Buddy

Buddy is a 4 1/2 year old adorable and lovable Yorkie/mini poodle mix. He had been a loyal, silly, fun and wonderful companion for me for most of his life. He is incredibly smart, easily picks up tricks and commands, attentive, absolutely loves toys and fetch and although he takes a minute to warm up to people, he loves everyone he's ever met and been close to.

I am seeking a new home for my sweet guy because, as a biproduct of his Covid early days, he struggles with separation anxiety and as a newly single person living alone, I haven't been able to give either of us the life we deserve. Prior to being alone, I lived with a family (3 kids, my partner and a Pitbull/Boxer mix named Louie). Buddy adjusted to life there and when I left him for work, etc. he was perfectly fine because he either had other people or a dog with him all the time. He was never fully alone.

And now, life looks different for us in that I have to travel for work and with his attachment to me, he panics if I leave him. So consequentially, I never leave him, thus limiting my work productivity and life.

Buddy is also fear/leash aggressive toward other dogs as he was attacked and injured by the first dog he met as a puppy. He was able to live with Louie (the pit/boxer mix) peacefully but it took a year or so for him to not turn to attacking when he got scared and to feel comfortable and not fearful of Louie.

As I mentioned, he's incredibly smart and I know, if in the right home and with the right people, he will absolutely thrive. I want him to have a loving home with people who can be patient with him and show him that life is not scary (dogs and people alike), can give him the confidence to be left alone and can provide him with his best possible life.

Pet's Name: Buddy
Primary Breed (if not in list): Yorkiepoo
Birthdate, estimate is okay: 2/2/2020
Age Category: Adult
Where did you get your pet?: My parent adopted him and then asked me to take him when he was 7 months old
Adoption Day, when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.: April of 2020
Gender: Male
Size (at full grown): Small
Weight (in pounds) at full-grown size. Example: 35: 20
Primary Color: Calico/Multi/Tricolor
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: He loves all toys! He also loves dispensing brain toys. He likes playing catch, walks and playing with other dogs (that he has gotten used to)
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: No
What commands does your dog know?: Sit, stay, roll over, down, up, shake, high five, come.
Has your dog ever exhibited any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, could you please share some details about the situation?: Buddy was attacked by the first dog he ever met (a Sealyham Terrier). We ended up living with that dog for 8 more months and he was attacked a number of times by that dog. Consequentially, his response to all dogs is fear based and if provoked, he does and has defended himself. It's as if, in his mind, all dogs are dangerous. He has never had any real socialization because of this.
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: Yes. Buddy has separation anxiety and when left alone, he barks continuously, pants, whines and panics.
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: He gets triggered it looks like I'm leaving the house. He also gets triggered by other dogs.
Is there a particular routine that works best for your dog in terms of feeding, walking, and sleep?: He loves routine. We go for a 30-45 min. walk at 8am followed by his breakfast, a bit of playing and then he sleeps while I work. He may need to go out again before our mid-afternoon walk. After 3pm we take another 20 ish min. walk after which we come back and play a bit more. He has dinner at 5pm and randomly I will give him a treat brain toy or a greenie. He's ready for bed around 8pm at which point he starts napping close to where ever I am in the house until bedtime at around 10pm. He's a great sleeper.
Medical History and Care:
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed or Neutered
House/Litter-Trained
Microchipped
Special Diet
Special Needs
Never Vetted
Unknown
Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?: no
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Stubborn
Timid
Needs Training
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Young Children
Good with Cats
Bonded Pair
Requires A Fenced Yard
Crate Trained
Purebred
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?: He is incredibly sweet, playful and goofy. He is an amazing best friend! When you're in with him, you're fully in!
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: I would love for him to have a home with adults and kids and at least one more dog who could show Buddy how to trust and be confident. He just needs patience and people who really want to invest in him. I want the environment to be playful for him and engaging. Outdoor space where he can run would also be amazing!
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: He has had a very unstable, transitional life with me. My parents sent him from Nevada to New Jersey to be with me when he was 7 months old. Within the first hour of his arrival, he was attacked by a dog. We then moved to another home 8 months later and lived there for 2 1/2 years. I moved back west and he was sent to me from New Jersey to CA after being without me for 4 months. Buddy and I then moved to Nevada 3 months later. In short, he's had little to no consistency which adds to his attachement to me. I've been his constant in the myriad of changes. He is such a good dog. So sweet and loving and I want the rest of his life to be full and peaceful.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Other, Not in List
Rehoming reason details (if necessary): See above explanation.
If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :
Not Applicable
Yes
How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?: Not an option, my pet will stay with me for as long as it takes
Who is your veterinarian?: Currently, VCA Cottage Animal Hospital in Walnut Creek, CA
What do you feed your pet?: Treats and Purina Pro dry food.
Do you have pet insurance for your pet? : Yes
Would you consider a long distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State: Fernley
Zip Code: 89408
How did you hear about us?: Google Search
Service Level: Assistance Needed: Help Me Choose