My elderly neighbor's dog had to be put down a couple weeks ago due to an inoperable abdominal tumor. She'd only had her for 3 years, and had adopted her from my workplace at my recommendation when her previous dog died of old age. DJ was a homely looking 5-ish year old foxhound who was just the nicest dog you'd ever want to meet. My neighbor adored her, and it's going to be hard to find another dog to fill her niche, but my neighbor is lonely and looking for a dog to keep her company again.
Traits we're looking for:
-no puppies! looking for something between 3-6 years, though there could be exceptions if the right one comes along.
- looking for something in the range of 25-50 lbs. neighbor can't bend over far and uses a walker, so little dogs are out. she prefers her dogs to stay on the floor or their dog beds, so something big enough to gently put its head in her lap while she's sitting is nice
but at the same time, she'd prefer a dog that's not too big. - laid back, easygoing attitude- no jumpers, mouthy dogs, or pushy, demanding attention seekers. neighbor has had dogs, but isn't physically healthy enough anymore to deal with obnoxious, pushy behavior.
-lowish energy- neighbor has a big fenced yard, but isn't really able to get out to play with or walk the dog. chain link fence is only 3.5 feet tall, but new and pretty secure as long as dog isnt climbing/jumping out.
- neighbor lives alone, but has frequent visits from neighbors/family/delivery people. dog MUST be at least indifferent to people coming and going, if not friendly. since she's always had dogs, people that go to her house are good about closing the gate, but prefer a dog who's not a frantic door/gate rusher, though i know that's a training issue.
- no other pets in the house, but she wouldn't be able to handle a crazy dog/cat aggressive dog, prefer a dog which is at least tolerant of or indifferent to other animals.
- low maintenance grooming preferred, though could make exception if the right dog comes along. she can't really brush out a heavy coated dog, and i honestly dont prefer to do it (note my short coated personal dogs!), but would if needed
. I know that's a long, pretty specific list, but any dog that fits those criteria may just find a goldmine of a home. My neighbor doesn't drive anymore, so I've been keeping my eyes peeled at work and checking petfinder, but haven't seen anything yet that sounds perfect, and it's hard when you don't have the dog right in front of you, or someone other dog experienced person to look at them. Before she got her last dog, her family tried to give her a farm bred BC pup
... so much for my criteria! He is, however, very laid back in the house, pretty mannerly, very social, leggy enough that she can reach his collar pretty easily, and cute enough that even if he does go through a naughty teen spell, I think she'll still love him 