: Yes! Currently fostered with Suni, and another male small dog and is very playful. He will often bark initially at a new dog, and he does need to chew his bones and toys separately from other dogs.
Cats: Should be fine! He went nose-to-nose with a neighbor senior cat and had no reaction.
House-trained: He came into rescue completely not house-trained (again, unsurprising given his history) and he is making solid progress! He is certainly not 100% but he is getting there and will thrive with a family who has patience and can stick with routine.
Crate-trained: Yes. He is currently crated when home alone and he does protest, but settles down eventually (until he knows you’re back home and will then start his protests again!)

Hezly is neutered, vaccinated, heartworm negative, and microchipped. He is available for adoption to residents of CT and surrounding states. If you are interested in adopting, please complete an application from omdrescue.org.