Mike

My story

HI. I’M MIKE. One of the 11 strangers recently welcomed freedom squad from a breeder release. There are a lot of new faces joining the crew… and I’m one of them. A Stranger No More Joining the cast at 1.5 years old and about 28lbs, getting paid to be a wiggle worm! I’m one of the newest members of the freedom squad stranger crew. I came from a breeder release, which means the big world is still a little… well… big to me. Everything is new. Toys are new. Parks are new. Cuddles are new. Attention is very new. But let me tell you something — I am loving it. I’m figuring out this whole “being a dog with a family” thing one day at a time, and every day I get a little braver. My Daily Routine (I’m a Good Eater!) I’ve got a healthy appetite and my foster mom says that’s a good thing. Breakfast and dinner for me are simple and delicious: one cup of kibble with a scoop of cottage cheese, served twice a day. I take my meals very seriously. Every morning I go outside first thing, and when I do my business like a good boy, I get a treat. I’m learning quickly that good decisions equal snacks, and honestly that’s a system I fully support. The Potty Training Situation So here’s the deal… I’m still working on my house manners. Sometimes I try to mark things inside. My foster mom says it’s a “boy dog thing,” but the good news is that since my recent neuter surgery, it has already started to slow down a lot. She’s been using a spray deterrent on furniture and keeping a good routine, which is really helping me understand the rules. I’m a smart guy, I just need consistency, patience, and a little guidance. So belly bands might come in handy for a little bit until I figure your life out and you figure mine out! The Wiggle Worm When I get excited, my whole body goes into full wiggle mode. My booty shakes, my hips sway, and it basically turns into a tiny bulldog dance party. My foster mom says I can sway those hips like there is no tomorrow, and honestly I think she might be right. My Little Rascal Side Okay… full disclosure. I do have a bit of a rascal side. I love chewing on things, especially plastic items like phone cords, remote controls, or anything else that looks interesting and is within reach. If it catches my eye, there is a good chance I might test it with my teeth. So if you adopt me, just remember one simple rule: keep your things picked up. Not because I’m bad… but because I’m curious. Very curious. My Foster Sister (And Why I Need a Dog Friend) Right now I live with a 5-year-old female Frenchie, and she’s basically my life coach. I watch everything she does — how she plays, how she eats, and how she lives her best Frenchie life. I’m very respectful of her, especially when it comes to food. I don’t show any resource guarding and tend to be submissive around her. Because of that, the rescue believes I would do best in a home with another dog, preferably a female companion who can help continue teaching me the ropes. I’m definitely a pack dog and I like having a buddy around. Adventures (The Big World is Still Big) My foster mom takes me on short walks to the park, and I’m learning how to use a leash. At first I was very shy and timid, and I might still be that way when I arrive in a new home until I get comfortable. Building confidence doesn’t happen overnight. These things take time, structure, and guidance. One time I tried to sneak out the front door, but I ran right back inside. Turns out the big world might be a little scary after all. Toys Are AMAZING When I first arrived, I didn’t really understand toys. I had no idea what they were or what you were supposed to do with them. But once I figured it out… game on. Now I love toys and I’m even learning how to play fetch. Discovering toys might be one of the most exciting parts of my new life. Learning to Cuddle Cuddling with humans is another new skill I’m working on. Sometimes I lay close to my foster sister, but we’re not quite professional snugglers yet. Humans though? I’m starting to realize they’re actually pretty great to cuddle with. Turns out affection is pretty awesome. My Medical Update I recently had my neuter surgery and I’m recovering really well. I also have another vet appointment scheduled to repeat a heartworm test, because the first one showed a faint possible positive. The rescue is being extra careful and making sure everything is perfect before I head off to my forever home. My Perfect Home My ideal home would have another friendly dog, preferably a female companion, patient humans who understand that I’m still learning about the world, and plenty of toys. I may be a little unsure at first, but once I feel safe my goofy, loving personality really starts to shine. And of course, it helps if you appreciate a good booty wiggle. From Breeder Dog to Freedom Squad Not that long ago I didn’t know toys, parks, or cuddles. Now I’m learning what it means to be part of the freedom squad family. The next step is finding my forever pack… and maybe that’s you. Mike is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, his adoption donation fee is $1250.00. He is being fostered in Gilbert, AZ and you can apply for him at freedomfrenchierescue.org *Please Note: All learning and guidance must continue in their new home. A dog’s behavior can change with a new environment and energy, and every family’s dynamic is different. What works or is allowed in one foster home may not be the same in yours, so consistency, patience, and continued training are key to their success.

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