New Year, New Chance For Duncan

Hey guys, Happy New Year! I’m checking back in to let you know I’m still here, patiently waiting and longing for my new family. I know they’re out there, so please read and share my story so they can find me.

Please allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Duncan, and I’m a loving, playful and sometimes mischievous young mastiff mix. Folks tell me I’m handsome, and I have to agree with them... I’m a strapping 75 pounds, and have a unique, sable-colored coat and striking grey-green eyes. Mutts Matter thinks I may have some Labrador in me, too.

I’m still a young pup at only 18 months old, and like most adolescents I will try to test my boundaries, but isn’t that what youth is all about? I just need an assertive leader to help show me the ropes, and I’m going to be one great family dog.

I’ve been without a permanent family for almost half of my life. I was rescued from a shelter in Montgomery County after my owners surrendered me because they were moving. I was only nine months old and left there to fend for myself. Luckily, Mutts Matter stepped in to save me from a very uncertain outcome, and found me a great foster family who loves me and is working with me on my manners, which is important for a spirited pup like me.

I’m already crate-trained and potty-trained, and we’ve been practicing my leash walking skills every day. I’m actually very good on the leash now, and have learned to heel and sit when my foster mom stops walking. I rarely pull, but I still want to sniff and explore stuff on the walk, and will occasionally bark if another dog barks at me first. What can I say? They started it, and it’s in my nature to stand my ground. I’m a dog!

I also know other basic commands, like “down,” “come,” and “wait.” I can sit and wait for my food, and I’ll wait before we go out the door, and I know to let my foster mom take the lead. She says I learn quickly and I’m so food motivated that I will do ANYTHING for a treat.

I have lots of personality and am a constant source of entertainment for my foster parents. I make my foster mom laugh when I lay on the couch spread-eagle, or use the carpet as my own personal back-scratcher.

My foster dad affectionately calls me his little “ninja” because I like to sneak up behind him when he’s not looking, and play hide and seek under beds and tables. I’m also quite adept at sneaking food when nobody is watching, and I’ve been known to gnaw on an occasional box or textbook. I have a thing for paper and cardboard, but I’m going to blame that on being a puppy. 

Taking a page from Oprah, here are some of my favorite things: food of any kind, treats of any kind, and bones of any kind, real or plastic. I like long belly rubs and curling up next to you, and I really love the couch, which is where you’ll typically find me when I’m hanging out at home. I also enjoy playing tug and wrestling with my foster dad. He’s a big guy, but I’m a strong pup and can hold my own.

Oh! Did I mention that I love to swim? I stayed at a cool doggie resort with a swimming pond for a few days and I loved playing in the water.

Basically, I’m a really affectionate pup and just want a family to love and call my own. If you’re looking for dog with pluck and personality who still knows how to chill out, I’m your guy.

I would fit best with a family that has some big dog experience who will nurture me and spend some time on obedience training to help me to reach my full potential. A fenced yard would be ideal, and older kids would be awesome too.  I’m very much a social and people dog.

I’m ok with other pups, but would probably do best as an only dog. After such a long wait, Mutts Matter thinks I deserve that special only-dog attention. I’m probably NOT the best fit for a first-time dog owner, and will need to find a family who is committed to my daily exercise and continuing training. Like all young pups, I need daily exercise and play to keep me balanced, and will benefit from a consistent routine.

Mostly, I'm looking for a family who will love and commit to me, and I will be the best dog ever, if you just give me a chance.

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To learn more about Duncan, go to the Mutts Matter Adoption Page and fill out an application, or contact Suzanne at suzanne@muttsmatterrescue.com.

Follow Mutts Matter on Facebook to learn more about us and see new pups coming into the rescue!