Derek

Hi, I am Derek! I am a 3-year-old, 15-pound Jack Russell/Rat Terrier mix, and for the first few years of my life, I did not get to know what it felt like to truly belong to someone. I came to rescue after being saved from a hoarding situation down South, where life was crowded and uncertain and there was not much opportunity to learn what it meant to feel safe. Now I am being fostered in Albion, Michigan, and little by little I am discovering all the things I should have had from the beginning: a soft place to sleep, gentle hands, kind voices and people who care what happens to me.<br/><br/>I am a sweet, gentle little guy who does well with people and other dogs. When we first meet, I may hang back for a little while. I am not trying to be unfriendly. I am simply learning that new people can be good people and that I do not have to worry about what comes next anymore. Another dog helps me tremendously. I watch them, follow their lead and seem to understand that if they feel safe, maybe I can feel safe too. I would love to have a friendly, confident canine sibling who can continue showing me how wonderful being part of a family can be. I WILL REQUIRE A FENCED YARD TO KEEP ME SAFE AND A CANINE SIBLING TO KEEP ME HAPPY. <br/><br/>I know I may not be the little dog who runs straight into your arms the first time we meet. I hope someone will look past that first shy moment and see the dog I am trying so hard to become. I have already spent three years waiting for life to get better. I do not need a perfect home. I just need a patient one where I will finally know that I am wanted, I am safe and I am never going to lose my family again. Watching me learn to trust you may take a little time, but I have a feeling being the person who finally gives me that life will make every small milestone mean so much more.<br/><br/>I will come fully vetted, neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations and preventatives. Rescue gave me the chance to leave my old life behind. Now I am waiting for someone to give me the one thing I have never really had before: a forever home of my own.<br/><br/>Please apply to adopt me here: https://adopt.animalsfirst.com/animal/63adcb00cb896f59b74103d2/6a8c55bb174d09980b045180<br/><br/>———<br/><br/>If interested, please do not submit an inquiry through Petfinder. Fill out the application at the link above.

Hi, I am Derek! I am a 3-year-old, 15-pound Jack Russell/Rat Terrier mix, and for the first few years of my life, I did not get to know what it felt like to truly belong to someone. I came to rescue after being saved from a hoarding situation down South, where life was crowded and uncertain and there was not much opportunity to learn what it meant to feel safe. Now I am being fostered in Albion, Michigan, and little by little I am discovering all the things I should have had from the beginning: a soft place to sleep, gentle hands, kind voices and people who care what happens to me.

I am a sweet, gentle little guy who does well with people and other dogs. When we first meet, I may hang back for a little while. I am not trying to be unfriendly. I am simply learning that new people can be good people and that I do not have to worry about what comes next anymore. Another dog helps me tremendously. I watch them, follow their lead and seem to understand that if they feel safe, maybe I can feel safe too. I would love to ha

Hi, I am Derek! I am a 3-year-old, 15-pound Jack Russell/Rat Terrier mix, and for the first few years of my life, I did not get to know what it felt like to truly belong to someone. I came to rescue after being saved from a hoarding situation down South, where life was crowded and uncertain and there was not much opportunity to learn what it meant to feel safe. Now I am being fostered in Albion, Michigan, and little by little I am discovering all the things I should have had from the beginning: a soft place to sleep, gentle hands, kind voices and people who care what happens to me.

I am a sweet, gentle little guy who does well with people and other dogs. When we first meet, I may hang back for a little while. I am not trying to be unfriendly. I am simply learning that new people can be good people and that I do not have to worry about what comes next anymore. Another dog helps me tremendously. I watch them, follow their lead and seem to understand that if they feel safe, maybe I can feel safe too. I would love to have a friendly, confident canine sibling who can continue showing me how wonderful being part of a family can be. I WILL REQUIRE A FENCED YARD TO KEEP ME SAFE AND A CANINE SIBLING TO KEEP ME HAPPY.

I know I may not be the little dog who runs straight into your arms the first time we meet. I hope someone will look past that first shy moment and see the dog I am trying so hard to become. I