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Health & Fitness

A Dog Named Hippo

Looking to add some playtime and exercise into your life? Meet handsome Hippo, a sweet and energetic 8-month-old puppy who is super smart and looking to find a family of his own.

 

Hello! My name is Hippo. I know that’s a funny name for a dog, but my foster mom named me after the kid’s game, Hungry Hungry Hippos, because no matter how hard I try, I just can't get those last darn bits of kibble out of the bowl!  I make her laugh and really lucked out with a great foster family who saved me from life in a shelter. My original owner was going to surrender me on Christmas Eve when I was only four months old. Thankfully, he posted my photo on Facebook and my foster family stepped up to take me in. I’m so thankful I didn’t have to experience the hard life of a shelter so young; I know I’m one of the lucky ones.

Not only am I lucky and fun to have around, but I’m a handsome pup with a gorgeous black-and-white coat and a great big smile. Mutts Matter thinks I may be a Pit Bull/Border Collie mix, which would explain my higher energy level and IQ. I’m only eight months old and weigh about 45 pounds, but I have lots of puppy energy and enthusiasm that I would love to share with my new family. 

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Like all puppies, I’m a work in progress. I’m already fully potty-trained and crate-trained, but I’m still learning my manners and do like to jump up on people when I greet them... I just want to love them and see if they have treats for me! My foster family has me working regularly with a trainer on obedience skills and I already know sit, down, stay, and wait – my foster dad can put food right in front of me, even on my arm, and I won’t touch it until he says it’s ok and releases me. I’m super smart, very food-motivated, and easy to train.

I walk pretty well on a leash, but I’m still learning how to behave and tend to get a little excited when I see other dogs that I want to introduce myself to. I really like other dogs, but my energy level can be too much for some of them. I’m not aggressive at all; I’m just an excited puppy who is always ready to play. I get along great with my foster pup sister, Liddy, and would play with her all day if my parents would let me. 

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Now on to my favorite things: Toys! I’m not picky, and I love them all – plush toys, pull toys, bones, Kongs, balls – you name it and I’ll play with it.  I also enjoy running with my foster mom or going on long walks with my foster dad, and playing fetch is a MUST. Basically, I love to play, lie in the sun on our back deck, and get rubs. In fact, when I crawl up on the couch at nigh to cuddle with my foster mom, my favorite thing is a good scratching on my rump. There’s no reason to judge me for this.   

I know I’m super cute, but I’m also a serious commitment. The key to me settling into my new home is an active and patient family that is committed to my development and to getting me the exercise and stimulation I need to stay balanced. I’d make a great running partner and, frankly, I’m one of the smarter pups you’ll meet. If my new family invests some time to continue my training, I have enormous potential.

 

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

 

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