Ice: Gelato

Description

Adoption fee: $650   Meet Gelato   Gelato is a 14–16 week old Lab mix who weighs about 20 pounds and is equal parts playful puppy and professional lounger. His mama was a 50-pound Lab mix, while Dad remains a mystery, so his adult size and breed mix are anyone’s best guess. Unlike their brother Sorbet, Froyo and Gelato have long bodies and short legs, making us think there may be some Dachshund in there!What we do know is that Gelato is growing into a wonderfully wiggly, silly, and sweet companion.   From Under the Weather to Full of Wiggles   Gelato wasn’t feeling well when he first arrived in his foster home, due to a case of kennel cough that left him low energy and sad. Once his medication began working and he started feeling better, his personality came bouncing out—quite literally. These days, Gelato greets the morning with an impressive combination of wiggles, hops, and happy tail wags. He may still need a little time and patience as he builds confidence with people, but underneath that initial shyness is a cheerful puppy who is ready to enjoy life.   A Day in the Life   Gelato wakes up around 7 a.m. and begins his day with breakfast. His food is left out so he can graze throughout the day.   After breakfast, he heads into the yard with his foster brothers for a busy morning of roughhousing, exploring bushes, and investigating the giant dirt pile. Digging for acorns is a favorite activity, as is trying to steal whichever stick another dog has chosen—even when the yard is filled with perfectly good, unclaimed sticks.   After all that exploration, Gelato is ready for a well-earned rest. His foster family spends plenty of time outside in good weather, but when everyone heads indoors, he is happy to settle onto the couch. Because one of his legs is shorter, he appreciates a boost up. Once he is there, lounging becomes serious business.   In the afternoon, Gelato helps supervise the gardeners, plays tug-of-war with any available toy, and then schedules another nap. He and Froyo sleep in the laundry room at night and usually head to bed around 10 p.m. Gelato always has access to a crate, but now that he is feeling better, he mostly uses it as a private storage vault for his favorite toys.   Dogs, Cats, Play, and Puppy Mischief   Gelato loves being around other dogs and looks to his canine companions for friendship and confidence. He enjoys wrestling, exploring, digging, and playing tug-of-war, so a home ready for normal puppy energy and mischief will be a great match. He has also met the resident cats and has behaved well!   He has also mastered the essential puppy skill of wanting exactly what another dog has. Why play with one of the many sticks in the yard when you can pursue the single stick currently being carried by your brother?     The Perfect Home   Gelato is looking for a patient, loving family that will give him time to feel safe, continue building his confidence, and guide him through all the usual stages of puppyhood. He is still young and will need ongoing work on potty training, leash skills, socialization, and basic manners.   With kindness, consistency, plenty of playtime, and a comfortable couch, Gelato will continue blossoming into the happy, affectionate pup he was always meant to be.