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Name: Gerard
Size: ~Small range: Up to 25 lbs
Adoption Donation: $250 (applicable sales tax included). Adoption fees may be paid by cash or check.
Other:  Neutered Male, Vaccinations current, Microchip, Older, Considerate Children Only, Needs a Dog Buddy, Fenced-In Yard Required, Not Apartment Friendly

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Gerard has been diagnosed with a grade 2 heart murmur. Murmurs are graded by their intensity, usually on a scale of 1-6. A grade 2 heart murmur in dogs is a soft, low-grade murmur that is immediately audible to a veterinarian with a stethoscope but only heard in a specific area of the heart. At this time, he is not clinical and does not require any medications. This should be monitored by his primary care veterinarian.

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Gerard has been diagnosed with a grade 2 luxating patella of the right knee. This means it is possible for the kneecap to move in and out of the patellar groove. This is a common orthopedic issue in small breed dogs. At this time, it is not painful and does not cause any trouble. Some dogs will live with a low grade medial patellar luxation their entire life with no problems, however in some dogs it can be progressive and surgical intervention may become necessary.

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Gerard has been working with a veterinarian who specializes in behavior for her fear of new people and situations. He was prescribed medication to assist with this as needed. The cost for 60 tablets is around $16.00. To continue this medication it is recommended that care be established with a primary vet.


Gerard is a quiet little gentleman learning that the world can be kind



Foster Home Feedback

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Older, Considerate Children Only, Needs a Dog Buddy to Feel Comfortable, Fenced-In Yard Required, Not Apartment Friendly

5/14/2025 Foster Feedback: Gerard is a complicated but wonderful little dog who is looking for a special forever home. He's come so far since he began living with us and he's ready to widen his circle of trusted friends.

He was extremely skittish when he first came to our home and dragged a leash for a couple of weeks. He would be a flight risk without a fenced yard, so that is a requirement for him. He has since been prescribed clonidine, which has helped him quite a bit with his fear.

The pathway to Gerard's trust is lined with food. He is a smart guy so he knows that food sometimes leads to us putting on his belly band or going into his crate because we're leaving. He usually chooses the food even though it means he will do those things, but sometimes it takes a little while to convince him it is worth it! Meals are his absolute favorite - he jumps and spins with excitement and gobbles his food. (We feed him with a slow feeder.)

Gerard needs a dog buddy to help him feel confident. He is shy around new people. He isn't terrified, like he was at first, but he will bark quite a bit and approach in spurts and back off, until he feels brave. Once he trusts you, he's a snuggle bug. He will follow his dog friends everywhere but never gets annoying. He is like their shadow - quiet and always present.

Potty training is a work in progress. He wears a belly band because he sometimes marks, but it is dry much of the time. He will still poop in the house every now and then. We're continuing to work on that by encouraging him to stay outside for longer periods of time. He tends to want to run outside and run back inside. He wouldn't want to miss anything!

Gerard is quite a barker. He is loud and persistent if he sees people outside. Because of this, shared wall living arrangements are not appropriate for him.

The biggest change we've seen in Gerard is his increased capacity to feel and show joy. At first, he was always afraid, suspicious and subdued. Now, he actually feels happiness and quite literally jumps for joy at times! His little jumps remind me of the way baby goats jump!
If Gerard sounds like a good fit for you, please take the opportunity to meet him. You may fall in love!