Accepting Applications
Thatcher Mastiff | Male | Mastiff |
Rescue Story:
My humans found me at the SPCA and fell in love with my kind eyes and quiet demeanor. I had been brought in by animal control as a stray. I had not been cat tested so they took the risk with high hopes that I would be able to learn to live peacefully with their current three acreage kitties as their previous dog had. Sadly, I do not like cats one bit! They even hired a trainer to help them, but I am 5 years old and stuck in my ways. Being as sweet as I am, I had already wormed my way into the humans hearts. They are hoping to find me a home where I can live with my humans and enjoy all life has to offer.
As a courtesy post Zoe's has not met "Thatcher". We facilitate the adoption behind the scenes to ensure a safe rehoming. We ensure the animal is up to date on vet care, spayed/neutered, and is assessed by one of our partner trainers - Zoe's does not personally know the animal. It is the adopters' responsibility to do their due diligence - ask for vet records, behavioural assessment, microchip information, and/or a trial period.
Date of Birth: June 30th, 2020 (Unknown, estimated to be about 5 years old)
Energy Level: Low-medium (loves 2-3 shorter walks per day and some play time with his stuffy)
Size (adult): Large (approximately 120 lbs)
Adoption Fee: $50, Thatchers adoption fee has been reduced in the hopes he can find a great home to love him
Good with Dogs? No
At this time I can become overwhelmed and with my size it is not ideal to put anyone at risk.
Good with Cats? No
No. Absolutely no home with small critters.
Good with Kids? Maybe
I have met a well behaved 4-year-old and was a perfectly good boy. However, I am a bit of a nervous guy sometimes and due to my size, it is best that I do not go to a home with small children. It is very important that my humans advocate for my need for space and understand when I am uncomfortable.
Critter Twitter:
Hello future humans,
I am a gorgeous boy! I constantly get compliments when I am out walking about how handsome I am. I love to be loved. I am kind of goofy; I like to drink water straight from the hose and have some super itchy spots that will get my hind foot stomping to the beat.
Car rides are pretty cool, especially if I can poke my snout out the cracked window to get some smells. I love to smell all the smells. I think some kind of training using my smelling instinct would be quite fun. I love my slow walks, taking the world in. I can be a bit sensitive to loud noises, so be gentle with me and keep me away from loud bikes and cars. Sometimes I think cars would be interesting to chase. How dare they drive on MY road. I think I will get used to their existence. I have adapted to quiet town/apartment life and acreage life. My ideal home would be someone that is not gone for super long hours in a quiet neighbourhood or on an acreage in a home with a soft bed or couch for me to lounge on and make soft snores. I like my naps and can be a real couch potato when I am not following you around plopping myself down wherever you are. I love to watch you and talk to you with my inquisitive, big brown eyes. Want privacy in the bathroom? You better close the door.
I am a good guard dog be protective, and will do my best to keep my home and people safe. I need someone to teach me when I can relax and let my humans handle the door.
About my Behaviour:
Although very little is known about my history, someone must have trained me at some point. I walk very nicely on a leash and know basic commands like sit and shake a paw.
I do know what stay means as well, although I like to push the boundaries on this one. Currently, I am learning “leave-it” with treats and “break”- so I know when I can continue walking after my humans have commanded me to sit.
I am strong and can be reactive to loud noises and small animals so someone with big dog know-how and a no-pull harness is a must. My neck collar slips right off my head, as my neck is so thick so, please don’t rely on that.
I can be a bit nervous with new people. Typically, I love the ladies right away, but can be a bit shy at first so give me time to warm up. It shouldn’t take long.
I don’t love new men. I can be fearful and need the new men in my life to be patient and not force interaction with me before I am ready. When my current humans adopted me, I was scared of the big man when he would come home from work or change his clothes. I would bark and let out a low growl to let him know I needed space.
He was patient with me, understood what I needed and now he is one of my favorite people. We’ve built a bond, and once I figure out who he is when he comes home; wiggly butt happens and lots of love leans and cuddles come out. I just can’t help myself.
I have come along way with new people since being in the shelter. I recently went for a walk with two new men and was calm. They were nice and mostly ignored me so I could some secret sniffs in. I also accepted treats from them once I was calm and was brave enough to approach them.
I do have some separation anxiety so it would be good to ask your new trainer how to handle this. (Thatchers current trainer is willing to continue with his training at Zoe’s discount of $90 per session) It has improved a lot since my adoption, but I still struggle sometimes.
There were some bumps in the road, but as of now, I have been left in the house for 7 hours and didn’t make any messes.
Aside from some initial nervous mess-ups, I have behaved very well in the house and have not been destructive.
I love treats, but have been selective with my food choice. My humans have found a food that I like now and I eat it quickly at each feeding time.
I sleep well through the night.
Overall, I am a great companion that just needs some time to settle into your life. I fit in quite nicely and go with the flow.
My humans have noticed a huge difference in the Thatcher that came home from the SPCA and the Thatcher that they have now, about 5 weeks later. My personality really comes out after I have had some time to relax and learn that I am safe and loved.
How’s my Health?
I am neutered, up to date on my vaccinations, and microchipped.
