Gunner

Meet Gunner<br/><br/>We got another “stray call.”<br/><br/>This guy was not thrilled to see us.<br/><br/>No wagging tail. No instant trust. Just a scared, unsure dog who made it very clear he didn't know what was about to happen—and honestly? Fair.<br/><br/>Once we got him home, settled in, and realized treats are, in fact, a universal language... the tough guy act faded fast. Underneath it all is a big baby who just needed the world to slow down for a minute.<br/><br/>Since then, we've learned a lot about his story—and it explains everything.<br/><br/>He originally came from a shelter and, at only 11 months old, has already been through three different homes. The most recent “owners” are the ones who turned him in as a stray, so it's pretty clear he wasn't wanted anymore.<br/><br/>That kind of instability does something to a dog.<br/><br/>He can be growly with people he doesn't know—but not aggressive. He doesn't try to bite. He'd much rather create space and get away. That's fear, not malice.<br/><br/>Once he knows you? He's affectionate, goofy, and relaxed.<br/><br/> Good with kids<br/><br/> Good with other dogs<br/><br/> Does have some resource guarding with food around other dogs, so he will need to be fed separately<br/><br/>He's still a puppy. A confused one. A dog who has learned that people disappear—but is quietly hoping this time will be different.<br/><br/>He deserves a family who understands that trust is built, not demanded. A home that won't give up when he needs reassurance instead of pressure. A chance to finally stay.<br/><br/>And honestly... after everything he's been through?<br/><br/>Who could blame him for being cautious.<br/><br/>If you're patient, kind, and willing to help him learn that not everyone leaves—this boy will give you his whole heart.<br/><br/> Located in mauston Wisconsin<br/><br/> Adoption info coming soon<br/><br/>Please share. His story doesn't need another chapter about being returned.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>behavior note:<br/><br/>His behaviors are consistent with a young dog who has experienced repeated instability—not a “problem dog.” The growling is distance-increasing communication, not intent to bite. He responds well to structure, routine, and positive reinforcement. His resource guarding is specific and manageable (feeding separately from other dogs), and we have already seen improvement with consistency. With a patient home and continued confidence-building, he has strong potential to thrive.

Meet Gunner

We got another “stray call.”

This guy was not thrilled to see us.

No wagging tail. No instant trust. Just a scared, unsure dog who made it very clear he didn't know what was about to happen—and honestly? Fair.

Once we got him home, settled in, and realized treats are, in fact, a universal language... the tough guy act faded fast. Underneath it all is a big baby who just needed the world to slow down for a minute.

Since then, we've learned a lot about his story—and it explains everything.

He originally came from a shelter and, at only 11 months old, has already been through three different homes. The most recent “owners” are the ones who turned him in as a stray, so it's pretty clear he wasn't wanted anymore.

That kind of instability does something to a dog.

He can be growly with people he doesn't know—but not aggressive. He doesn't try to bite. He'd much rather create space and get away. That's fear, not malice.

Once he knows you? He

Meet Gunner

We got another “stray call.”

This guy was not thrilled to see us.

No wagging tail. No instant trust. Just a scared, unsure dog who made it very clear he didn't know what was about to happen—and honestly? Fair.

Once we got him home, settled in, and realized treats are, in fact, a universal language... the tough guy act faded fast. Underneath it all is a big baby who just needed the world to slow down for a minute.

Since then, we've learned a lot about his story—and it explains everything.

He originally came from a shelter and, at only 11 months old, has already been through three different homes. The most recent “owners” are the ones who turned him in as a stray, so it's pretty clear he wasn't wanted anymore.

That kind of instability does something to a dog.

He can be growly with people he doesn't know—but not aggressive. He doesn't try to bite. He'd much rather create space and get away. That's fear, not malice.

Once he knows you? He's affectionate, goofy, and relaxed.

Good with kids

Good with other dogs

Does have some resource guarding with food around other dogs, so he will need to be fed separately

He's still a puppy. A confused one. A dog who has learned that people disappear—but is quietly hoping this time will be different.

He deserves a family who understands that trust i