Beetle: "In My Own Words" (VIDEO!) Spinone Italiano Mix Doylestown, PA

Our shy-boy Beetle is a bit of a mystery man, and we’ve always wondered what’s going on inside that fuzzy 3-year-old head of his. So when we ran into an animal communicator at a recent adoption event, we thought, “What the heck, let’s see what he’s got to say!” Well, as it turned out, Beetle had a LOT to tell us – and some of it was quite surprising. Intrigued? Read on!


Beetle: “The first thing you should know about me is that I’m descended from royalty: My ancestors were Spinoni Italiani, very regal hunting dogs. [Does this face look familiar? http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/spinone-italiano] I really like to go 'traveling' – not running away in a panic, just kind of cruising around on my own, trotting along in a field and enjoying myself. I’m not really interested in other dogs. I like the ones I live with, and sometimes I like to play with other dogs [see video], but mostly, I’m pretty indifferent to them and would be perfectly happy by myself.” [Note: This was the SECOND animal communicator to say this about Beetle, which really surprised us because we thought he needed the company of a people-loving dog to make him feel more secure.]


The communicator then asked Beetle about his past life, and after a moment she said: "He's showing me 'chaos' – lots of noise, doors slamming, people coming and going all day and night, loud music … and he says he DOESN’T want that! He just wants someplace very quiet, with a single person or a older couple, a nice, predictable routine, a securely fenced (5-ft.+) yard to play in so he doesn't have to go anywhere for exercise, and no one expecting much of him. He'd be happy to be a companion to someone who just wants to hang out at home, not go anywhere or do anything or have lots of company in and out all the time."


Unusual? Yes. Bizarre? Maybe. Interesting? Definitely! Whether you believe it or don’t, we can tell you that what we know about Beetle fits perfectly with what he “told” us … and there was no way the communicator could have known any of that.


So here’s Beetle in a nutshell: He’s initially extremely shy and will not approach strangers, especially men or kids. (The Spinone Italiano is often described as a "cautious" dog ... and that certainly describes Beetle!) But once he eventually warms to you, he is wonderfully affectionate, lots of fun, and ready to learn -- this boy is super-food-motivated! He's fine with cats and with most other dogs, although he can be a bit 'pushy' with them sometimes. Because he's afraid of younger children ("Fast! Noisy! Yikes!"), Beetle's new home should have only adults (teenage girls may be okay -- he currently lives with one and is now fine with her, as well as with the "man of the house").


He is impeccably housetrained, and is fine being left loose in the house (although he also loves his crate, which is his “safe place” :-) He does have a weakness for tempting little bits of plastic, though, so it's best to keep things like Chapstick and pen caps out of Beetle's reach! He has attended some basic obedience classes, just to give him some positive experiences outside the home ... and he actually did pretty well! He's still easily startled by any sudden noise or movement, but now recovers much more quickly.


While it's easy to fall in love with those baby-blue eyes and endearing fuzzy face, prospective adopters should be aware that it will take Beetle several weeks to really settle in and begin to feel comfortable in his new home, so if you're looking for an instant, "just-add-water" companion ... Beetle is NOT the dog for you. But if you have the love and patience to give Beetle the time and space he needs to feel comfortable, you'll be rewarded with a funny, devoted, affectionate companion for life. Beetle is terrific with his foster family, and will be equally terrific with his adoptive family if they give him time to adjust. We know it will take a very special adopter to make Beetle feel at home -- could it be you?


Because Meet & Greets are too overwhelming for Beetle, please e-mail us to ask about meeting him privately. (Local adoptions preferred -- Philadelphia and tri-state area only.)


PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTACTING US! We are NOT a shelter: All of our dogs live in private homes with foster families. Come and meet the Almost Home dogs and their fosters at our Meet & Greet events: You can learn more about our wonderful dogs from the people who live with them, find out which dogs are on their way and when they’ll arrive, and fill out an application to adopt or foster. (Note: Please e-mail us to request an adoption application.) To speed e-mail processing time, be sure to note the name of the dog you are inquiring about in the Subject line. For Meet & Greet times and locations, visit our website, where you also will find information on our adoption process and fees.


FOSTER FAMILIES ARE LIFESAVERS!! Can you open your heart and home for a few weeks to homeless shelter dog? Remember, by fostering a dog, you save TWO lives -- that of your foster dog, and that of the dog who takes his place in the shelter! Come to a Meet & Greet and find out if fostering is for you -- there's no reward quite like the feeling that you've saved a life ... or two!