Sabbath Oct 26 in foster care in Lexington SC

Foster location: Deb and Chris in Lexington SC

Weight: About 17 lbs

Height: Estimated 12 inches at the shoulder

Estimated age: About 18 months–2 years old

Spayed/Neutered: Yes, Sabbath is neutered

Adoption Fee: $299

Fence needed? Yes — and it needs to be secure. Sabbath is an explorer, an escape artist and an impulsive little guy who should not be trusted loose outside. His foster family strongly recommends an AirTag as an extra layer of security.

Want To Know More About Me?

Text SABBATH to 864-441-9075 for my full story, photos, and videos — we’ll share everything you need to know!

Please note — if you want to skip the text and go straight to the application, you can find the link here: www.carolinapoodlerescue.org/application/

Here’s Your Quick Peek:

Sabbath — known as Murphy in his foster home — is equal parts snugglebug, stubborn little terrier and professional blanket burrower.

His favorite place is beside his person, preferably touching you. His even MORE favorite place is in bed with you, under the covers. Once he trusts you, belly rubs are wonderful, toys and balls are great fun, and being close to his human is pretty much the entire point of life.

Murphy loves big.

And wherever you are, Murphy is probably going to be there too. He likes to be in the same room as his people and is happiest when he can be part of everyday life.

Must have: An experienced, patient dog owner who understands that this sweet boy also has opinions. Murphy needs calm, consistent boundaries and someone willing to continue teaching him that humans sometimes get to make the decisions. He can protest when asked to do something he does not want to do and has occasionally used his teeth as part of that protest. He responds to redirection and clear, consistent handling.

Exercise: Currently restricted while his surgically repaired right front leg finishes healing. His activity has already been increased to several controlled 10–15 minute walks each day, and he is using the leg much more consistently. Follow-up X-rays are scheduled for November 17.

Best with: Someone who wants a close companion and is home much of the time. Murphy would be wonderful for a retired person or couple who wants a dog beside them on the couch, under the blankets and involved in everyday life.

Not ideal for: Someone away from home for long hours, an inexperienced dog owner, or a home that expects a very independent dog. His foster family also believes Murphy would prefer to be the only dog in the home, where he does not have to share his person or manage food around other dogs.

Energy level: Moderate, with young-dog/puppy tendencies. He is still recovering from orthopedic surgery, so we have not yet seen his completely unrestricted activity level. What we do know is that he is curious, quick, playful and enthusiastic about exploring.

Murphy has had quite a year. He first entered Columbia Animal Services in March after being surrendered by someone who had taken him in when his owner could no longer care for him. His original owner reclaimed him the following day. He returned to the shelter on September 25 after being hit by a car when his owner was unable to provide the veterinary treatment he needed.

The accident caused serious fractures of his right front leg, including fractures of the radius/ulna and olecranon. They were surgically repaired with plates and screws in October. He has been recovering beautifully in his foster home and is increasingly using the repaired leg. His surgical team planned follow-up radiographs at approximately six weeks to evaluate bone healing before completely releasing his activity restrictions.

House training: A work in progress, but Murphy is making real progress. He has started scratching at the front door to let his foster family know he wants to go out, which is a big step forward. When left for appointments, he has also successfully used pee pads in the house. He will still need consistency, frequent trips outside and continued training in his new home. We never guarantee house training in a new environment.

Crate: Murphy seriously dislikes a crate and has demonstrated some impressive Houdini skills. His foster family crates him when absolutely necessary, but a home where he is routinely crated for long periods would not suit him.

Good with dogs: Murphy can coexist with other dogs and, after getting to know his foster family’s pack, has done reasonably well. He has even tried to initiate play. However, food can create conflict, and the longer his foster family has known him, the more they believe he would truly prefer to be an only dog.

Good with kids: Yes. Murphy’s foster family has had him around children and says he has been excellent with them. His biggest offense so far has been enthusiastic licking.

Cats: Unknown. We can cat test him if needed.

Fun fact: Murphy sleeps under the covers with his foster mom every night. Apparently blankets are not bedding. They are a lifestyle.

This is a young dog who has bounced between homes, landed in a shelter twice, been hit by a car, undergone major orthopedic surgery and somehow remains absolutely convinced that people are wonderful.

He does have some rough edges. He needs training. He needs consistency. He needs someone who will take his safety seriously. But underneath all of that is an extraordinarily affectionate little dog who wants one thing more than anything else: His person.

And once Murphy decides you are his, he loves with everything he has.