Featured Animal

Maria
Akbash (medium coat)

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To look at this vibrant, happy puppy NOW, you would never know that just a few weeks ago, she was struggling for breath, not expected to survive. A Good Samaritan found little Mattie after she was dumped in a rural area -- the finder thinks that the puppy was tossed from a moving vehicle, and that would certainly fit with the injuries she had when the County Animal Control picked her up. The Animal Control Officer took Mattie straight to our vet, where X-rays didn't reveal any broken bones, thankfully. But Mattie's breathing was labored and raspy, so we just weren't sure whether there were internal injuries that didn't show up on X-rays. Thanks to the excellent care she received during a week at the veterinary hospital, Mattie recovered and was able to move into a foster home.

Because Mattie is so young, we're not sure what breeds may be in her family tree. Various people have suggested she might be part red Heeler, part Lab, part Golden Retriever, or maybe even part Weimeraner because of the amazing color of her eyes. But we can only guess. Based on her weight and size when she was first rescued, and her growth during the few weeks she has been with us, we are making an educated guess that by the time she's a year old, she will weigh between 50 and 60 lbs. But as with her breed, it's really just a guess based on our experience. Puppies sometimes surprise us and grow much bigger than we would have guessed, so if you adopt Mattie, you need to be prepared for the possibility that she could be a large dog when she's fully grown.

In her foster home, Mattie lives with 2 young children and a small dog. She is doing well with crate-training, though she cries for a few minutes when she is put in the crate at bed-time. She is also doing extremely well with potty-training -- she uses puppy pads in the house when she can't go outside. Mattie's foster mom is teaching her how to walk nicely on a leash, and has even introduced her to a starter agility course. 

Mattie has had all her vaccinations, de-worming, flea/tick and heartworm prevention, and is microchipped. Her adoption fee of $300 will include her spay surgery at the appropriate age.

We think Mattie would do best in a home with another active dog -- either a puppy or an adult who will play with her, and perhaps help teach her puppy manners. And she needs a family who can be home a good portion of the day so that she is not stuck in a crate for hours on end -- a stay-at-home parent or someone who works from home would be ideal.

If you would like to make Mattie part of your family, please submit your application on our website at www.bluebonnetrescue.org.