Petey is a 6 year old, 8 lb Papillon mix and the definition of a tiny, loyal shadow!

Quick Facts:
Name: Petey
Breed: Papillon mix
Age: 6 years old
Weight: 8 lbs.
House-Trained: Yes
Crate-Trained: Yes
Good with Dogs: Yes (best with small dogs, but generally ignores other dogs)
Good with Cats: Yes
Good with Kids: Yes (only older, calm, respectful kids who can understand his cues and not pick him up)
Energy Level: Low
Fence Required: No
Dog's Location: Raleigh, NC
Special Notes: Petey has been evaluated by our veterinarian after noticing an occasional popping movement in his legs when he walks. X-rays showed a little increased joint space in both shoulders. Our vet feels he will do fine with gradually increasing his walking for exercise in limited amounts, along with glucosamine to support his joints.

About Petey's Breed:
Our best guess is that Petey is a Papillon mixed breed. Papillon mixes are small, expressive companion dogs known for their bright intelligence, soft coats, and deeply affectionate nature. They often inherit the Papillon's signature alertness and loyalty, making them wonderful little shadows who love being close to their people. Typically they can be more laid back, more playful, or more sensitive - but they generally have a gentle spirit and eagerness to bond.

Their ideal home is one that offers calm companionship, gentle handling, and steady routines. Papillon mixes thrive with people who enjoy a close, connected relationship with their dog and who understand that small breeds can be both delicate and deeply devoted. They do well in quiet households, with adults or older children, and in environments where they can nap, follow their person around, and enjoy short daily walks. With patience, kindness, and a soft approach, Papillon mixes become incredibly loyal, loving companions.

What to Love about Petey:
If you're looking for a devoted little companion who wants to be by your side, Petey is your boy! He has excellent house manners, bonds deeply with his person, and happily follows you from room to room with his soft prance and sweet curiosity. He can be a little nervous when being picked up by someone new, so he needs people who will go slow, be gentle, and let him build trust at his own pace - but once he feels safe, Petey can't get enough of being held and doted on by his family!

Petey has been through a lot of change in his little life. He spent his final months with his original owner, who sadly passed away, and was later surrendered to us when his second owner entered hospice. After so much loss and upheaval, it's understandable that Petey has formed a particularly strong bond with his people. He truly is a little shadow who wants to know where his person is and feels happiest when he can be close by.

Petey is wonderful with people and currently lives in an all female household, where he's thriving. He would likely do well with men too, as long as they're calm and kind. Because he prefers a quiet, gentle environment, a home without small children is best. He loves the teenagers in his foster home who are gentle with him and follow his cues. He's potty trained, crate trained, and sleeps quietly in his crate at night - though he'd be thrilled to snooze in bed with you if invited! He's definitely hoping for a family who will let him be a couch potato and cuddle up with them for movie nights or weekend bingeathons! He's a velcro dog through and through with his human family, enjoys the company of his foster's small dogs and even getting along beautifully with the resident cat. When you leave the house, he may cry a little at first, but he settles quickly and waits patiently for your return. He can also be left loose in the home thanks to his excellent manners.

Petey has a low energy level and spends much of his day napping, but he does enjoy a little game of fetch and daily neighborhood walks, where he prances happily on leash. With his adorable face, soft fur, and irresistible puppy eyes, he's truly a dream companion!

Petey's Perfect Highlights:
• 6 year old, 8 lb Papillon mix with an adorable face and silky soft fur
• Cutest little shadow who follows his person everywhere
• Excellent house manners - trustworthy loose in the home or comfy in his crate
• Deeply bonded companion who forms strong, loyal attachments
• Gentle but nervous when picked up - needs slow, patient handling
• Thrives in calm homes and would do best without small children
• Great with people and currently thriving in an all female household
• Good with small dogs and cats - enjoys their company even if he's not very interactive
• Low energy sweetheart who loves naps, gentle fetch, and prancing neighborhood walks
• Special care note - needs lifelong glucosamine + strengthening exercises

Comprehensive details are provided in the dog's description. to ensure a smooth process, please submit a completed application through our website at: http://crisisdogsnc.org/dog-adoption/. Please note that questions via email or social media channels may not receive a response without a completed application. As part of our commitment to responsible adoption practices, we require excellent veterinarian references and conduct virtual home visits. Additionally, your prior or current dog must be on year-round heartworm prevention. We assist with coordinating transportation by both land and air whenever feasible. All assessments regarding breed and age are conducted by licensed veterinarians. We look forward to assisting you in finding your perfect canine companion!