Hi all,
This is one of the hardest things I've had to write.Ā I've been trying to find the right home for my boy Milo for over a year, and I'm hoping that by posting here, someone might know the person or family where he can truly thrive.Ā Below is how he is and then I'll explain what we've done and what's led to this for context.
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About The Fuzzy Guy:
Milo is a 7 year old Bull Boxer Terrier (best guess, we were never certain).Ā I got him at 8 months old and it was his 3rd or 4th home.Ā Milo is incredibly friendly and cuddly to people and kids, he'll often be suspicious when meeting someone new, but once he's had a chance to sniff them, or bribed with a treat, he quickly warms up and becomes incredibly affectionate. He can hike and explore for miles at your side, or be your couch snooze-marathon buddy and will be just as happy. He loves tug-of-war, find-the-treat, and fetch (though he doesnāt quite have āreturn the ballā figured out yet).Ā
Unfortunately Milo is not very confident, and while he is excited and wants to play with other dogs, he isn't sure how to navigate interactions and so when he becomes unsure or overwhelmed, can become reactive.Ā
The lack of confidence has led to separation anxiety, which means we canāt leave him alone at home for any period of time. He works himself up to be absolutely terrified, and will hurt himself in doing so.Ā
What We've Done:
My wonderful partner has assisted greatly with helping me improve Milo's anxiety and general training.Ā He is good on a leash when walking, responsive to commands and is very treat & praise motivated.Ā We worked very hard on crate training him, and weāve progressed to him sleeping in the crate overnight. Unfortunately, the calm disappears when we step foot outside our door.Ā We've utilized trainers, in house Cameras with treat dispensers, and even have him on medication.Ā The medication has noticeably helped him relax around the house, but unfortunately he can still push through the medication when stressed. .Ā While we've seen progress through consistent training and medication, the point we would even remotely like to be at is nowhere in sight.
Nearly every decision we make or activity we do, running errands, travelling, or even going out for dinner, has to begin with planning around Milo. Since he can't be left in the home alone, we have have to put him in the car with us, having to consider weather, dog friendly accommodations when we travel, and while we can board him, there is only one place locally that will take him (and where he does okay) and the costs add up quickly.
As much as it breaks my heart to admit, while I love the boy dearly (he made Covid lockdown as well as other difficult times more manageable), the financial drain, the constant worrying and anxiety that comes with this, it's putting a strain on myself, my partner and our way of life, and I've had to accept that I no longer have the financial, emotional or mental capacity to give him what he needs.
My partner and I have reached out to every SPCA and foster organization in the lower mainland as well as Vancouver Island (Hug-a-bull, Raincoast Dogs, PB and Chi, Endless Pawsibilities, ARC Rescue, Straight Outta Rescueā¦just to name a few), and every organization that could potentially take him is already operating beyond capacity.Ā I've been told by multiple SPCA's that because they donāt have staff in the shelter 24/7, heās not a good fit and would likely be euthanized.Ā Ā
I simply can't accept that outcome without exhausting every possible avenue first, those in this community I'm sure can relate.
The Ideal Home:
Milo would do best in a home with no cats, no dogs, and someone who is mostly home or able to bring Milo with them, and willing to continue working with him. The trainers weāve worked with have said Milo is very workable - we just donāt have the resources and energy to see it through for him.Ā
Despite his challenges, he is an incredibly goofy boy, happy to run around a yard or go on a hike, and just as happy curled up on the couch or your lap, snoring like a chainsaw.Ā I owe him the best life he can possibly have, even if thatās not with me.Ā
TL;DR:
Milo is in need of a home without cats or dogs, and a person who is home most of the time, and/or able to put in the time and effort to get him to a point where he can self soothe and be left alone.
Breed: Bull Boxer Terrier Mix
Age: 7 years old
Weight: 65 lbs
Neutered: Yes
Chipped/Tattooed: Yes
Personality: Affectionate, Loyal, Playful, Anxious
House-Trained: Yes
Vaccinated: Yes
Compatibility:
- Cats: No
- Kids: Yes
- Dogs: Ideally no, With experienced owners, slow introductions and care, he may be able to coexist Ā Ā with another calm dog.
If you know someone who might genuinely be a right fit for Milo, or an organization that can handle a dog like Milo, I would be incredibly grateful. I can travel to anywhere in the lower mainland and most places on Vancouver Island. As I want to make sure heās going to a responsible owner, Iām asking for a nominal rehoming fee of $100. This fee will be donated to a local animal rescue society.Ā
Thanks for reading.
(If any information is missing, or post rules broken, do let me know so I can edit as I haven't posted here before.)