Atlas

Pet's Name: Atlas

Dog: Primary Breed: American Bulldog

Primary Breed (if not in list): Mixed/Unknown

Birthdate, estimate is okay: 04/01/2019

Age Category: Adult

Where did you get your pet?: A friend

Adoption Day, when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.: 08/01/2019

Gender: Male

Size (at full grown): Large

Weight (in pounds) at full-grown size.: 75

Primary Color: Calico/Multi/Tricolor

What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: Nylobones; cuddling and chewing

Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: Yes

What commands does your dog know?: A lot. Including but not necessarily limited to: sit, stay, letdown, off, place, heel, quiet (custom command), eyes (custom command), out (custom command), go to bed (custom command), crate trained, muzzle trained, + more

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?: This is my main reason for rehoming, which is complicated because, after being his parent for 5 years, I know what he needs but I just don't have the energy in my life anymore to give it to him. He used to be behaviorally perfect, but we've since been in some really tough living situations that has left him increasingly dog reactive and a defensive greeter when people enter the apartment (bit a house guest on 1/20/25). In short, what he needs is a fresh start with someone who's willing to be very intentional with him. He's truly so smart and so sweet like 90% of the time.

How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: Totally fine. He's also crate trained. As long as it's quiet, he'll be perfectly fine (I have a really good bark-activated sound machine that has been a game-changer for us).

Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: Other dogs. Unfamiliar people entering the home. Some men sometimes.

Is there a particular routine that works best for your dog in terms of feeding, walking, and sleep?: Other than eating his food in his crate he's pretty flexible (he doesn't have to do that, I just find it boost his affinity for the crate).

Medical History and Care:

Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?: No.

How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : Rarely. He's super short hair, so you don't have to bathe him until you want to. He's shower trained and generally likes "bath time" (custom command) despite not liking water.

Does your dog have any dental care routines (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)? : No.

Personality:

How is your dog with other dogs?: Selective: Gets along with some dogs but not others.

How is your dog with cats?: Aggressive: Does not get along with cats and may show aggressive behavior.

What's the most endearing thing about your dog?: (This is the thing I will undoubtedly miss the most) When he's sleepy and wants to cuddle, he'll come over, drop his head down, and lean into with all his weight on his head lol and then he'll kinda shake it back and forth. You'd have to see it to really understand how magical it is lol

What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: A critical awareness of dog ownership culture in this country. Being Atlas's parent has necessitated my own education in dog psychology and shown me just how dog-UN friendly we have made our world to be. I will not give him away to someone who cares more about their convenience than his needs. He's already had to deal with enough of that from me and others.

Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: This dog will transform you if you let him. Will you let him?

Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Incompatible with Other Pets

Rehoming reason details (if necessary): I'm a psychotherapist as my day job and have realized I just don't have the spoons at the end of a long day holding people through the hardest times of their life to turn around and help yet another creature cope with their environment. Atlas needs someone who can make him their whole world and I just can't anymore (I'm mostly likely going to get a cat after him if that tells you anything.)

If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :

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?: Banfield pet hospital

What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: Blue Buffalo life protection formula for large breed adults

Do you have pet insurance for your pet? : Yes

Would you consider a long distance adoption?:

City, State: Chicago, IL

Zip Code: 60640

How did you hear about us?: Google Search

Service Level: No-Cost Option: Basic Listing Service