Ted

My story

Ted - 6 years, 18lbs, Pug/Chi Mix, Neutered  This dog is eligible to join our foster-to-adopt program. Please email fostertoadopt@socialteesnyc.org with the animal’s name in the subject line if you are interested! Want to straight up adopt? Submit an adoption application at socialteesnyc.org. Our Team Says: "Ted is a very special boy with Pulmonary Hypertension  - please read below for more info"  Their Foster Parent Says: "Ted is a very sweet and very shy boy, but he is getting braver and opening up more and more every day. He does great in all kinds of public situations and will accompany you on your walk to the coffee shop or to a fun weekend brunch spot, where he expects at least 4 french fries. He is very treat-motivated but is polite with his meals and likes to graze throughout the day. Napping on the sofa or at your feet while you work is his main daytime activity. He also loves chewing on his stick and gazing out the window. He is very curious about what the people are up to and will follow to observe you (just in case you're getting a treat). Ted would love a backyard that he can freely explore and hang out in when the weather is nice, but he also loves wandering around the city, so it's not a must. Ted is very patient and doesn't mind when you leave; he will curl up and snooze or stare out the window while you're away. He is still very shy with other dogs in public but seems to open up and like them when they are in the apartment, so a companion for him would be nice! He is still very nervous when being picked up in public, so it's best to travel with a carrier if going on the subway. He will require meds 3x a day for his heart but usually eats it with no complaints with a pill pocket or piece of Parmesan. Ted is such a sweetheart, and his quirks are to be expected for a dog that has never lived in a home, but he is adapting very quickly and would make an excellent companion for someone living a slower pace of life." Level of dog ownership experience needed:BEGINNER: This means we predict this dog will be low on the challenge scale due to its breed/age combo. Potentially a good fit for someone who has relevant dog care experience (fostering, dog sitting) and is looking to adopt their first pup.  MEDIUM: Needs a daily 60  minute walk or window of quick paced exercise (minimum) in addition to potty break strolls (10-30 min each). Also needs significant socializing opportunities outside the home and mental stimulation at home like tricks training practice, chew items, and puzzle toys. (This is regardless of dog size – many small breeds were designed for lots of activity and will exhibit unwanted behavior when they’re understimulated.)  Potty trained?Probably! Adults usually are, but all will have transitional accidents for the first week or so. A consistent walking route and schedule plus finding spots with grass or dirt can help. Social with other dogs?Yes, but we don’t know to what degree yet. Some like to wrestle with every passing pup, others can coexist well but prefer to keep to themselves. We’ll learn more soon. Social with cats?Not sure yet! Some breed mixes that are generally NOT great matches for homes with cats include large hounds, huskies, and shepherds.  Comfortable with children?  (ALWAYS requires adult supervision)We’re not sure yet, but we try to err on the side of caution. Respectful kids ages 8 and up are probably a safe bet. Children must always be monitored and taught to interact with dogs of any age respectfully.  Okay in the city?We don’t know yet. Most adult dogs do well in the city after they’ve had time to adjust to a new environment, but some never adapt and need homes in the burbs.  Medical statusHe was HW positive when he was rescued in PR. He was treated for it and then he came to us.   A few months after his arrival he was hospitalized for having a hard time breathing. He landed with the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension - mostly likely a side effect of being treated for heartworm and having had heartworm for a long time. This condition requires daily medications and monitoring. At the end of October he went for a check up and an echo. The good news is his heart hasn't gotten worse but it hasn't gotten better - it's the same as it was when he was hospitalized. At this time he was also due for a HW test and unfortunately it was still positive - which mostly speaks to the fact he had a really bad infection for a long time. In the new year he'll be undergoing HW treatment again - the vet thinks it's the right thing to do as it should help take some pressure off of his heart. Neutered, UTD on vaccines.  How this dog ended up with Social Tees:Most of our dogs come via partner groups who help us save them from shelters where they are at risk of euthanasia in Tennessee, Puerto Rico or Southern California. There are very few spay/neuter resources there and many more animals in those areas than there are people to adopt them. Rescue groups like ours bring them to the northeast where the desire for pets like these allows us to save their lives.  PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee any breed mix, exact age, or full grown size (if the dog is under a year old). We do our best with very educated guesses though!  This animal is not at the Social Tees office, all are in foster homes. LEARN MORE ABOUT US: socialteesnyc.org and Instagram @socialteesnyc ##2352561##

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Ted, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.