Carl American Bulldog Mix Scarborough, ON

8 month old Carl (June 14, 2023) was found as a stray in Toronto and was very sick when found. He was brought into emergency care and after extensive testing he tested positive for cocaine toxicity (he ingested cocaine).

He remained in hospital and through supported medical care recovered from the poisoning. He was however, still a bit wobbly, so the neurological team was brought in for consult and it was concluded Carl ha a mild case of cerebellar hypoplasia.

Cerebellar hypoplasia is a medical condition, where part of the brain does not develop as it should. Though typically hereditary, it's also believed that it can happen to dogs exposed to infections or toxins. The portion of the brain effected is the cerebellum which manages a dog's intentional movements.

Cerebellar Hypoplasia symptoms may include:

- wobbly or exaggerated gait
- head bobs
- tremors

There is no cure for Cerebellar Hypoplasia and symptoms typically never worsen. Every dog with cerebellar hypoplasia is different, so symptoms and degree of, will vary from dog and dog.

Carl is quite mobile though certainly clumsy. He walks and runs with a bit of a wobbly gait and can stumble but easily corrects himself. He can do stairs and manages them with his own comfort, but new stairs will certainly always be a hesitation for him, so patience will be required to work with Carl if you have stairs in your home - to help him understand he can utilize them as he needs. He does the stairs in his foster home, strategically doing one step at a time, up and down so he can manage all stairs once he's comfortable.

Carl can jump on a couch but can't jump on anything as high as most beds. He does however prefer you give his butt a lift up on the couch if he's allowed there or a hoist into bed if he's invited. Carl is happy to take advantage of anyone wanting to over-baby him with carrying him, but it's in his best interest to push him to be self sufficient as he can do it himself with some restrictions like tall beds or vehicles.

He is the sweetest little boy you could hope to meet full of love and snuggles for humans and pets alike.

December 16, 2023 he weighed in at 45 pounds and he's growing. He's been given an estimated DOB of June 14, 2023. I have no idea what his breed mix is, maybe some American Bulldog. I'm sure he's got many breeds in his DNA so he's the most perfect breed: mutt.

I anticipate his adult weight would be in the 65 pound range, but I have absolutely no idea and can't confirm end weight.

Carl is just the sweetest most kind dog and will fit into many family situations. He is kind and gentle with small children and the only concern with kids is he may knock them down if he gets the zoomies and loses his balance, which he does do sometimes.

He can be the only dog in the home, but he'd also benefit from having another dog to play with and lead the way for him.


FROM THE FOSTER:

Carl joined our foster home and instantly became a member of the family. He is the most loving boy you will ever meet. Carls a gentle boy who loves his snuggles and kisses. He loves his foster siblings, especially his wobbly foster brother Boone who he gravitated towards instantly. He’s a very playful puppy with lots of energy, he likes to throw his toys around and chase his foster siblings. He wrestles with his foster brother nicely and understands when his siblings need some space. He’s kind to every dog he meets and has never shown any signs of aggression. He’s very gentle with small dogs and controls his big body well to play. His bigger foster siblings and him can get a little more rowdy but he’s understood boundaries well.


He’s a bit timid at first meeting new people. He’s apprehensive with stairs and needs a little coaching while he slowly figures out how to get those wobbly legs to get down/up. Once he gets to the last step he’ll do a big jump and run around with his front legs kicking high for his little victory dance.

He’s NOT a fan of the rain and it takes some serious convincing to get this boy to go outside if it’s wet. Carl recently met his shadow and that was very scary for the boy, he growled and tried running away from it, but it kept following him wherever he went. Other than the scary objects that sometimes appear in the house, he’s very quiet and doesn’t bark much. He does snore however…. Very VERY loudly while he sleeps.


Carl melts everyone’s heart that he meets. He does happy tip taps with his toes whenever you come in the door or first thing in the morning when he sees you from his long snooze. He does his dance on turbo speed for cheese and any other food he thinks he may get a piece of. He’s still getting the hang of bladder control and has had a few accidents in the house. For the most part, he will go to the door to tell you he needs out but if you catch him sniffing and circling an area, get that boy outside asap. He’s never gotten into garbage or food left out.


Carl is the best boy and we know he will be the best sidekick. He’s never too far away, just save him a spot beside you on the couch and he’s a happy guy. We love this boy so much, he’s seriously the perfect puppy.



Carls Daily Routine:

8:30/9:00 - typically Carl is dragged out of bed around this time for his morning potty. He’s not a morning person but if he doesn’t go out as soon as he’s awake, he’ll have accident in the house.

9:30 - breakfast (dry food approx. 1.5 cup) in his slow feeder

9:30-11:30 - morning playtime with his foster siblings and toys

11:30/12 - afternoon potty break (also sporadically through the day if he shows signs of needing to)

12pm - usually Carl settles in for an afternoon nap either beside us as we’re working from home or snuggled up on the couch watching tv

4pm - dinner time (approx 2 cups hydrated with water) in his slow feeder

4-5:30pm - outside time with his foster siblings running and exploring the fenced acre

6-7:30pm - more inside playtime

8pm - Carl has set himself a strict bedtime and every time without fail he’ll try crawling into bed around this time

9:30pm - final pee (very reluctantly) and back to bed for the night


ADOPTION FEE INCLUDES:

blood work / spay/neuter / multiple deworming / flea/tick prevention / dental needs will be assessed at spay/neuter and completed post adoption for grade 3 or higher at the cost of Mattie's Place / food / dishes / leash/martingale collar / toys / poop bags / treats


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To note: the above description is relevant to this dog in it's current & previous setting. Home changes & adopter personalities can bring out different behaviours not previously seen.

We also do not claim, endorse, suggest or hint at, that any of our dogs are hypoallergenic, low shed or no-shed.