Steve

My story

Steve -  3 months & 11 lbs (as of 2/13), Spaniel/Terrier Mix, NeuteredExpected full grown size 25lbs This puppy is eligible to join our foster-to-adopt program. Please email fostertoadopt@socialteesnyc.org with the animal’s name in the subject line if you are interested! Want to straight up adopt? Submit an adoption application at socialteesnyc.org. Our Team Says: "Steve must be placed in a home in the burbs or beyond. He needs a yard and another dog in the home. He's a nervous dude but a very sweet dog once he's comfortable."  Thier Foster Parent Says: "Steve (briefly known as Gatsby but now enthusiastically referred to as Henry David Thoreau) is a very good boy. He is incredibly sweet, affectionate, and smart (and ridiculously good looking). He is coming out of his shell and had been hiding a great personality that we all now get to enjoy. He has made tremendous progress in going from the house to the yard. He also no longer pees when you try to put a leash on him. We are currently working on his jumping on people when he greets them. He is very quickly learning to sit down during these moments (although sometimes his excitement gets the better of him). He is still a basket case when taken on leashed walks in the neighborhood (e.g., hyperventilates by breathing heavily). He is also extremely wary of men and will take time to accept them (he loves my dad). He will need to find a quite home in the suburbs with an enclosed yard and another dog - this is not negotiable. He has grown to love his foster siblings and plays very nicely with small dogs. He regressed a bit during a family bbq that we hosted. Of note is his adoration of children. However, he spent the entire time either hiding in a bush or sitting cautiously by my side. . We already love him and know that there's a loving home out there for him. I would recommend doing FTA to afford him the extra time to showcase his many great characteristics." Level of dog ownership experience needed:INTERMEDIATE: As an adult, this dog will need significant structure and plenty of daily exercise, training, and mental stimulation – 90 consecutive minutes of movement in the morning plus potty break walks and brain games throughout the day. The adopter must have relevant primary care experience with a similar breed, temperament, and/or energy level. (Primary care experience includes ownership, fostering, or dog sitting as an adult, not a dog you grew up with.) Relevant puppy care experience is a huge plus, but bare minimum the adopter must have TONS of time and patience. Raising a puppy can be a lot of fun, but it’s also  tremendous work. Puppies’ personalities and exercise/stimulation requirements change dramatically between now and when they’re a year old as their bodies and brains develop, so an active lifestyle and the ability to adapt to a pup’s evolving needs are a must. We strongly urge professional dog training with a rewards based trainer from the get go. Adults only or kids ages 8 and up – all puppies go through a mouthy, rambunctious phase and often accidentally hurt children when playing. PLEASE DO YOUR OWN BREED RESEARCH to make sure you have a better understanding of the kind of temperament and exercise requirements this dog may have as an adult. Energy levelMEDIUM: Very young puppies sleep and nap a lot, but their energy level skyrockets when they become teens (4 months to around a year). As an adult, this dog will need significant structure and plenty of daily exercise, training, and mental stimulation – 90 consecutive minutes of movement in the morning plus potty break walks and brain games throughout the day at a minimum. (This is regardless of dog size – many small breeds were designed for lots of activity and will exhibit unwanted behavior when they’re understimulated.)  Medical status:Healthy as far as we know. Up to date on their DHPP and Bordetella vaccines (for dogs under 4 months old, adopters will need to finish the DHPP vaccine series and administer the Rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age), spayed/neutered; microchipped; treated with dewormer upon How this dog ended up with Social Tees:Most of our dogs come via partner groups who help us save them from shelters where they are at risk of euthanasia in Tennessee or St. Thomas. There are very few spay/neuter resources there and many more animals in those areas than there are people to adopt them. Rescue groups like ours bring them to the northeast where the desire for pets like these allows us to save their lives.  PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee any breed mix, exact age, or full grown size (if the dog is under a year old). We do our best with very educated guesses though!  This animal is not at the Social Tees office, all are in foster homes. LEARN MORE ABOUT US: socialteesnyc.org and Instagram @socialteesnyc ##2301422##

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Steve, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.