overview

Dayton’s Story

Dayton came into SNAFU Rescue via the local Humane Society.  He was found as a stray and subsequently was not claimed by his owner, he was exhibiting kennel stress and it was determined he needed to be in a foster home instead of the shelter environment.

Dayton is an outgoing, energetic, and loving Frenchie boy.  His favorite things include a romp with his foster siblings, a good chew session, and a nap on his person’s lap (not necessarily in that order).  Energy is abundant with this boy and his taller stature allows him to be quite athletic and quick.  If you need to practice your pitching arm, he’s your guy for playing fetch.  Balls are life for this boy and if someone’s not throwing the ball for him, he will gladly carry it around in his mouth and when he eventually drops it he will make his own game out of catching it.  Don’t let his outgoing personality fool you, this boy has a major case of FOMO.  He is as inquisitive as they come, and he insists he is part of any action that is happening.  He wants to know his human is always in view and will often seek guidance and reassurance from his leader. He is a very affectionate dog and loves to shower his people with kisses and cuddles!

Dayton does have Anxiety and OCD which manifests as “spinning” or “tail-chasing”.  When he’s unsure of a new situation or over excited he will begin to spin, attempting to grab his tail.  While in rescue we did trial a few different meds and have finally found the right dosing of Fluoxetine administered twice a day. In addition to his daily anxiety medication, he is also on a calming supplement and CBD oil to keep the spinning to a minimum and ensure he doesn’t cause himself harm.  We have been able to fill his prescription for less than $20 a month using the GoodRx app savings.  Dayton thrives when he is given ample opportunity for enrichment.  He loves a walk (when the weather allows it) romping in the yard, chewing on a variety of Nylabones, and is also fed with a slow feeder to help occupy his energy.  Dayton’s foster family reports that with the current medication routine, his spinning episodes are limited to expressing excitement when his foster family comes home and when his meals are being prepared.  We do expect that he will need an adjustment period once he moves to his forever home, and as such his adopters will need to be patient and help him work through any setbacks he may have.  Dayton will reward his people’s patience with intense love! 

Dayton currently lives with a few furry foster siblings.  He gets along well with his furry friends, and he also looks to them for guidance.  He is still learning to manage his anxiety and because of this, we feel he would do best in a home with another pet to pal around with. His spinning episodes can be a bit overwhelming to other high-strung dogs, and as such he would do best in a home with other passive and balanced pets.  Dayton does live with a cat in his foster home, he does from time to time chase the cat to instigate play.  We think he’d do fine in a home with a dog-savvy cat, and if the cat has access to retreat to their own space if his playing becomes overwhelming.  Dayton truly does love all humans, however, with his anxiety coupled with his over-exuberance, we feel that sharing a home with young children would be too overwhelming.  He would do best around dog-savvy, respectful children over the age of 10. He should always be supervised when he is around children to make sure both he and they are kept safe.  As with all our dogs, slow introductions to other animals and children in the household are a must. 

Dayton’s foster family reports he is potty trained.  He follows a very regular schedule; this also benefits his anxiety.  He does still need some work on signaling when he needs to go. Again, his adoptive family will need to be patient, willing, and able to keep him on a regular and consistent schedule for his continued potty-training success.  Dayton is fully crate-trained.  He sleeps quietly in the crate when his foster family is gone and at night.  Given his major FOMO, we know he would love to share her human bed at night.  For his safety, we recommend a similar arrangement when his humans are away from the home and/or when he is left unsupervised, so he is safe and secure while no one is at home. Dayton does not know danger and is still learning what is acceptable pet behavior. 

It is suspected that Dayton does have a form of Pica.  Pica is a medical issue referring to a dog’s “craving” for a non-food item and subsequently eating said item.  He has a history of fabric items (socks and unmentionables). This is hazardous behavior that could result in GI rupture or impaction that would require emergency surgery.  His adoptive family will need to ensure items are picked up and he must always be monitored to ensure he is not chewing or ingesting items he should not.  Dayton is neutered, microchipped, heartworm tested, and updated on vaccinations and dewormings, and has been given a clean bill of physical health by our veterinarian!

Given Dayton’s inquisitive nature, we do believe he would do best in a home with a fenced yard.  This will allow him ample opportunity to sniff and explore.  Dayton would do well in a single-family home as opposed to an apartment or townhome style with shared walls.  He can be vocal if he is in the kennel while his family is home or when someone new enters the home, presumably noises from shared walls may also impact his anxiety.  Stairs are not an issue for Dayton, this athletic frenchie has them mastered. Part-time or Full-time work from home or a stay-at-home parent? Dayton would love that!  He is looking for a patient family that will dedicate the time and understanding to help him work through his anxiety and OCD, and who fully understands he is a work in progress.  He would love a family that is home often to offer him unlimited attention and snuggles, pets, and the structured routine that he craves.

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