Ernie
Ernie is a muppet with orange skin from Sesame Street. His best friend and roommate is Bert, but he sometimes annoys him with his actions, surprises and disturbances. His favorite toy is a rubber duckie, which he has a song he sings in honor of at bathtime.
Before applying for a dog, please take a moment to review our Adoption Information & Procedures
Some of the dogs in our program are adopted before we get to know them. Some stay longer but require several weeks to show their character. Some dogs receive additional evaluations and training by professionals if needed.
We work hard to provide as much information as possible, but the process is not perfect. Our goal is to give the dogs the best chance to stay in their home for the rest of their lives so we are genuine regarding what we know about them. For MPR, quality of our placements takes precedence over a quick turnaround.
We do our very best to update the dogs' bios as quickly as we can. In some cases, dogs are adopted before we are able to revise their listing.
Please do not contact MPR via email or messenger to inquire about a dog’s personality and/or temperament, compatibility with other pets, etc. The volunteers in charge of replying to general requests are not the same as those handling and evaluating the dogs. They will not be able to answer your questions.
Missouri Pit Bull Rescue makes no express or implied warranty, representation or promise to the age, health, breed, habits, disposition, behaviors, obedience, or safety of the dogs in our program. Our assessments are subjective and based on information we receive when selecting the dogs for our program, as well as observations and reports from our volunteers and caretakers. Adopters understand that no one can predict how a dog will act or react under all circumstances and situations.
Background Info:
Ernie had a rough few months of life before joining the MPR program. He and his brother, Bert, were found abandoned in a park and admitted to the city shelter. They both were in terrible health conditions and showing signs of neglect. Since joining the MPR family, they've been receiving the love and care they deserve and we're seeing their physical conditions, as well as their souls, heal.
Adoption Fee: $200
Breed:
Sex: Male
Age: 6-12 mths
Weight: 25 lbs + Growing
Health Condition:
Ernie came to the shelter with very bad diarrhea and severely prolapsed rectum. He was taken into surgery to repair the prolapse. Following that. he still battled very bad diarrhea and a Giardia infection. He's now giardia free and his surgery has healed well so he is starting to have a much more normal gut. Ernie currently eats prescription food and a probiotic daily as his insides heal.
Ernie also had an eye ailment called cherry eye in his left eye. He recently had that surgically repaired. He did great and is on eye drops, wearing a cone and is on pain medication for the next few weeks as his eye heals.
Because of his poor breeding, Ernie also has some physical abnormalities. He has "paddle feet" that make him walk a little like he's wearing shoes that are too big...it's very cute. He also has some bald spots on the tops of his toes because his feet tend to drag when he runs. He also has a deformed tail that sticks straight down. It works and he wags it a lot!
Ernie has traveled a hard road with his health issues, but he has made so much progress since joining MPR. He is healing, and learning how to enjoy life as a dog!
Physical Description:
Ernie is a little low rider, short in stature but big in personality! He has a beautiful red coat and the cutest bat ears. His tail is slightly deformed - but don't worry, that doesn't stop him from wagging it constantly!
Current Living Situation:
Ernie is currently fostered in a home with access to a fenced in backyard. There is one adult and three other pets in the home: a 10 year old French Bulldog, a 9 year old Terrier mix, and a 2 year old cat. Ernie is crate trained - staying in his kennel at night and when left home alone. Foster mom works from home so he gets lots of outside time during the day when weather allows. Since his health is in a much better place, foster mom has started taking Ernie on walks! He is learning leash manners and doing well so far!
Personality:
Ernie spent the first few weeks in his foster home as a very sick little guy. While he was at his sickest, he slept a lot and was very low energy. As his health has improved, his bright, sweet, and goofy personality has started to shine! He's silly little buddy who is ALWAYS hungry, and always looking for love and pets. He listens well and is eager to please. He gets along well with the cat and dogs that live in his foster home. He responds well to his grumpy older (but smaller) foster sister corrects him. Ernie is a big time cuddler and loves to be close to his people. The only thing Ernie might love more than his people is playing with tennis balls. This guy LOVES a tennis ball!
Behavior with people:
Ernie loves everyone that he meets! As his his health has improved, he's been meeting more people. He is super sweet and excited to make new friends!
Behavior with children:
Ernie's behavior with children is largely unknown at this time as he hasn't really had any interaction with children while in his foster home. He has had brief encounters with the neighbor toddler in her yard. He lets her pet him through the fence and doesn't seem to be anxious or uncomfortable with her.
Behavior with other dogs:
Ernie has done well so far with the the dogs in his foster home. The other dogs in the home are both small, older dogs between 20-30 lbs. Ernie is a solo player and really doesn't play much with the dogs, preferring to play with his favorite tennis balls all day. However, Ernie does like being part of the pack! He looks to the other dogs for confidence and is excited to go outside with and hang out near them. Despite the best efforts of one of his furry foster siblings, Ernie isn't in to much interactive play with other dogs.
While we can not guarantee his behavior with other dogs, at this time we believe that with proper introductions, Ernie could live with a compatible female in his forever home.
Behavior with other animals:
Ernie has not shown signs of any prey drive. He barely notices the cat in his foster home and sometimes even snuggles with her. He's seen squirrels and birds in the yard and has shown zero interest in chasing them.
Training:
Ernie is working on some training in the home, now that his medical issues are under control. He knows how to sit and come and is learning what walking on a leash means. Next on his list laying down, give, and leave it. Ernie will benefit greatly from continued training in his forever home.
Best Attribute:
Ernie is a really special guy. He came to MPR as a very sick and injured puppy, and it's been amazing to see him get better and thrive. He is so resilient. Ernie's best attribute has to be his wonderful personality. He's icredibly happy and silly all the time! You'd never know that this little guy's start in life was so hard and painful.
Even if you can’t adopt this sweetheart, you can still help by donating for their care.
Information updated on 3/20/2024 KO
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