Mookie American Staffordshire Terrier Mix New York, NY

Mookie is a beautiful three-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix who was surrendered by her owner to the Manhattan ACC on 4/25/2014 because of “financial constraints.”

As an ACC volunteer, I have become accustomed to seeing what seems like an endless amount of beautiful dogs at the shelter. They all bear gorgeous shiny coats, own sweet smiles, and are eager to love and be loved. It’s hard to fall in love with just one.

Every once in a while though, a special pup will come along who captivates the heart of everyone they meet. Mookie was that girl for everyone at the ACC that week.

On 5/3, when we learned that Mookie was on the at-risk list because she had contracted the all too common kennel cough, my husband and I opened up our house to foster and nurse her back to health. Since then, we have partnered with the amazing Zani's to find Mookie her furever home.

It has been an amazing few weeks with this special girl who has been the epitome of the perfect houseguest. Right from the beginning it was obvious that Mookie adores walks. When we grab her leash to go outside, her cute brown tail wags so fast that her whole butt wiggles – earning her the nickname “wiggly butt.” She knows though that she needs to be a polite and patient lady so she’ll relax into the perfect sit position and wait for us to put her collar on. Mookie is fully house trained and “does her business” as soon as we are outside. From there, she explores the world like it’s her first day on earth, smelling flowers, basking in the sunshine, and greeting all dogs and even cats playfully.

Mookie loves attention and affection – and is a dog who will need a good amount of daily exercise - but she also does just fine when left alone. My husband and I can leave the apartment for up to 3 hours and come back to find Mookie curled up on our couch or chewing her Nylabone like a perfect little lady.

Above all, Mookie is an absolute beautiful dog. Her gorgeous, silky soft brown coat is perfectly groomed and reminds us of cocoa powder. Her eyes are deep, dark and gentle.

Mookie also loves to snuggle, capitalizing on every opportunity to nuzzle up to you and slip into a deep doggy nap. Sometimes, when she is really tired, she’ll snore and we will smile thinking about what she might be dreaming about.

Mookie can be a little timid sometimes around strangers, but with just a little bit of patience she warms up to everyone in no time. We’ve been told she has only lived with adults but since she has been in our care she has already met a few children and has passed the kid test with flying colors.

If not exercised, Mookie can get a little rambunctious (as any dog would!) so we recommend a home where she will receive plenty of walks and will always have a bone or two around to focus her energy on.

Above all, Mookie deserves unconditional love. A home where she will be considered family. A home that is forever no matter what life circumstances may arise. She is worth loving forever and we have promised Mookie that the best is yet to come. She has left her paw-print on our hearts and I know that when you meet her she will on yours too. Mookie needs her forever home and if you’re lucky, it could be you

Please fill out an application at http://zanisfurryfriends.org/applications.html and return to dogs@zanisfurryfriends.org

Many of us (cats/dogs) will be at Petco on E86/Lex on Sundays and sometimes on Saturdays--please ask by writing us at info@zanisfurryfriends.org. If you are seriously interested in adopting one of us in particular, please fill out an application by Friday so that we can be sure to be there. Otherwise we decide based on other variables. Usually we are in our foster homes so this is a bit more stressful and a slightly artificial environment but we do want to be seen and find our furever homes too.

Please consider providing a home for more than one dog, especially if you are considering adopting a puppy. Dogs are pack animals and very much enjoy as well as need other dog company to learn to play, socialize and be good companion animals to people. The upside to this is that you won't feel as guilty leaving them alone and you get twice the love. Please come! And if you can't adopt, maybe you can foster or volunteer, and you can always donate!