Pony

I aquired Pony when a friend found him at 4 weeks old. I've guessed he's a Staffy/ Red Heeler mix? But who knows. I agreed to foster him 9 years ago, but he never left. He's been living outdoors on acreage for most of his life. He's an excellent guard dog. He'll bark to let you know something is up and then stop and go back to sleep. He's very sweet, but he's goofy. He doesn't seem to understand personal space. He'll run up to you with his ball and then run into you. Try to play tug and he loves it. He's so into it, but then he'll grab your hand instead of the toy, or step all over your feet. Lean down to tie your shoe, or have a seat on the deck and there he is. Ball in his mouth right in your face. He comes off as being kind of goofy because of this, but he's quite smart. I've always used professional trainers and they've been impressed with his level of intelligence.
I've found myself suddenly facing divorce and my ex threatening me and my safety. I'll have to move and it won't be to a large property. It'll be to a small house or apartment. Pony will be miserable. He's perfectly fine as a house dog, but even at almost 10, and with arthritis, he still wants to run. Maybe this sounds harsh, but, Pony won't be a long term commitment. He's great right now, and still active but we joke that Ponys used all 10 of his 9 lives. He messed up his leg pretty good when he was around 2....chasing a bird. He took a good tumble and he was never really the same after that. The vet said it would probably cause him problems as he got older. She was right. He does have a little atrophy in his hips. He'll fetch the ball a few times but then needs to lay down. I think he's a fantastic dog and he's funny. I hate to rehome him but things happen.