overview

Bixx’s Story

Bixx came to the SNAFU Rescue via a private party.  His previous owner wanted him placed in a loving home to live the rest of his life as a cherished pet and be able to care for him in a quiet, calm home.

***PLEASE READ HIS BIO CAREFULLY PRIOR TO APPLYING***

Bixx has a super sweet, quiet, very chill but anxious, loving, laidback, and reserved disposition.  His favorite pastimes include hanging around his humans, following his humans, sitting on the lap of his humans, and cuddling his humans.  Yes, Bixx is very much a Velcro Frenchie!!!  He is such a friendly, happy boy who loves extra cuddles and being snuggled. He always naps close by to his humans to ensure he keeps a watchful eye on his favorite human.  He is a routine driver pup… his anxiety is heightened when his routine is lost, missing, or new.  Once a strict routine is established, Bixx is a VERY happy and relaxed boy who trusts with his whole heart.  Bixx also enjoys batting around a toy for a bit and nibbling on his beloved Benebone. Those toys that squeak and those balls that bounce are his absolute favorite!  Bixx enjoys the company of other animals.  He will graciously nap side by side with them but doesn’t show any interest when they invite him to play.  Bixx doesn’t love to spend much time outside but fancies short jaunts around the neighborhood stopping every so often to take in the new scenery and new people. He has such a curious nature about him!   His leash skills are good but still needs a little fin-tuning!  After a perfectly suited (short) walk for his size, Bixx will search for a comfy place to snuggle up or preferably find a lap for a much-needed nap.  Did we mention napping and snuggles again?!?!  Bixx will always look for his people to partake in a cuddle session during his snooze but if they are not available a plush bed will do.  He truly just wants to be with his people all the time as he finds comfort in their presence. Bixx will ALWAYS follow his people all around the house and refuses not to be in the same room with them.  He exhibits a bit of anxiety when his favorite human is not in his line of vision. Bixx’s overall relaxed disposition allows him to get along with his furry foster siblings. He has a very kind temperament which is favorable when he is around other dogs.  He has yet to meet any human (big or small) that he hasn’t fallen head over paws for!  Because of his overall kind and lighthearted disposition, we feel Bixx will do perfectly well with other passive, balanced dogs and equally okay as an only pet.  Bixx does well with small children but in his previous home, his anxiety was heightened when around small, loud, rambunctious children.  Because of this and his need for a calm, quiet home, we feel he would do best with dog-savvy, gentle, respectful children in their teens or older.   Slow introductions to other dogs and children in the household are a must and he should always be supervised to make sure both he and they are kept safe.

Bixx is fully potty trained ONLY if he is kept on a strict schedule!  He has not had any accidents in his foster home (outside of a few marking incidents that have 100% stopped post-neuter).  As with all of our dogs, any adopter will need to be patient and willing to continue working on his potty training success as he acclimates to his new home and surroundings.  Bixx would greatly benefit from a signal for potty; he offers subtle cues at the moment.  He begrudgingly goes in his crate and is overall crate trained however he will whimper/cry and try to escape often hurting himself.  Bixx has severe crate/separation anxiety and because his foster family works away from the home, he is offered medication to help reduce his anxiety while left alone. Some of the anxiety is reduced once his routine is established and he knows what to expect and when to expect it.  Bixx begrudgingly sleeps on the floor in a comfy bed in the evening but would much rather share a bed and offer many cuddles with his new family! 

Medically, Bixx is in good health outside of his grade 4/6 heart murmur.  He has had an echocardiogram (ultrasound) done on his heart.  He has been diagnosed with Valvular Pulmonic Stenosis, which is a malformation of the Pulmonic valve leading to obstruction to the flow of blood from the heart into the lungs.  Bixx does not currently need any type of heart medication and shows no symptoms (fatigue, fainting, etc.) that indicate he has any issues with his heart. He will need to be monitored for any signs of heart disease or congestive heart failure as he ages (fatigue, weakness, lethargy, shortness of breath, fainting, etc.)   He will need a follow-up echocardiogram in one 1 year to reevaluate and determine if any intervention is required (medication etc).  Bixx is a happy dog (showing no outward signs of a murmur) but his heart absolutely *must* continue to be monitored by both a veterinarian *AND* a veterinary cardiologist for life. The cost of one echocardiogram ranges from approximately $500 at K-State to approximately $550 in the Omaha, Nebraska area.  Please research cardiologists in your area to check on prices for future echocardiograms for him in the future as they will absolutely be required for Bixx and can be more or less costly depending on the area in which you live. Potential adopters will need to have a veterinary cardiologist within reasonable driving distance in order to be approved to adopt him (3-4 hours max driving time). Since his lifespan could possibly be shorter than a “regular” dog, we want him to have the best life he could possibly have, but that goes for all our foster dogs, of course! We will be VERY strict with “vetting” any potential adopters for Bixx, as we want to make sure he is very loved and has the best life and care (both in-home care and vet care) that he possibly can during his lifetime although our cardiologist doesn’t think his lifespan will be affected.  Bixx did have one seizure while in rescue. We are unsure of his prior history but any seizure-like activity should be closely monitored and reported to a veterinarian.  

Please see this link for more information on Valvular Pulmonic Stenosis: https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_pulmonic_stenosis

He has been neutered, microchipped, heartworm tested, nares widened, tonsils removed, palate shortened, updated on vaccinations/dewormings, and has been given an okay to adopt by our veterinarian!  

Bixx would do great in almost any type of home!   A home with a fully fenced yard will be preferred for Bixx since he is still working on perfecting his leash skills (which he has done a great job thus far).  He isn’t a huge fan of the outdoors, doesn’t like to be alone outside (as no dog should ever be left unattended), and prefers to quickly do his business and come right back inside.  A multiple-floor apartment-style dwelling would be okay for Bixx as long as it is on the first floor with an adjacent fenced area so he can quickly jaunt outside (he does great with stairs).  Since Bixx is an overall quiet, chill little boy, we think he would love to go to work with his new family if they wanted to take him with them to the office.  He would love to sleep ALL day at the feet of his person.  Ideally, Bixx would really love it If his family had a work-from-home or stay-at-home parent as he enjoys the company of his humans and this would greatly reduce his overall anxiety. Bixx would not be a good candidate for a family that is away from the home for long working hours. He desires time with his loved ones and if his people are gone for too long his anxiety would get the best of him.  He does well in the car and would love to be allowed to tag along on family adventures!  Bixx is a little snuggle bug looking for a person/family that can offer a lap to rest his precious head, allow him to be everywhere they are, and offer many belly/head scratches, short walks, and lots of love and attention. A furry pal (he is cat-friendly) would be a HUGE plus but not required!  He will repay all the love with his unwavering loyalty!  Bixx is truly the sweetest boy in need of a super calm, relaxed, chill home with an open lap, couch, and hand for some loving!  

If you feel like your family might be the perfect forever home for Bixx, please submit an adoption application for him.