________ B I O ______________ 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 …
________ B I O ______________
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
8/29/26 Foster Feedback: It's time to share some great news about Gerard! There's a "3 Day, 3 Week, 3 Month" guideline that usually applies to rescue dogs. During the first 3 days, the dog is decompressing. During the first 3 weeks, they're learning the routines of their new environment. During the first 3 months, they are building trust and security. Depending on the dog's background, these milestones are reached a bit sooner or later.
Gerard hit the 3 month mark this summer and he has truly blossomed! He is no longer shy around us. He is playful and very much understands how our household works. Anything that involves food or treats is his absolute favorite but he also loves snuggles and affection. His favorite play activity is to toss around fabric items. If he can grab a sock or a shirt, he will run around, toss it in the air and roll on it. If we forget to put our clothing out of reach while we're in the shower, we might find the clothing scattered around the house! He never chews or damages them, he just loves to toss them around. We have now put some old cut up t-shirts in the play bin for him.
He has attached himself to our golden retriever and looks to her for leadership. When it is time to go outside, he stands right next to her, bolts out the door next to her and follows her around the yard. He does move around the yard independently, eventually, and he will come inside without her but she is clearly his leader. He has also started playing with our chihuahua. He loves to run and chase.
He willingly goes in his kennel when we're leaving and also willingly goes in the bedroom at night. Most of the time, he will choose to sleep with us but sometimes he chooses the dog bed on the floor, next to his best friend, our golden retriever.
He's now potty trained. He does mark so he wears a belly band for that and he fully cooperates with removing it to go outside and putting it back on when he comes inside, as long as we do it at the door when he comes in.
He is shy around new people but he doesn't seem nearly as fearful as he once was. We are continuing to work with him on socialization. I believe he will need some time to transition to a new home but I've seen his transformation with us and I know he can do it with a new family as well!
5/14/2026 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!
