Meet Elmer - Relationship Status: It's Complicated

Hello! My name is Elmer. I'm about a year and a half old, 60 pounds, and Mutts Matter thinks I am some type of a Rhodesian Ridgeback or Fox Red Lab mix because of my deep-red coat. I’m a good-looking, loving and loyal dog that really needs some structure and certainty in my life … I need to find a human I can count on.

I may be young, but I've already learned that life is not fair. I was initially rescued because I was a victim of the Tuscaloosa, Alabama tornado last spring. I lost my home and my family in an instant, and had nowhere to go. Thankfully, Mutts Matter took me in and gave me a second chance.

I thought I'd found my forever family, but here I am again searching for my place in the world... I was adopted about six months ago by a couple who promised to love me and give me a good life. I think they really tried and things started off great, but then my parents separated and now my mom is starting a new life and career abroad … my mom knows I don’t do well with lots of change and long-term boarding, so she has decided not to keep me, even though I’m very bonded to her and we get along great. I'm sad now, sure, but still have hope that the right family is out there waiting for me.

The folks at Mutts Matter believe in me and are committed to finding me the right family. Since I haven't had much stability in my life, I need a family who will spend time working with me, help me feel secure, and can show me some leadership and consistency. I do have a tendency to be fearful around new people or in new chaotic environments and have snapped at them out of fear. I don’t mean to harm or scare anyone; I just haven’t learned to trust new situations or strangers yet, and after going through a tornado, I tend to overreact to things that startle or frighten me. The folks at Mutts Matter are helping me to work through this, and I come with training as part of my adoption.

Mutts Matter thinks I would do best in a home with an experienced and assertive dog owner, and a fenced yard where I can run and play. Young kids are not ideal for me because I need a more predictable, calm environment, but older kids would work.

I get along fine with other dogs, but would love to be an only pup and really deserve some TLC all to myself.  I need to find a family that is physically active and has some time to spend with me at home. I’m not going to be a socialite or your party dog, but I can be the most loyal, faithful and loving companion you’ve ever met. 

I have a really good energy level. I love to run and play fetch, and when I run after balls and sticks, I spring into the air like a deer. I can be your run buddy, but I also know how to hang out and relax. What I love most is to lay right next to you while I chew my bone and just be. I'm potty-trained, crate-trained, and I’ve been through some professional training and know multiple commands like sit, stay, down, and I will come when you call me. I'll basically do anything for a treat!

Mostly, I'm looking for a family who will love and commit to working with me, and I will love them back whole-heartedly. I will be the best dog ever if you give me a chance. 

I’m currently staying with the lady who is writing my bio, so if you want to learn more about me, fill out an Adoption Application, or if you have questions, give Suzanne a shout atsuzanne@muttsmatterrescue.com

Oh yeah...Roll Tide!