Chance (20260917-08)

My story

Chance is a sweet, soft-spoken boy who has spent essentially his entire life in a shelter. He was found alone on the beach and brought to the shelter as a tiny puppy in April 2025, weighing just 4 pounds. Since then, the shelter has been the only world he has ever known. Recently, one of our volunteers noticed something heartbreaking. Chance had been alone in his enclosure, pacing in circles day after day. That pacing wasn't Chance trying to get exercise. It was his body responding to the stress of living in a shelter for so long-surrounded by noise, uncertainty, and loneliness, with no understanding of why he was there or when he would ever leave. Chance is a shy boy who needs someone willing to help him learn that humans can be trusted. But underneath his fear is an incredibly gentle soul. With a calm and patient approach, Chance is beginning to make progress. He is learning to take treats from people and is slowly becoming brave enough to move a little closer. These may seem like small steps, but for Chance, they are huge. He doesn't need someone to rush him. He needs someone who will give him time, patience, and the security he has never had. He needs the chance to discover what a quiet home, a soft couch, and a person who loves him feels like. We also believe Chance could benefit tremendously from having a very friendly, confident dog in his new home. A canine companion could help show Chance that the world isn't so scary and give him a little extra confidence as he learns how to be a dog outside of the shelter. Chance has spent over a year waiting. He has never known the simple comforts of home life. He has never had the opportunity to wake up knowing that today is another safe day with his family. He is gentle. He is trying. And he is ready for someone to give him the time and patience he needs to finally feel safe. Chance deserves the opportunity to leave shelter life behind and discover the life he has been waiting for. Crate size recommended: large Good with men: Slow to warm up Good with women: Slow to warm up Good with kids: Untested, but we believe that younger kids may spook him, so a home with older children would be ideal Good with other dogs: Yes Good with cats: Untested, but a cat test can be arranged House trained: Not yet Crate trained: Not yet; lives in an enclosure at the shelter Energy level: Low-mediun Can be handled/touched: Yes, once he trusts you Barker: No Flight risk: Yes Food aggressive: Unknown, but dogs should always be fed separately as a precaution Walks on leash: In progress Leash reactive to people or dogs: Unknown Rides well in car: Unknown Destructive: No Needs a home with a yard: If possible Needs a home with another dog: Yes Can live in an apartment: No, not recommended with his shy personality Please visit our website niagaradogrescue.com to learn more about this amazing pet and to see other available dogs.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Chance (20260917-08), please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.