Decker

A tragic start to life for Decker (and his brother Blacken) when they were a litter of 10 and their backyard breeder literally starved them to near death (1 pup did sadly pass away a couple days after arriving into rescue care).<br/><br/>On arrival, November 1, Decker weighed in at 8.7 KG / 19 pounds. He should have, at that point in his life, weighed in around 60 pounds. We traced his birthdate back to May 2025 via his breeders social media, putting him at 6 months old on arrival to Mattie's Place. His growth will presumably be stunted due to months of malnutrition and he'll likely end up in the 50 pound range as an adult dog, but I'm not 100% certain how his growth pattern will happen over the next 8-10 months.<br/><br/>Despite the starvation, Decker is a healthy boy. He has been doing amazing in foster care, with his brother, on a re-feeding program to slowly weight gain him and he's otherwise a super happy pup. <br/><br/>There are no behaviour issues seen and Decker is adjusting really well in a home with cats, kids & other large breed dogs. <br/><br/>Decker has received his 1st round of vaccines & deworming and is on parasite prevention. His fecal tests showed no parasites. He will be neutered when he has some good weight back on his body which could be pre or post adoption, but it will remain at the cost of Mattie's Place, as will his next round of vaccines.<br/><br/>Decker is a great puppy that will fit into many lifestyles as he's still learning about the kindness the world has to offer him and carries no "baggage" from the trauma of his early months of life.<br/><br/>Decker is a puppy though and is going through all the puppy motions; mouthing, chewing, potty accidents etc. as he missed out on some important learnings before arriving to rescue, but he's quickly catching up to his age appropriate puppy behaviour.<br/><br/>FROM HIS FOSTER:<br/><br/>The larger of the two brothers. He’s a sweet, sweet boy. He has killer puppy eyes! <br/><br/>He has also found his voice but doesn’t use it unless he’s truly startled.<br/><br/>He loves toys and playing, he loves trying to play with the humans. He needs some reminders to watch his teeth and nails like most puppies (mouthing) but will take a toy instead. <br/><br/>He loves the crinkly toys and soft ones.<br/><br/>Not much of a chewer.<br/><br/>He has learned ‘sit’ and has picked up on the foster’s routine quickly. He likes to play but more so likes to sit and cuddle. He loves to lay on top of you in some way, right up against you at minimum when relaxing on the couch. <br/><br/>He is a very sweet, cuddly guy.<br/><br/>He goes out directly before bed, then to his crate for sleep. Quiet overnight and clean in his crate. <br/><br/>He starts his day around 630-7am during the week, but he will sleep in a little on the weekends without an issue. He goes out immediately after waking to minimize any chance of accidents. He is potty training pretty well. Knows to go over to the edge of the puppy fencing to head outside, but if you aren’t quick he<br/>may eliminate on the pee pads. No accidents anywhere else. He doesn’t signal with whining or anything so you gotta watch!<br/><br/>He shows interest in other dogs and likes to play with his brother, and attempts to play with the foster’s bigger dogs. He has pretty good manners with the bigger dogs, and definitely listens to the corrections from them. <br/><br/>He’s not really intimidated by their size unless running around outside he will run over to the humans sometimes.<br/><br/>He seems to love all people, men, women and kids. Is interested in the cat, but doesn’t try to chase. He is alert and watches but doesn’t do much more than that and can be distracted. The foster’s cat is dog savvy and doesn’t get too close just yet.<br/><br/>He does his business outside no problem, but still gets cold as he’s small but with walking around and encouragement he’s okay. He does like to head back inside when he’s done, and will pull on the leash. Not doing badly though, for a young pup!<br/><br/>He is currently eating 4 small meals a day, and fed in his crate. He is a BIG FAN of food and would keep eating, so the 4 small meals with a short rest after<br/>is working well for this guy. Loves treats as well.<br/><br/>He is a very sweet, happy boy. His wicked puppy eyes will melt your heart.<br/><br/>------------------------------------<br/><br/>ADOPTION FEE INCLUDES: spay/neuter, deworming, flea/tick prevention, vaccinations, dentals if needed or any added surgical needed surgical care, food, nose to tail health exam, toys, leash|collar, winter coat (seasonal), poop bags, dishes and 30 days of Trupanion pet insurance with immediate coverage on adoption day for any illness or injury not pre-existing.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>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.

A tragic start to life for Decker (and his brother Blacken) when they were a litter of 10 and their backyard breeder literally starved them to near death (1 pup did sadly pass away a couple days after arriving into rescue care).

On arrival, November 1, Decker weighed in at 8.7 KG / 19 pounds. He should have, at that point in his life, weighed in around 60 pounds. We traced his birthdate back to May 2025 via his breeders social media, putting him at 6 months old on arrival to Mattie's Place. His growth will presumably be stunted due to months of malnutrition and he'll likely end up in the 50 pound range as an adult dog, but I'm not 100% certain how his growth pattern will happen over the next 8-10 months.

Despite the starvation, Decker is a healthy boy. He has been doing amazing in foster care, with his brother, on a re-feeding program to slowly weight gain him and he's otherwise a super happy pup.

There are no behaviour issues seen and Decker is adjusting really well in a home with cats, kids

A tragic start to life for Decker (and his brother Blacken) when they were a litter of 10 and their backyard breeder literally starved them to near death (1 pup did sadly pass away a couple days after arriving into rescue care).

On arrival, November 1, Decker weighed in at 8.7 KG / 19 pounds. He should have, at that point in his life, weighed in around 60 pounds. We traced his birthdate back to May 2025 via his breeders social media, putting him at 6 months old on arrival to Mattie's Place. His growth will presumably be stunted due to months of malnutrition and he'll likely end up in the 50 pound range as an adult dog, but I'm not 100% certain how his growth pattern will happen over the next 8-10 months.

Despite the starvation, Decker is a healthy boy. He has been doing amazing in foster care, with his brother, on a re-feeding program to slowly weight gain him and he's otherwise a super happy pup.

There are no behaviour issues seen and Decker is adjusting really well in a home with cats, kids & other large breed dogs.

Decker has received his 1st round of vaccines & deworming and is on parasite prevention. His fecal tests showed no parasites. He will be neutered when he has some good weight back on his body which could be pre or post adoption, but it will remain at the cost of Mattie's Place, as will his next round of vaccines.

Decker is a great puppy that will fit