Morty

Meet Morty, an 11 month Westie/’ ShihTzu cross. He’s a pint sized cuddly snowball. Morty weighs in just shy of 15 lbs. His small size is perfect for your lap, and that’s where he wants to be.

Morty was an unclaimed stray. He came in with a companion, so he would be a good fit with someone who has a dog that would like a young and playful friend. He has been fostered on his own and has flourished as a single dog as well.

Morty’s ideal home does not need to be lavish. He likes having a yard, but it’s not required. He does need someone who will take him out to explore all the world has to offer. He’s a curious dog who really benefits from exposure to new environments. Morty is a quiet dog. He will bark if he’s alerting you to a perceived danger, but he doesn’t continue after he sounds the initial alarm. Morty currently walks for about an hour/day (split up into 2-3 walks). He should be exercised mentally. Puzzle toys, sniffing, learning new skills, hanging out in new places- all of these help keep his mind satisfied.

Morty’s best trait is that he loves to cuddle. Upon arriving at his foster home his first task was to snug into each of the fosterers’ laps and look longingly at them for affection. Morty has had the opportunity to meet many new people while in his foster home, each of them have completely melted over his sweet demeanor.

Morty doesn’t have high needs for grooming. He sheds minimally. He can be trimmed for a more refined style, but it’s not essential. He does need regular brushing to keep his fur tangle free but it isn’t a tough job. He is compliant with nail trims and isn’t bothered by it. He will try to exit the bath, but it’s not panic. He simply thinks there are better things to do than hang out in the bath. Morty is fully house trained. He is currently crated for a few hours per day. He eats his meals in his crate. He prefers to be with his people so it’s important to continue utilizing the crate to maintain it as a safe space for him. He shows signs of anxiety if he is crated in a rush and then left- so this is something to keep in mind as he gains confidence in his security and surroundings. We’ve found that the trick is to tire him out a little before putting him in the crate, and then covering it. Morty is good in the car- again just giving him time to enter and relax a little before driving off. Morty is still gaining confidence, so a lot of these experiences are new, and we want to keep them positive.

Morty had a dog friend with him upon rescue, so he would be happy to have a companion in his new home. He has been fostered on his own, so it’s ok if he’s the only dog as well. Morty shows he has a prey drive around small animals on walks. He would like to chase squirrels and birds, and anything else he can find. He would be best in a home without cats.

Morty is gentle with people. He shows no aggression to adults or children. He would be best in a home with kids that are old enough to know how to respectfully interact with dogs (8+).

Morty hasn’t had any formal obedience training. So far the focus in the foster home has been to settle in and establish routines; with some training sprinkled in. He has been working on greeting people at the door. Morty loves his squeaky toys and bully sticks. He has proven himself to be primarily toy driven, though he doesn’t often pass up a treat either!

Morty has been neutered and is up to date on his shots. He has no health concerns. He does occasionally reverse-sneeze, which sounds concerning, but is harmless. His teeth are pearly white, but as he ages he will need dental care and cleaning. Morty doesn’t show any anxiety at the vet office, just curiosity.

Adopt Morty, the most affectionate dog you will ever meet!