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Story

 

Marley was found tied to a tree near our clinic on a rainy day. He had been reported in a Facebook group both in the morning and again in the evening, having spent the entire day in the downpour. When we went to rescue him, someone had already untied him, and we had to search for him. We found him just a few meters away, drenched and cold.

 

Once at the clinic, we saw just how neglected he had been. His coat was matted with layers of dirt, looking gray and black. It was full of tangles and bits of twigs and branches, a clear sign of how long he had been in poor conditions.

 

Temper: Sweet, loving, but protective and defensive at times.
Energy level: Moderate; enjoys playtime and walks but also likes to relax.
Good with dogs: Yes, Marley is great with all dogs, regardless of size.
Good with cats: No, Marley doesn’t like cats and will chase them if they move.
Hunt instinct: High, especially when it comes to chasing cats.
Good with kids: Not ideal for families with young children, but he’s fine with older, dog-savvy kids if interactions are supervised.
Good with adults: Yes, Marley does well with adults once he feels comfortable and safe. Obeys when called: Only if food is involved; he’s motivated by treats.
Favorite toy: Squeaky toys.
Afraid of: Strangers who appear threatening, such as tall or bulky people, or those entering his home too abruptly.
Commands it knows: Sit.
He dislikes: Being grabbed or picked up, especially if being pulled.
He likes: Walks, playtime with toys, and hanging out in his kennel. Separation anxiety: No.
Resource protection: Yes, he guards food and trash and will growl or bite if threatened.

Barker: Yes, Marley barks at strangers and unusual activity, but not excessively.
Walks on leash: Yes, Marley loves walks and does well on a leash. Pulls a bit sometimes.
Sheds: Minimal, Marley sheds minimally and needs regular grooming.
Physical trait that defines it: His fluffy golden-brown coat and expressive, warm eyes.

 

Story and summary

 

Marley is a charming and affectionate dog who thrives on attention and play. He’s always up for a game of fetch and has a special love for squeaky toys that never fail to make him happy. His food motivation makes him easy to train, redirect, and reward, which is a helpful tool in managing his behavior.

 

While Marley is full of love and potential, he does have some quirks that require patience and understanding. He’s not a perfect dog, but he is a loyal companion who deserves a family that will embrace his unique personality and help him continue to grow.

 

Setting Boundaries with Mouthing

Marley uses his mouth to communicate his boundaries. Often, this is a gentle warning mouthing, but if his limits are pushed, he may escalate to a bite. These are not aggressive bites but assertive ways of saying, “please stop.” For this reason, Marley is not suited to families with young children who may find it challenging to respect his boundaries. Supervised interactions with older kids can work well if they understand his needs.

 

Handling and Personal Space

Marley does not like being grabbed or physically pulled, such as when trying to guide him indoors. However, he loves his leash and responds well to gentle guidance using it. Marley isn’t prone to running away, so if he slips outside, there’s usually time to calmly leash him and bring him back.

 

Resource Guarding

Marley has a fondness for scavenging trash and may guard items he considers valuable, such as food scraps. If you try to take these items away, he may growl or bite to protect them. Instead, distracting him with a squeaky toy, leash, or a treat works wonders to redirect his focus.

 

Guardian Instincts

Marley has a natural guarding instinct. He’ll bark at strangers outside the home and may keep a close eye on unfamiliar visitors. If someone enters quickly or appears imposing (such as carrying large objects), Marley might bark or growl. However, with calm introductions and a little time to assess the situation, he becomes more relaxed and accepting.

 

Past Experiences and Trust Building

Marley’s defensive behavior suggests he may not have been treated kindly in the past. He can be cautious and wary, particularly around men or individuals he doesn’t know. This has occasionally led him to act defensively to protect himself.

 

However, we’ve witnessed a beautiful transformation in Marley during his time with us. With patience, love, and respect, he has started to let down his guard and trust the people around him. He now greets visitors more calmly, especially when given a few moments to approach and assess at his own pace. Marley’s journey shows that with understanding and kindness, he can continue to grow into a more confident and trusting companion.

 

Compatibility with Other Animals

Marley is fantastic with dogs of all sizes and enjoys their company. However, he is not a fan of cats. If a cat moves, his prey drive kicks in, and he will eagerly attempt to chase them. A cat-free home is a must for Marley.

 

Physical Health and Care

Marley has sensitive skin, likely due to his breed mix, and requires a special diet, such as salmon-based kibble, to keep him comfortable. Regular grooming every 3–4 weeks is essential to maintain his coat’s health. Marley cooperates wonderfully during grooming sessions, especially with our clinic groomer, who has built a trusting relationship with him. While invasive veterinary procedures like blood draws can be challenging, routine vaccinations and check-ups are no problem when treats are involved!

 

A Day in Marley’s Life

Marley loves hanging out in the clinic, finding cozy spots to nap or playing with his favorite toys. He absolutely adores spending time in his kennel, where he feels safe and secure. Marley is happiest when he can relax, play, and just be himself in a calm environment.

 

Why Marley Deserves a Loving Home

Marley isn’t perfect, but he is perfectly lovable. He is a fluffy, sweet, and loyal companion who needs a family that will be patient and understanding of his quirks. With love, respect, and consistent care, Marley has the potential to become an even more wonderful dog.

 

Marley’s journey has already shown how much he can grow with kindness. He’s ready to find a family that will give him more reasons to trust and love.

Could you be the one to give Marley the forever home he deserves?

 

Marley’s adopter will be someone who sees beyond his quirks and cherishes him for the loyal, sweet companion he is.

 

Medical conditions:

Marley doesn’t have allergies but does have skin sensitivities. Our vet recommends minimizing his time on grass to prevent irritation. Regular baths with gentle or sensitive-skin-specific shampoos are ideal for maintaining his coat and skin health. For his diet, feeding him salmon- based or sensitive-skin formulas has proven to be beneficial.

 

For adoption please email kancozumel@gmail.com

Marley

$0.00Price
  • September 2019  /  5 years 

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