Ponyo Maltipoo Mix Portland, OR

Ponyo, our 11 year old 10 pound Maltipoo mix, loves the saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". Although 11 isn't exactly old for a small dog, Ponyo is still not at all interested in this "tricks" business. Sit? No thank you. Shake? Pahleeeze. Although he may not be interested in higher learning, Ponyo already knows a lot about being a good dog.

Found stray and in need of a major grooming, sweet Ponyo was all wags all the time at the shelter. We took him in to help with his dental disease, neuter him, and work up his heart murmur. The good news is, at this time, he has no evidence of significant heart disease. And now that we've removed several painfully infected teeth, Ponyo's breath is as fresh as his hairdo.

Although Ponyo may not be interested in rolling over or fetching the paper, he is a perfect house guest. Quiet, not destructive and potty trained, Ponyo can be trusted to be left alone for several hours. He very much disagrees with being in a crate, however. Ponyo is great on a leash, very good with other small dogs and is cuddly without being overbearing. Ponyo is sweet, fun loving, and can self-entertain with a squeaky toy. We have not seen Ponyo with cats but can do an introduction if needed. Older kids should be just fine.

Ponyo is heartworm negative, microchipped and current on his flea and heartworm preventatives. Due to his heart murmur, his adopters should be prepared to take him to the vet every 6 months to make sure his heart condition has not changed.

For those of us who want to teach a dog english or to find lost items, there are Border Collies. For those of us who don't mind if our dog has no idea what we're talking about, there's Ponyo. Are you the one for him? Apply to adopt at www.stumptownstrays.org