Mikey (Pookie) - URGENT!

Why Choose Me?<br/><br/>**FOSTER NEEDED ASAP!**<br/><br/>Update 3/18/26: Pookie does not do well at the shelter, and his foster cannot keep him after this week.<br/><br/>This is Pookie, and he needs rescuing. Pookie arrived at the shelter last fall weighing in at just 35 pounds and has spent all this time in recovery and waiting for the right person to want him. He's bulked out to 55 pounds and now that he's healthy his personality is clear:<br/><br/>He's a lover. A snuggler. A dog that's going to love his people so much more than they can love him back. He's a patient gentleman who waits to be leashed up before going for relaxed walks in the Georgia sun. He listens the whole time, waiting at crosswalks and sitting when asked. On top of those commands, Pookie also knows ‘crate', ‘place', and ‘find it' and will wait until you give him the treat before gently taking it.<br/><br/>As if his loving side isn't enough, Pookie is housebroken, loves car rides, loves meeting strangers, and can keep himself occupied with a Kong by himself at home. He's perfectly happy to snooze the day away while you're at work and is perfectly content doing so in a crate just in case you're worried about the antique furniture.<br/><br/>Pookie hasn't had many interactions with other dogs but hasn't shown us any issues with seeing or meeting other dogs. He just needs slow and mindful introductions to ensure his lack of social skills doesn't make a bad impression. He's unfortunately not cat friendly though.<br/><br/>Pookie really has waited long enough for someone to see what a wonderful dog he is and to give him a chance. He's been an amazing dog for his foster. We can't ask much more of him than what he's already shown us so please, if you need a dog to love who will love you in return, let it be Pookie. He's available for adoption and foster.<br/><br/><br/>Foster update 1/28/26: <br/><br/>Pookie is male, 4 years old, about 55 lbs, crate trained (although he’s crying in the mornings right now), non-destructive, extremely human friendly, showing good signs of dog friendliness during meet and greets, and a Velcro pittie. I love him so much and think he’s a wonderful dog!<br/><br/>He met a large male dog at the shelter and did great! <br/><br/>Not cat friendly - we just keep him and my cat completely separate. No incidents but I also don’t trust them together even on a leash right now.<br/><br/>I’m happy to answer any questions about Pooks! He’s a wonderful companion!! And this sweet boy will make you smile a lot <br/><br/><br/>Foster update: Pookie is ready for his forever home! 🏠<br/><br/>Pookie is neutered, up to date on vaccines, house trained, and crate trained. He walks beautifully on leash, is food motivated, eager to please, and such a gentle, happy boy. He's met people of all genders and ages and has loved everyone! At this time, I would recommend a house without a cat, though.<br/><br/>Pookie is quick to learn; he can sit, play find it, and he knows to sit in place until he's released for dinner. He's learning to "spin" and continue walking when you say "let's go". If you give him some snacks, like cucumbers or dog treats, he will be ecstatic to practice more training. He takes treats gently and waits in his place while you're eating your own human food.<br/><br/>Pookie has come so far and is ready to share all of his love with a family of his own. If you're looking for a loyal, affectionate companion, Pookie may be the perfect match-come meet him!<br/><br/>Pookie has been with me in his foster home for nearly three weeks, and in that short time we've seen incredible progress. When he first arrived at the shelter, he weighed just 35 pounds, even though he's a large dog and should be nearly double that. We are so proud of him, because he's now up to 49 pounds (and climbing)!<br/><br/>As Pookie reaches his goal to gain weight, his personality has really begun to shine. He is truly a pittie in all the best ways: he loves to snuggle, be wrapped up in cozy blankets, follow you around the house, soak up the sun, and receive all the pets and love you can offer. He's very goofy, super food-motivated, and one of the most loving, gentle, and happy dogs I've ever met.<br/><br/>Pookie is also wonderful on the leash. He patiently waits for you to clip him in before heading out, then gently trots alongside you as you go on your merry way. He almost never pulls and listens very well when asked to sit and wait before crossing the street or coming inside after a walk.<br/><br/>Around the house, Pookie has taken well to crate training. He's learning the "crate" command and will wait excitedly in his crate to be fed. He sleeps comfortably in his crate at night and is content during the day with a kong and cozy blankets. He's also been working on "place" and "find it," which are helping him build confidence and self-control.<br/><br/>Looks aren't everything, but Pookie is quite a handsome dog. Now that he feels safe and has a reliable source of food, his brindle coat is shinier, and his eyes are brighter. His adorable pink snoot turns bright pink when he's warm and excited and fades to a pale pink when he's sleepy. We're still working on picture-posing-but honestly, he can't take a bad photo.<br/><br/>Pookie is going to make a perfect family dog!<br/>-------<br/><br/>Seeing Pookie broke my heart, but spending time with him filled it. He's the sweetest boy and gave me kisses when I petted him. Pookie is so thin, you can see his ribs and hipbones. He's on a special diet and feeding schedule, so I only gave him the tiniest of treats (more like crumbs). Still, he was happy to have them and showed me how well he could sit. The person that brought Pookie to the shelter said he showed up on his porch. I feel like Pookie was asking for help, and I'm glad he got it. He'll gain weight and be a handsome boy--he's already one of the sweetest I've ever met.<br/><br/>You can read more about this dog and check out additional photos here: https://www.accgov.com/9482/Dogs<br/><br/>The adoption fees, shelter schedule, a description of the rescue and adoption process, and a list of included vetting can be found at https://athenspets.net/adoption-rescue-process.<br/><br/>This dog is available for adoption through Athens-Clarke County Animal Services, located at 125 Buddy Christian Way, Athens, GA. For the most timely information on hours, location, availability and how to adopt, call the shelter Mon - Sat from 11am-4pm or Sunday 12-3 (except holidays) at 706-613-3540 or go to https://www.accgov.com/133/Animal-Services.<br/><br/>Visit the shelter in person or submit an application online! https://www.accgov.com/9482/Dogs

Why Choose Me?

**FOSTER NEEDED ASAP!**

Update 3/18/26: Pookie does not do well at the shelter, and his foster cannot keep him after this week.

This is Pookie, and he needs rescuing. Pookie arrived at the shelter last fall weighing in at just 35 pounds and has spent all this time in recovery and waiting for the right person to want him. He's bulked out to 55 pounds and now that he's healthy his personality is clear:

He's a lover. A snuggler. A dog that's going to love his people so much more than they can love him back. He's a patient gentleman who waits to be leashed up before going for relaxed walks in the Georgia sun. He listens the whole time, waiting at crosswalks and sitting when asked. On top of those commands, Pookie also knows ‘crate', ‘place', and ‘find it' and will wait until you give him the treat before gently taking it.

As if his loving side isn't enough, Pookie is housebroken, loves car rides, loves meeting strangers, and can keep himself occupied with a Kong by hims

Why Choose Me?

**FOSTER NEEDED ASAP!**

Update 3/18/26: Pookie does not do well at the shelter, and his foster cannot keep him after this week.

This is Pookie, and he needs rescuing. Pookie arrived at the shelter last fall weighing in at just 35 pounds and has spent all this time in recovery and waiting for the right person to want him. He's bulked out to 55 pounds and now that he's healthy his personality is clear:

He's a lover. A snuggler. A dog that's going to love his people so much more than they can love him back. He's a patient gentleman who waits to be leashed up before going for relaxed walks in the Georgia sun. He listens the whole time, waiting at crosswalks and sitting when asked. On top of those commands, Pookie also knows ‘crate', ‘place', and ‘find it' and will wait until you give him the treat before gently taking it.

As if his loving side isn't enough, Pookie is housebroken, loves car rides, loves meeting strangers, and can keep himself occupied with a Kong by himself at home. He's perfectly happy to snooze the day away while you're at work and is perfectly content doing so in a crate just in case you're worried about the antique furniture.

Pookie hasn't had many interactions with other dogs but hasn't shown us any issues with seeing or meeting other dogs. He just needs slow and mindful introductions to ensure his lack of social skills doesn't make