Hi, guys! My name’s Kia and I’ve been waiting patiently to find my new family for a while now. I’m not sure what the holdup is, so I’m taking this time to introduce myself because I know they are out there. I’m still a young pup at only three years old, and I have a goofy, playful nature and am an active dog. I weigh about 60 pounds, and Mutts Matter thinks I’m a shepherd mix, though some folks have suggested I may have some rottweiler or hound in me too. I just know I’m a mutt and proud of it. I’m a handsome dog with a sturdy build, shiny coat, and a big, infectious smile.
My foster mom, Kelly, calls me a cuddle bug because I’m affectionate and always want to be next to her. I follow her from room to room, and if she lies down on the couch, I’m always right there beside her making sure she is safe and sound. I know how to love and protect my people because I had a loving family of my own once. Sadly, they fell on hard times and surrendered me to the local shelter in Winchester. As the shelter grew full and my time was almost up, a shelter volunteer who knew I was special took an interest in me, and called Mutts Matter to help. She didn't want my life to end just because my owners could no longer afford to care for me. I thank her every day for standing up for me, and giving me a second chance at life.
I’m what you’d call a dog’s dog; I love to play and socialize with my canine pals, and I’m a star at the dog park, greeting everyone with a welcoming smile and tail wag. I adapt to other dogs quickly and will even correct my foster pup sister, Goldie, when she starts to get a little too pushy with the small ones. It’s been great living with another dog and hanging out together, so I would really like to have a canine buddy in my new home. We share bones and toys, and I’m always respectful of her food. When I want to keep some toys all for myself, I have two hiding spots under the couch and the coffee table. I’ve even been known to grab a blanket to cover them up so Goldie can’t find them. Some may say I’m clever, but that just seems like common sense to me.
I’m treat motivated and eager to please, so I’ve already been crate-trained, potty-trained, and know basic commands like “sit,” “down,” “stay,” and “off.” My foster parents have been working with me on my manners, and I’ve learned to wait for my food and wait at the door for my foster mom to take the lead when we go out. I’m not perfect yet, and still have some issues to work through walking on a leash. I’m the best-behaved dog off leash, but on leash I can be protective and reactive, especially to large buses that drive by. I’m a country girl being fostered in a very urban part of town, and I’m still adjusting. When I get fixated on a bus, my foster parents will try to redirect my attention and make me sit to calm down. I’m improving, but still need some work. Living in a quiet neighborhood, having a fenced back yard, and trips to the dog park are all great options for me to socialize and get my exercise.
My foster mom describes me as a goofy dog who loves to wrestle and play. I enjoy playing tug of war with Goldie, and hanging on to the rope while my foster dad swings me around. I also LOVE to play fetch, so you’ll often find me at the dog park with a ball in my mouth raring to go. I have a silly side too, and when my dad howls like a hound dog, I’ll follow his lead and howl right back. I’m not really much of a barker, but when he starts yodeling, I can’t resist joining in. He’s part of my pack and I’m a team-player.
I would make a great co-pilot for an assertive, active owner who appreciates smart, athletic dogs and will commit to my exercise and training. I need leadership and take a little time to warm up to new things and people, but when properly introduced, I fit right in. A home with another dog and a fenced yard is ideal for me, and older kids that are dog-savvy are fine too. I’m a cool, active dog who is also affectionate and playful, and will be your most loyal companion.
To learn more about Kia, go to the Mutts Matter Adoption Page and fill out an application, or you can contact Suzanne at suzanne@muttsmatterrescue.com.
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