Duncan

My story

Hi, I’m Duncan I’m 2.5 years old, a compact 17 pounds, and I came to Freedom Frenchie Rescue from San Diego Humane Society after surviving a pretty rough start to life. I was used as a bait dog and had several wounds all over my body when I arrived. The good news? I’m healing, my fur is finally growing back, and I’m learning that life doesn’t have to hurt anymore. My Heart & My Trust I’ll be honest — I came in with some trust issues (can you blame me?), but im not totally guarded. I learn fast, and once I feel safe, I’m all in. I do best when things are slow, gentle, and on my terms at first. When people respect that, I show them my soft side pretty quickly. Please do not approach me with your hand out, seriously I do not know why people do that with us dogs. Just let us approach you, some of us have been with hands. I love to snuggle, I love affection, and I’m discovering that humans can actually be really good. My Dog Friends I love friendly dogs who come at me calmly, especially the ladies. My best buddies are Tyke and Mochi — Mochi and I have nonstop UFC-style wrestling matches whenever we get the chance (don’t worry, it’s mutual and all in good fun). I recently went to my first dog park and did amazing. I let dogs check me out, stayed polite, and kept my cool. I am guarded, yes — but not aggressive. I’m just aware and ready to protect myself if needed. Big dogs aren’t really my vibe. I feel much more comfortable with dogs my size or just a little bigger. Medical scare: One morning I woke up and my neck was really swollen so Mo rushed me to the vet. She thought I had a mass like Vida and freaked out. My lymph nodes were swollen, so I had some soft food and some antibiotics and in a few days I was back to normal Learning the Way of the Land Anything new for me needs to start slow and easy. I need time to learn the rules, the routines, and the energy of a new space. That’s why the 3-3-3 Rule is a must for me. I need to learn the way of the land before I fully settle in — and when I do, I really settle in. Potty Training & Daily Life I’m doing really well with potty training and rarely have accidents. That said, during a transition into a new home, things like potty habits, eating, or behavior can temporarily change — that’s normal for dogs like me. With patience, structure, and consistency, I bounce back quickly. I take treats so gently you’ll barely feel my teeth, and I am very motivated by snacks (just saying). The Important Stuff I don’t love wearing clothes… but I’ll tolerate them for fashion moments if I have to. Snuggles though? Those I’m always down for. A Note From My Foster Mom (but still about me) I’m a really good guy — truly. I’m a lot like Tyke, and with time, I’ll fit in just about anywhere. Keeping me socialized and providing structure will be key to my success. Early on, I had some strange behaviors like going after feet outside — not biting, more mouthing , and trying to get your pants— and it’s believed that I may have been kicked a lot , which is why I go after the feet. I am not sure if I want a negative reaction or what.. Mo just ignores me, turns around and then I stop, once that happens I get all the love. That trauma shows up as guardedness sometimes, not aggression. And that guardedness? It’s fading. My Ideal Home I’m looking for a home that: • Understands decompression and the 3-3-3 Rule • Moves at my pace in the beginning • Provides structure, consistency, and continued socialization • Has dogs my size or slightly bigger (bonus points if they’re friendly females) • Believes progress matters more than perfection Final Word From Me I’ve survived a lot, but that doesn’t define me. I’m goofy, loving, resilient, and learning what it means to feel safe. Give me time, respect my boundaries, and I promise I’ll give you my whole heart. I have been neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. You can apply for me at freedomfrenchierescue.org, my adoption donation fee is $1100.00 I am being fostered in Mesa, AZ. Love, Duncan

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