Doogie Howser M.D.

Meet Doogie Howser M.D.! This 11-years young doctor of L.O.V.E. came to us from a loving owner who felt he needed a more stable environment. Doogie’s owner currently travels for work. Ok – that’s the understatement of the year – she is an adventurer and skydiving professional and travels across the country hiking, camping, and working. What would be a DREAM for so many dogs (and to us, personally!) isn’t a dream for little Doogie, who is an old soul and a homebody at heart. She rescued him last year at the age of 10 and he is still struggling with her lifestyle. We were communicating with her for over 6 months as she struggled with the decision to let him go and sought professional advice for training. And while she loves him (and then some), she selflessly decided to give him a chance at true stability and happiness.

What we know from spending time with him over the last 6 months…this sweet and petite terrier mix is a GEM and a half! Doogie is (almost) perfect! He is low-key, snuggly, and friendly to all living beings (humans, dogs, cats, birds, pigs, goats, etc.). He is an absolute gentleman when he’s around a trusted human, even in public. This mellow fellow loves nothing more than to be close to his humans and gladly snuggles under blankets at every opportunity, burrowing like an amateur professional. He’s a great cuddler and will gently headbutt you to ask to be let under the covers. He also loves to sleep in! Doogie is great in public but doesn’t love the car and usually insists that the window be cracked for a self-soothing breeze, regardless of temperature. A conundrum for sure!! But as soon as you arrive at your destination, he will be his wonderful self.

Doogie loves, loves, loves his humans and will want to be close at all times. And when we say close to you, we mean ON you. Petting isn’t always enough; sometimes he’ll slowly make his way into your lap and press his head against you or shower you with kisses. Doogie is also a wonderful walking companion and enjoys hiking and walking with no more than a finger needed on the leash! You might think you’re walking a donkey because he’s usually strolling along a few steps behind with a loose leash in between. Doogie loves to take hikes, and he can do up to six miles as long as you give him a day or two to rest afterwards. On non-hiking days he is content to walk around and smell the flowers. Doogie is not into toys unless they’re cognitive and come with some really good treats! He’s also not a fetch-oriented dog, but if his friends are playing, he’ll run along with them!

So, what’s the catch with this (almost) perfect gentleman? We suspect Doogie was traumatically dumped on the streets in his last life based on his microchip info, so he panics when his person leaves. He thrives on consistency and would truly appreciate a person who was home often and one who could work with him to make him feel the safety that we all crave. A small ask for this sweet and sensitive man’s retirement home. Because of his low-key nature, respectful kids of all ages would be great with our resident Dr. Love.

Doogie’s top 3 priorities:
1. Doogie would love a constant human companion, especially at first. He may get better over time, but right now the stress of being home alone is a lot for him to manage. He really needs a familiar human around to feel safe.
2. Doogie ADORES blankets and a comfy bed! Doogie needs to be able to snuggle up whenever he wants. He was originally a southern dog, so he doesn’t like the cold and would rather spend his days under the blanket than playing in the snow.
3. Doogie needs a patient and kind human. He’s an older guy, so he takes his time with everything. He walks slowly, learns new things slowly, and follows commands slowly. But if you’re alright going at his pace, he’s the absolute perfect companion!