Background Info:

Stumbo first came to our program in 2018. He had a rough life before MPR, chained-up outside, starving, at the mercy of the elements, infested with parasites, unloved, etc. Basically, the poor dog lived a life no one deserves. He thought he had it made when he found a loving home a few months later, only to be surrendered back to us recently when his owners moved. He's been taking the loss of the only family who ever loved him extremely hard...

Health Condition:

Stumbo is healthy and ready for adoption. We did however, put him on a mild dosage of Fluoxetine (Prozac) to help him cope with losing his family and trying to adapt to shelter life. His current situation is very hard on him, but he's trying to handle it as best as he can. We're doing everything we can to help him.

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Physical Description:

Stumbo seems to have some American Bulldog in him. He has the softest coat and puppy expressions for days.



It is possible that Stumbo could be accepted in municipalities with light BSL as an american Bulldog mix.



Living Situation:

Stumbo was struggling at MPR's shelter after losing his home but we luckily had an opening in foster care for him. Big relief for this sweet and loving dog. Stumbo is now thriving in foster care.



While MPR shelter is a life saving haven for many dogs, it does produce some stressors. Dogs that had a hard life might thrive in that environment but family companions often have a hard time. Bo had known both ends of the spectrum and knew exactly what he was missing when he was surrounded back to a shelter situation. It quickly took its toll on him so we moved him into a foster home as quickly as we could. Stumbo is clearly meant to bask in the comforts of home.



Bo loves to go on field-trips with foster mom, visit drivethru's for puppy whip and is always an employee's favorite.



At home he loves nylabones and squeaky toys and has never met a stranger. After learning more about Bo, his foster mom is convinced he didn't get the memo on how to be a dog - He thinks he's a toddler that needs to cuddle at all times.

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Personality:

Stumbo didn't know what the good life was all about before his rescue but he sure knows it now. And he just lost it all over again. He was understandably very distraught and heartbroken, and deeply grieving the loss of his family, but his loving foster mom made it all better again..



Stumbo's level of energy is very leveled. He has a naturally easy-going personality and is more on the laid-back side. He's definitely not a marathon runner but he enjoys going on walks and playing.



Bo is somewhat submissive but he is not shy. He LOVES people's company. He is very affectionate and a little sensitive but not in a bad way. He's just a big sweetheart who craves reassurance and hugs and loves to please his people.

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Stumbo does very well on a leash and in the car and is calm and gentle.

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Since Stumbo was returned to MPR, his foster mom has been determined to figure out how his separation anxiety manifests, since it looks different for each dog. For Bo, he simply wants to near his people. He doesn't want to stay outside after he goes potty. He doesn't want you to leave him and go in the other room (he will follow you), and he definitely gets confused if you 'hide' in the shower. However, this extreme love for his people does not result in destructive behavior, which is usually the unfortunate product of separation anxiety. We believe that once he is comfortable in a home, feels safe with his owners and trusts that they will ALWAYS come back, his anxiety simply lessens (but might always linger some). Bo is currently on a small dose of doggy Prozac, but may not need to be long-term - we believe it is helping in this transition, though.



Behavior with people:

Stumbo is as sweet as they come and a great companion. He greets loved-ones and strangers with the same approach and sweet smile in his eyes. This dog really is a sweetheart.



Bo is the kind of dog that likes to be at someone's side at all times. He has yet to meet anyone he doesn't like! He is great around all people, very friendly and enjoys all the attention he can get. He seems to have a soft spot for men but is also a ladies' man. Overall, he loves to spend time with anyone that will give him the love and attention he deserves.

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Foster mom calls him a giant ball of fun-loving fur. He has two major desires in life: love on his people and find a comfy spot to land. He sometimes forgets his size, but is still very gentle, somehow. He wins your heart by nuzzling into the crook of your neck, lying his floppy face on your lap, and curling up behind your knees (and under the covers) when it's time for bed.



Stumbo has zero reservations about anyone - he wants to be everyone's baby and is an equal-opportunity immediate best friend. He is extremely friendly but overly invasive or too in-your-face.

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Behavior with children:

Bo hasn't lived with kids but spent lots of time with family members' young children in his last home. He is gentle enough for smaller children and would make the perfect wrestling partner for older kiddos. He has a wonderful temperament and is calm around children. If placed in a home with kids however, we want to make sure he will be with respectful children that will treat him well since he has a sensitive soul. His last family told us that he loves kids.



Behavior with other dogs:

Stumbo did well with the other dogs in his first foster home a few years ago. He snuggled-up next to them to nap and loved to play with them outside.



He lived with a small dog for the last few years and was awesome, He knows how to play well and can match other dogs' play style, but ultimately, he's most interested in his people.

Interesting note - when kenneled, Bo will whine for a minute or two. His foster mom put the female foster dog's kennel next to Bo's and voila - no whining! The presence of another dog is often comforting for dogs with separation anxiety and it's clear that Bo does well with that companionship. A home with a compatible female would be great, though Stumbo could also enjoy being an only pet provided he's getting a lot of attention.



Behavior with other animals:

Stumbo is a bit overly curious when it comes to cats and smaller animals. He was fostered with cats a few years ago and did not always seem adept at picking up on their cues to leave them alone. It is not recommended that he lives in a home with cats unless the owner is very dog/cat-savvy.



Training:

Stumbo has great recall and knows basic commands such as sit and lie down. We were told he is housebroken and kennel trained. He keeps his kennel clean at the shelter and doesn't have any accidents in the playroom.



Best Attribute:

Don't apply for Stumbo is you are looking for an independent companion. This darling dog wants to be your faithful shadow. If you want a gentle pal who will always be at your side, Stumbo is the guy for you! He is a committed friend and his chill, laid-back demeanor would make a perfect family pet. He is super easy to handle, even for someone less experienced with the breed or large dogs.



This Casanova is a gem provided you have enough time to spend with him. Bo loathes being alone and we hope for his sake he can find someone who has plenty time to spend with a dog. He will be THE most loving, grateful and loyal companion.