Baxter’s Story:

They say I’m a “hero”! I’m not sure what that means, but it must be good because the people at Pals for Paws seem to be very proud of me.

A couple of weeks ago, I was out in my kennel with my friend Renegade and I heard a puppy crying. It was a very faint sound. I don’t think Renegade could even hear it, but I could! I knew that a puppy somewhere needed my help. I started barking and barking for someone to let me out of my kennel. Then I started howling as loudly as I could, because my humans weren’t paying attention. Finally, my foster mom’s son Mattie came outside to see why I was being such a loudmouth! “What’s wrong with you?!!!” he scolded as he opened my kennel door.

I took off as fast as I could possibly go toward the sound of the puppy crying. “Hey, get back here, Baxter!” Mattie yelled as he ran after me. But I kept running! I ran across the street and across the field toward the faint whimper, and then I found him. He was a little guy, hopelessly stuck in the mud. He had long fur, and the mud on him was so thick he could barely move. I started digging frantically, trying my best to dig him out. Mattie finally caught up with me and saw what I was doing. Then I grabbed the little guy by the neck and pulled him out of the mud hole. He was cold and shivering, but he was still alive. Mattie picked him up and carried him home. “Good boy, Baxter! Good boy!” he said.

When we got back to the garage, Mattie put the little guy down and called my foster mom. She came right home and gave him a bath. Then she recognized the little guy as our neighbors’ Shih Tzu. She called the neighbors and they came right over. She told them that I saved their dog’s life and that I was a “hero”! She sure seemed happy about what I had done!

The neighbors said their poor little dog is old and blind and probably had no idea where he was when he wandered off. They didn’t know how he had gotten out of the house in the first place. I’m just glad I could help him, and that he was able to go back home where he would be safe and warm.

Foster Mom’s Story:

Baxter has been a challenge. While he is a warm and loving boy, he definitely has a mind of his own and can be very determined once he has his mind set on something. He loves to greet people with lots of enthusiasm and it can be overwhelming, but he's trying to show you how much he loves visitors and how excited he is to see you. He just needs to be reminded of his manners.

A “smart little cookie”, Baxter is a quick learner and has figured out how to open up the crates that he has been in. It's just a matter of finding him the right one. He has also demonstrated his ability to climb a fence, so it might be a good idea for him to have a dog run or a pen.

Baxter has a LOT of potential to be a GREAT pet! As you can tell from his story, he has a kind, caring heart. He loves people and he loves other animals. He’s very social. What he needs is a home where someone will be willing to work with him, perhaps even take him to some obedience classes. I know that he would catch on very quickly, but he will need a lot of practice along with some patience and tolerance from his new family.

Do you have the time to adopt this wonderful boy and work with him? I know that he will reward his “forever family” with lots of unconditional love and loyalty. Please call Pals for Paws at  if you’d like to meet Baxter and consider adding him to your family.

Volunteer’s Story:

One of Pals for Paws’ volunteers has been working with Baxter on some obedience issues and Baxter is doing VERY well. Here is what our volunteer had to say:

I picked up Baxter last evening and put a metal collar on him [recommended by obedience trainers] and that dog has been the nicest acting dog you'd ever want to imagine. Took Baxter for a walk and he obeyed well. Jan came out to meet Baxter and I told her to wait a second. I stood loosely on the leash so that if Baxter decided to jump up on her he'd have the pronged collar pulling into him. He never attempted to jump up on her and he has behaved just super. It is my intention to work with him over the next several days and then maybe take him over to the K-Lynn obedience school to see what she might suggest for Baxter. I was able to get him to sit on command after working with him and only petting him as a reward. (He didn't accept treats well.)

Additional Notes:

Baxter has been in rescue with Pals for Paws since just before Thanksgiving. He is a wonderful dog, but has not been adopted yet, most likely due to his unbridled exuberance upon meeting people! He really needs a special family to welcome him into their lives and work with him as our volunteer has been doing.

Baxter is neutered, up-to-date on his shots, and he can be adopted for our standard $150 adoption fee. Please call Pals for Paws to request an introduction to Baxter! Get ready to be greeted with a lot of enthusiasm, for Baxter lives life to the fullest and he will be VERY happy to meet you!