HEADLINER: Fuzzy House Bear Seeks Couch for Netflix and Cuddles

HISTORY: Atlas is a breeder release who has obviously spent time in a home based on his behavior. While not much is known about his past, he is well-socialized with both people and other animals and is very good-natured. He is housebroken and has excellent house manners (although he is very food motivated and currently thinks all food should be fair game.)

PERSONALITY: This big boy is all about the love - and the relaxing! Everyone who has met Atlas has fallen in love with him. He is gentle, affectionate, low key and just a great companion. Atlas is a Velcro dog and being with his people is what he lives for! This being said, he does do fine when left alone for several hours at a time when his foster parents go out for an evening. (Foster mom works from home, so he is rarely without a human nearby.) He would definitely enjoy a sociable canine companion, especially if his people are often out of the house. Given his sweet, friendly nature, Atlas would also be a great “shop dog” and would love to spend his day visiting with customers and hanging out with his people. Atlas is VERY food motivated, but has not shown any food aggression and shares nicely with others.

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Eating, napping, and cuddling top the list for this guy. Atlas has not shown much interest in toys but has enjoyed meeting and playing with other dogs. This is a calm, relaxed boy who gets along with everyone he meets, including the dreaded Sacks of Meow. Atlas rides well, but currently is not too keen on actually getting into the car. This is most likely due to the fact that his three most recent car rides have been to his new foster home (1), the groomers for a bath (2), and the vet (3), so once he gets accustomed to going to fun places (i.e. places where they give you snacks and pets), his enthusiasm should increase dramatically. Being a Newfie, it is suspected that he would love trips to the lake or beach.

MEDICAL ISSUES: Atlas does currently have some skin issues (hot spots) which should be easily controlled. (This is a suspected flea or seasonal allergy, and he is currently taking a prescription med as well as Benadryl for relief. He will need to be on flea preventative year round.) He will require regular grooming to keep his coat and skin in tiptop shape. His ears will also require regular cleaning, which is standard for this breed. During his most recent medical evaluation, it was noted that he has a slight neurologic deficit in his right hind leg which can cause his foot to drag slightly. This certainly does not slow him down and is usually not noticeable.

WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST KIND OF HOME: Atlas is a very low-key dog who just wants to hang out with his people and a canine friend. He has quickly become attached to his foster family and is happiest when he is with his people. While he has loved everyone he has met on his ambles around the neighborhood, a home with sturdy children over the age of 8 or 9 and few breakable objects d’art would be best given his size. He has really seemed to enjoy the children he has met, mostly because they will get down on the floor and cuddle or – even better – rub his belly. Atlas is a bit of a “bull in a china shop” as he doesn’t seem to realize his own size and will happily plow through furniture to get to that sweet spot on the doggy bed, so a home with wiggle room will make everyone happy. And while he has no issues with going up & down a few steps, he shows no interest in climbing the stairs to the second floor. If you are adamant about a spotless home, Atlas is probably not your boy as he does shed a bit and there is some drool involved. Not much – mostly after eating or drinking – but enough that his foster parents keep a towel handy at all times. He would definitely benefit from some training just to brush up on some basics for his own safety and your sanity. A positive reinforcement training program with lots of treats would be fun for Atlas, as well as a great bonding opportunity for his new family.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Be prepared to wow his foster mama – she’s not going to let this boy go to just anyone!

Application Fees, Adoption Donations and Rescue Policy:

Please know that 100% of our fees and donations pay for the costs of rescuing dogs. These include but are not limited to pull fees from shelters, veterinary examinations, vaccinations, medications and care, microchips, neuter/spay surgeries, heartworm treatments, behavior evaluations, and foster care, as needed.

Important notes before applying.

• Adopters must have their primary residence in one of the following states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and parts of North Carolina.
• We will not adopt giant breed dogs to renters.
• Homes with children under 6 years of age will not be approved for adoption.
• Homes with children should have a fenced yard.
• Pets currently in the applicant's home must have a history of appropriate veterinary care.
• Homes with intact dogs will not be approved for adoption.  Proof of any of the following exceptions is required:
  • The intact dog is a working member of a law enforcement, or search and rescue/recovery team.
  • The intact dog is registered under the auspices of the American Kennel Club and is actively being shown.
  • A veterinarian has determined the sterilization procedure would harm the intact dog. 
• We believe in Force Free Training Methods and do not approve of methods or devices using pain or force to control the dog, or to deter undesirable behavior. 
• Homes with highly varnished steps must have carpeting, securely fixed stair treads, or a non-skid surface. **We encourage you to remediate potential safety issues while your application is under review, prior to the home visit.

For additional information please review our FAQs or contact mastiffstomutts@gmail.com

**Mastiffs To Mutts Rescue reserves the right to approve or deny any adoption that occurs through this organization without disclosure.  We reserve the right to make exceptions for special circumstances.

**PA Kennel License: 05845