Junior

“Hi there, I’m Junior! I am smart, loyal, cuddly, and full of fun energy. You might not see all of these great qualities right away though. You see, I’ve been through quite a lot of instability and stress in my short life, and I can be shy and fearful and conflicted too. I need time and patience to … learn to trust. There is just so much in life that I haven’t figured out yet, and so much that I’ve never even had the chance to experience. I’ll get there though! I’m a resilient and brave little guy. And I’m on the cusp of a whole new life. It starts now. I hope maybe you’d like to join me for the ride, as I continue my quest to be a normal, beloved dog. The best part of my life’s journey is just beginning! I’m an adorable, 1 1/2-year-old, 28-pound sweetheart, with beautiful fur, the cutest expressive face, and an affectionate, delightful personality. I am already crate trained and mostly housebroken, too. I may have a few accidents, especially as I get acclimated to my new routine, so please stay patient with me and keep me on a schedule. I came to Wayside after I was rescued from an awful life of sadness and neglect with a hoarder. Still, that was the only life I knew, so even getting rescued was scary and worrisome to me. I felt alone and confused at the big shelter. Foster Mom noticed that I was struggling, so she jumped into action and took me home with her. She is teaching me so much about living in a real home as part of a family. I feel safe and loved for the first time in my life. Every single thing about living in a home was new and strange, and sometimes scary and exciting, too, all at the same time. Things like doorways and stairs and strange noises and people were hard to get used to. With each passing day, I feel more comfortable and at home. My foster family understood my past and insecurities, so they have stayed patient and calm with me, letting me go at my own pace as my trust and confidence grow. Their approach has worked, because these days, I sort of think of myself as a lapdog, often falling asleep curled up close to Foster Mom. I still startle at times though, and I bark when someone or something scares me. Healing from my traumatic past takes time, but I’ll get there. Now that I’ve fully bonded with Foster Mom, I am such an affectionate and loving friend who can also be jumpy and ornery at times. It’s easy to redirect me as I learn though. Please teach me what you expect from me in a positive way. I am one smart cookie, eager to please, and I pick up on things quickly. I will thrive with plenty of patience and consistency, as well as praise and encouragement when I’m a good boy. I love having a routine. I stay in my crate at night and when no one is home, and I eat my meals there too. I’m very comfortable and relaxed in my crate. When someone is home, I can roam free in the house. I like to follow Foster Mom from room to room, in case she needs me for anything. I’m happy and content when she is around. I am somewhat wary with men for now, including Foster Mom’s dog savvy and patient 12-year-old son. I will learn to trust the whole family with time, so please let me do things on my own schedule. Foster Mom lets me decide when and if I am ready to approach new people, which helps to put me at ease. Of course, a little cheese or other tasty treat helps the process. Ha! I will need a home with kids over the age of 12, and I need to meet the whole family before we go home together, to make sure we’re all a good fit for each other. I’m looking for a quiet and calm home without a lot of commotion and with kind people who love my quirky and fun style. We have a fenced yard at my foster home, and I love to go outside to romp and play. Sometimes I get silly and dig a little, but I’m otherwise well behaved. I enjoy going for walks too, and I do very well on my leash. I currently live with two other dogs in foster. One is older and he doesn’t like to play, so I mostly leave him alone. The other dog is playful and friendly, and we get along fabulously. He is teaching me so much about life and how to just be a normal dog. I need a home with another dog who wants to play and hang out and help me navigate life. Please bring your other dog along when you come to meet me, because that will help to put me at ease as I meet you. I never knew the life I’m living today even existed. But now I know, and I’m filled with gratitude. I’m so thankful that I was rescued, thankful that a place like Wayside was there to welcome me with open arms, thankful for all the kind people I’ve met along the way. Now I’m ready to make your life better just by having me as your dog. I’ll be there whenever you need a friend, your constant and loyal companion. I will show you how it feels to be loved unconditionally every single day. That’s what I do. Love, Junior.” Please call our Adoptions Department if you are interested in this animal to make certain he is still available for adoption! ADOPTION INFORMATION: All Wayside Waifs pets are spayed/neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations prior to adoption. Please note that in order to make the best match possible, potential adopters must come to the Wayside Waifs in person to meet with an adoption counselor and complete the adoption process. All members of the household (including other pets, if possible) should be present to ensure the chosen pet is compatible with everyone. We do not place holds or do adoptions over the phone and we do not ship pets.

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