Meet Taco - A Fun-Loving, Snuggly Companion with a Silly Side 🐾

Taco is an 8-year-old Maltese mix weighing 18.8 pounds (with just a few to lose), and he's an all-around funny, affectionate, and loving little guy ready to find the right family!

Taco has the perfect balance of playful and relaxed. He loves going for walks and short bursts of running, but he's definitely not training for a marathon! He also enjoys playtime and soaking up the sunshine during a good sunbathing session. When the day winds down, Taco is more than happy to turn into a couch potato and snuggle up with his humans.

This sweet boy is very people-oriented and forms strong bonds with the people he trusts. He loves greeting his favorite humans with kisses and his adorable little leg kicks. He prefers to be near his people but does just fine when left alone for a few hours. Taco already knows commands like sit, lay down, and come here-he's a smart pup who enjoys being part of the action.

Taco is considered a behavior dog and has a behavior plan in place to help set him and his future family up for success. He can be wary of strangers, particularly when they approach or interact with the people he has bonded with. Because Taco can become protective of his people, his adopters will need to understand his boundaries and be willing to follow his established behavior plan when introducing him to new people and situations.

Taco lives with other dogs and cats and does well with both. He can show some resource guarding, although this has improved significantly as he has become more comfortable in his environment.

On leash, Taco can occasionally be reactive, but he redirects quickly and continues to make progress. When he becomes overly excited, he may also become a little ankle-nippy. Because of these behaviors, Taco would do best in a home without young children and with adopters who are comfortable continuing to work with him.

Taco has also been diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, which will require ongoing veterinary care and management throughout his life. His future family should be prepared to continue monitoring and managing this condition with their veterinarian.

Taco may need a little extra understanding when it comes to new people, but once you're one of his people, you'll get to see the affectionate, goofy, snuggly boy underneath. With the right home willing to follow his behavior plan and respect his boundaries, Taco has so much love and personality to share.

Could Taco be the perfect addition to your family?
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Many NMDR dogs have had limited prior socialization and may need time, patience, and support as they adjust to home life. Skills such as house training, leash walking, and handling may require continued practice. Progress will vary by individual dog. Homes with older children are often a good fit, depending on temperament. To learn more about NMDR and our adoption process, please visit our website.