Mushu

Description

* This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, August 15th from 12–3 PM (unless adopted prior to the event). All DPS Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, flea/tick treated, and microchipped prior to adoption.   Adoption Fee: $800 Mushu has apparently decided that the best way to approach life is slowly, thoughtfully, and with excellent manners. And honestly, after everything this handsome boy has experienced, we think that is a pretty good plan. Mushu is a 3–4 year old, 54-pound male Chow who is quietly discovering that being someone's dog can be a pretty wonderful thing. He isn't the type to burst through the front door, announce his arrival and immediately demand the entire couch. Mushu prefers a more sophisticated approach: observe first, investigate second, trust third... and then possibly request belly rubs. And he has already proven that the belly-rub portion of the program is coming along beautifully. When Mushu first arrived at his foster home, he was understandably wary. On his first day, he wasn't interested in being petted and preferred to keep some distance from the humans who were trying to get to know him. He needed time to figure out who these people were and whether they could be trusted. Then came Day Two. Mushu rolled onto his back for his foster family's son and asked for belly rubs. EXCUSE ME, SIR. That is quite a plot twist for a dog who had been avoiding human interaction approximately 24 hours earlier. It is one of the things we love most about Mushu. He doesn't need to be rushed. Give him a little time, a little space and a little patience, and he starts making his own decisions about getting closer. Mushu isn't a big cuddler or snuggler, but he absolutely enjoys companionship. In fact, once he feels comfortable, he likes being near his people enough to follow his foster mom from room to room. If she moves, Mushu may quietly appear in the next room like a fluffy little security detail. At the same time, he has an independent streak. He is perfectly happy spending time in the backyard, relaxing, sniffing around and enjoying some peaceful alone time. Basically, Mushu has mastered the ideal relationship: "I want to be near you... but please don't make me sit on you." At 54 pounds, Mushu is a substantial, handsome boy, but his personality is much quieter and gentler than his size might suggest. During the day, he likes hanging out near the family but is equally content to wander outside and relax. He is definitely more lounger than athlete right now. His energy level is still unfolding as his confidence grows, but so far he seems to appreciate a calm, peaceful lifestyle. He sleeps beautifully through the night in his playpen, going to bed around 9 p.m. and sleeping until morning. He wakes around 7 a.m., heads outside for his morning potty break and starts another day of being Mushu. He has also been doing wonderfully on his short walks. Mushu walks at a relaxed pace without pulling and likes to stop frequently to sniff and investigate his surroundings. And perhaps one of his nicest qualities: other dogs simply don't seem to bother him. Even when another dog barks at him, Mushu doesn't react. No barking match. No dramatic exchange of opinions. Just Mushu quietly thinking, "I'm going to continue sniffing this bush now." He has also been around children ranging from about 5 to 13 years old. His foster family wisely gave the kids instructions to let Mushu approach them when he was ready rather than overwhelming him. And it worked. Once he had some time to observe, Mushu became curious and gradually began approaching the children and allowing them to pet him. That seems to be Mushu's secret: let him come to you. He is not currently showing any chewing or digging behavior and has been remarkably quiet. In fact, his foster family didn't even hear him bark until his fourth day, when the garbage trucks apparently committed the unforgivable crime of existing outside. Mushu had something to say about that. One bark. Then back to business. He has had no accidents in the house so far, and he does well in a crate while riding in the car. He isn't able to use his foster family's doggy door because of his size, so regular outdoor potty breaks are part of his routine. Mushu also isn't eating much yet. Right now, he is typically eating about one meal a day, so his foster family leaves food available for him. As he becomes more comfortable and settles into his new life, we're hopeful his appetite will continue to improve. Mushu came to us as part of a group of Chows from a breeder who loved her dogs deeply and was known for their sound temperaments. Now it is Mushu's turn to experience the other side of that love story: being someone's cherished companion. His full personality is still emerging, and we think that is part of what makes him so special. Every day, he gives his foster family another little glimpse of who he is becoming. First it was accepting pets. Then it was following his foster mom around. Then greeting her with a wagging tail when she returned. Then approaching the kids. And, of course, the legendary belly-rub request. Mushu isn't asking for much. He needs someone who understands that trust isn't something you can demand. It is something you earn. Give him time, let him observe, respect his space and allow him to make the first move, and Mushu will reward you with something incredibly special: his trust. We think there is a wonderful dog underneath that beautiful Chow coat who is just waiting to feel completely safe. And once Mushu decides you're his person? Well... You may have just been promoted to Official Belly-Rub Technician. The position comes with excellent benefits.