Willie Plott Hound Conover, NC

Willie is the sweetest, most loving companion. He really enjoys the company of other dogs and playing. He is completely house trained and will let you know when he needs to go outside. He loves everyone, especially children. He gives great kisses. Willie loves to be your shadow and go where you go. He is curious about cats and we think would do fine living with cats if directed properly. He loves his toys and will play by himself or with other dogs. He loves to ride in the car.

Willie is a little over 1 year old. We don’t foresee him getting bigger than 35-40 pounds at a healthy weight. He came to us underweight but has made great progress and is at a healthy weight for his size.

He has a condition known as Megaesophagus. This is where his esophagus is too large and the muscles do not function properly or at all to get food to his stomach. This is a very manageable condition with proper care, so don’t let it discourage you. Willie has a special high chair (Bailey Chair) that he loves to sit in and eat! He LOVES to eat! He has to sit in his chair for 15 minutes minimum after eating to let gravity move the food to his stomach. If the food doesn’t get to his stomach then it sits in his throat setting him up for vomiting and possible aspiration of the lungs (and malnutrition). He is very cooperative and takes his current meds like a champ in his food. He cannot have any table food or regular dog treats because of his condition. Don’t worry, there are a lot of recipes for treats for dogs with his condition, and a lot of support groups of owners and fosters with dogs that have Megaesophagus.

Willie currently eats 2 small meals a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. He will have to be fed like this forever. He eats his food really wetted down or watered/soupy canned food. It’s unknown if he will have to be on medication forever yet. If so, they are not expensive at all. Currently, he only takes Omeprazole and heart worm/flea prevention.

He is crate trained and goes right in when you point to his crate. He feels safe and secure in his crate and sleeps in it all night long.

He walks great on a leash and harness. He does exceptionally well walking in a pack with two other dogs in his current foster home. Like most hounds, he will sometimes pull when he smells something new or exciting. Other than that, he does well on walks. He LOVES car rides and may get upset when he cannot go with you.

He is up to date on all vaccines and currently on Heartgard and Nexgard for heartworm preventative and flea/tick preventative.
He is neutered and ready for adoption.
Email crystal@hartmanshaven.org