We’ve got Spirit, yes we do, we’ve got Spirit, how bout you? Of course, in this case, Spirit is a big, black Labrador and Cane Corso mix who is on a quest to find a new forever home. They say it takes a village, and Spirit was the darling of his neighborhood before finding himself at Muttville. Spirit is a total sweetheart that just wants to be loved and cuddled in his golden years, and, although quite a bit bigger than the average mutt, he’s willing to prove that any dog can be a lap dog. Spirit is a well-trained gentle giant who is a perfect gentleman on walks and a great addition to any home. Could you use a little more Spirit in your life?
Here’s some notes from his foster:
If you look up the phrase “gentle giant” in the dictionary, you’d find a picture of Spirit. His name fits him perfectly, he’s loving, kind, and soulful. I don’t think he’s ever met a stranger he didn’t like. Despite the difficult circumstances that brought him to Muttville at an advanced age, he holds nothing against humans; in fact, he adores them. We haven’t seen him with children yet, but he seems like the kind of dog who instinctively knows to be extra gentle. He and our senior dog peacefully coexist. He shows no signs of resource guarding over food, bed, toys, or his humans.
Spirit is unflappable. Inside noises, outside commotion, barking dogs, or even people on ladders cutting down trees don’t faze him; he stays steady and calm through it all.
So far, he’s shown no problems being left by himself. When left alone, he simply chooses to nap. He’s been left home alone for up to 4 hours without showing any signs of distress.
He has settled into a routine, he appears to be well potty trained. He can go 10 hours overnight without a bathroom break, and we still have to convince him to get up in the morning.
Spirit is a little unsure about some stairs. He now manages our indoor stairs, though he was initially afraid to go down them. He can physically handle them; he just needs patience, encouragement, and maybe a few treats while he builds confidence.
He loves being outside and going for walks, and he’s absolutely perfect on leash. He doesn’t pull or react to other dogs, people, or construction noise, he just enjoys a leisurely stroll. If you stop walking for what he considers no good reason, he may whine a little, but he’s learning patience. He’d likely make an excellent outdoor dining or coffee shop companion.
Spirit truly is something special. There isn’t a mean bone in his giant body. He simply wants to be loved and cared for, and in return, he offers endless kisses, cuddles, and the kind of warm, soulful gaze that makes you think, “So this is what true love feels like."
