Fiona is a sweet, cuddly 3-year-old pit bull who loves people, affection, and catching frisbees. She’s enthusiastic about training and has made wonderful progress with consistent guidance and clear boundaries.
Fiona would thrive as the only dog in a home with an experienced pet parent who can provide structure, positive reinforcement, and continued training. She has lived with another dog for two years and has previously spent time around multiple dogs, but following a recent serious fight with another dog that resulted in injuries requiring veterinary care, she should be the only dog in her new home. She has also had one minor bite incident involving a person while reaching for a ball during tension between the dogs. The bite did not break the skin.
Fiona has been around cats without incident, but her compatibility with cats cannot be confidently confirmed. She loves people and may do well with older children. Because she can be enthusiastic and pushy, she is not currently compatible with homes with small children or anyone who could easily be knocked over.
Fiona takes Apoquel to manage environmental allergies and has no other known medical concerns. She’s an affectionate girl who will do well with a family who understands her needs and can give her the structure, attention, and loving home she needs for her next chapter.
Pet's Name:
Fiona
Dog: Primary Breed:
American Pitbull Terrier
Birthdate (an estimate is okay):
8/23
Age Category:
Young
Where did you get your pet?:
a guy handed her over to me at a dog park
Was this pet ever in a shelter, rescue, or foster program? If yes, please provide details.:
I believe she was at the Southwest Humane Society at one point, but I've not confirmed
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.):
8/18/24
Gender:
Female
Size (at full-grown):
Medium
Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only):
45
Primary Color:
Tan (Mostly)
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
frisbee, tug of war, chewing raw hides, sniff adventures, snuggling
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
Yes
What commands does your dog know?:
sit, down, touch, come, place, kennel, wait, free dog; I have worked with a her a lot and she has come a long way, but there's always more to be done!
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
no real reaction if left free in the house; will typically bark for a few minutes when first put in kennel
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
she doesn't like being separated from the social environment. she's fine if left alone when I leave the house. but if she's alone in a room or in a crate where she can hear people talking nearby, she doesn't like that; she will cower and run away from fly swatters, brooms, etc, though I've worked to desensitive her to that. she gets nervous at thunderstorms, and fireworks are an especially bad day for her
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?:
I don't have a particular return for her. I'd say she's a pretty normal dog - play time, walks, cuddling on couch. She usually sleeps on my bed but I've also crated her at night plenty.
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?:
she takes apoquel for environmental allergies; she lost a canine tooth in the recent dog fight
Has your dog ever been diagnosed with or treated for any of the following? (Please check all that apply, even if your dog has fully recovered. This helps us provide the best support for future families.):
Allergies (environmental or food-related)
Anaplasmosis (tick-borne)
Anxiety Issues
Arthritis or Joint Pain
Canine Distemper
Chronic Ear Infections
Dental Disease
Ehrlichiosis (tick-borne)
Heartworm
Influenza
Kennel Cough
Leptospirosis
Lipomas, Cysts, or Other Lumps/Bumps
Lyme Disease
Parvovirus
Seizures
Skin Conditions
Vaccine Reactions
Other
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.:
she has bit my thumb, and gotten into a fight with my other dog that sent both to vet, as previously discussed
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
I brush her periodically, have bathed her twice in two years. Hates getting her nails trimmed... I'm lucky to get half a nail trimmed each month
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?:
no
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Timid
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Cats
Good with Young Children
Bonded Pair
Purebred
Crate Trained
Comes When Called
Needs Training
Likes Car Rides
Likes to Swim
Requires A Fenced Yard
Jumps Fences
Growls at Strangers
Is Afraid of Storms
Digs
How is your dog with children?:
Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction with children to determine.
How is your dog with other dogs?:
Best as the only dog: Has reacted to other dogs and should live in a home without them.
How is your dog with cats?:
Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
she is inquisitive and brave. the most affectionate snuggly dog I've ever seen. loves to catch a frisbee. very enthusiastic about whatever she's doing, even if she doesn't know what it is
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
primarily someone who understands she needs guidance and direction. she has a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and if not directed appropriately she will get into trouble. also recognizing that - whether nature or nurture - she has a capacity to fight and not back down, and as a pit bull already has a couple strikes against her. So someone who recognizes that she has an incredibly sweet demeanor, but it's the human's responsibility to avoid situations where she can cause any harm.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?:
She loves her people and being part of the family. She is rarely more than five feet away from me at any time, is often curled up by my feet when I'm at my desk. Always on the couch next to me, often with head in my lap. She will be happy as long as she is regularly near her people. She is pushy and needs to be reminded of boundaries regularly, I would not want her in a home where she could knock someone over. For someone who wants a snuggly dog who is ready to play whenever you are, I don't think you can find any dog better
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Incompatible with Other Pets
Details about rehoming reason (if needed):
fight with other dog, want to avoid risk of it ever happening again
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?:
Dr. Malia Haddock, Horizon Veterinary Care, Vancouver WA Dr. Malia Haddock
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?:
bil-jac adult; seems to have a sensitive stomach, and will do small vomit if she's eating things that aren't high-quality, mostly meat food. I mainly stick to raw hides, beef liver, etc for treats
Do you currently have pet insurance?:
Yes
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State:
Vancouver, WA
Zip Code:
98684
How did you hear about us?:
Rescue/Shelter
Referring Name (person, page, or organization, if applicable):
Southwest Humane Society, Vancouver WA
Service Level:
Tailored Placement: Full Support for Behavioral or Medical Needs