Adoption Status: Accepting Adoption Interest
Gender: Male
Breed: Mini Poodle
Age: DOB: 08/2015
Weight: 23 lbs
Dog Friendly: Yes- needs another dog in the home
Cat Friendly: Unknown
Kid Friendly: Unknown
House Trained: Doing great!
History: Miles is a striking boy who needed a second chance and an escape from the breeding cycle. Miles was given a second chance at life thanks to the team rescue efforts of Coco’s Heart. He arrived extremely terrified and shut down after being used time and time again for breeding for 8 years. As a new foster, I wondered if I had gotten myself in over my head as I started reading about puppy mills. It became clear to me that fostering Miles meant a commitment for what I could do to help him transition into a whole new world, set him up for success, and learn what it’s like to be part of a family where he is loved for exactly who he is!
It has taken several months for Miles to even begin to heal and trust humans. He has no reason to with the life he lived. However, the growth he has made has been huge. The first several weeks brought me back to childhood days, when you desperately wanted to make a friend. I pulled out all the stops. My resident dogs watched in disbelief as I gave him the favorite fleece blanket. There were jealous stares when I placed him on the sunniest spot on the couch with the best window view. Beef liver treats, rotisserie chicken, and ground beef became household staples in attempt for him to inch closer to me, or at the very least, give a little tail wag. His list of “scary things” was very long. Walking on our laminate floors, being picked up, looking at him for too long, any sudden movements or noises were all triggers I was learning. It took him four months to accept a treat from my hand. Although he has proved the ability to learn, he will always have some quirks that make him Miles. And it will always be on his terms and at his pace.
Around the time of his neuter, his shaved down fur started growing into gorgeous, curly locks. He became more comfortable with touch because I was quite obsessed with this poodle fur; very new to me owning shepherds. There is no hiding the fact that he now enjoys ear scratches and a companion to cuddle next to and watch TV or read. He is extremely intelligent and is an expert at body language and learning routine. He has a silly little personality that is starting to emerge and makes me smile daily, and small moments I catch and celebrate in silence. That has been one of the most challenging, yet sweetest things about fostering Miles. When I see him trot around the yard with our resident dogs, practicing his morning stretch routine, or when his relaxed snores can be heard from the other room, it gives me hope of continued growth in his confidence and trust of humans.
Miles is 8 years young. I like to think that his life started when he arrived at Coco’s and not dwell on his past. He was not dealt the best cards at the beginning of his life, but there is much time left to make up for that. Miles teaches us that despite having past traumas, the ability to love and trust can still reside with enough unconditional love, patience, and above all, time. I have yet to hear a bark, howl, or wine from him. Maybe that’s just this proper gentleman’s manners, or perhaps he will have lots to say when he is ready. Only time will tell.
If you would like to learn more about Miles and if he could be a good fit in your home, I would be happy to provide further details. He is a very special boy who deserves the absolute best for the rest of his time. He also wanted me to pass along his wish list of a forever family:
- A friendly and confident dog in the home to learn from and provide comfort.
- Fenced in yard (He does not tolerate leashes or tie outs)
- Quiet home with no children and someone home often to let him out for potty and exercise breaks. A comfy spot on the couch to relax on for most of the day. (He is a great work from home buddy!)
- Someone who loves him for who he is, not what he can do for you. Miles is not a lap dog. He does not like being held. He has no idea what toys are for. He still will run from me on a daily basis, and yet, I can lay next to him on the couch and he will snuggle up to my shoulder.
- A family committed to continue his growth. It can be tragic and depressing, but every day there is a new development. It’s exceptionally rewarding but requires extreme patience.
Adoption Fee: $500 + tax
Adoption Status: Is this dog available? Submitting an application is the best first step to learning if a dog is still available. There is a chance this dog could have a pending adoption when your application is submitted, however our team will offer approved applicants to be put on a waiting list for that dog. Additionally, we can make recommendations on other dogs that may be a match. Pending adoptions do not mean the adoption is finalized. Why did we implement this change? We implemented this update because, unfortunately, dogs were pending for applicants for several weeks and then the applicant would change their mind. This happens more often with puppies, as applications are submitted impulsivly more often for them. Our process is great because it takes a little time, so impulsive decisions fade. However it was unfortunate for the dogs, and the foster homes, as then the process needed to be re-started. By securing a wait-list we are able to move forward more quickly if a pending adoption falls through. This is a new process for us, so your feedback along the way is helpful! Thank you for supporting rescue and adoption!
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