everyone said, “you’re gonna get a dog”. my response was an adamant, “no, i’m not”. and then i saw these photos on Mid Atlantic Bully Buddies rescue site, taken by their fabulous photographer volunteer, Sarah Harper. i started sobbing the first time i saw his tilty head and just wanted to hug him and squish his face. not long after that, i had this bizarre, funny, fuzzy creature in my home who was suddenly looking to me for everything and i started my new job as a foster mom. i felt like (and still do) the new parent who has no idea what to do and is totally afraid they’re going to inadvertently kill their child with every possible misstep. but after a few weeks we’re both settling in together and he is still alive. he makes me laugh every single day.
Roscoe is a pit mix, with a short, solid stocky body and big head. no one’s really sure what he’s mixed with, but we’re guessing staffordshire terrier with a sprinkle of boxer and with absolute certainty, a 100% happy wiggle butt. when he runs with dogs he tries to herd them (it’s quite funny watching a pittie do this) so he may have some sort of herder in there, too. the vet estimated he’s somewhere around 4, but anyone who meets him thinks he may still be a pup and his trainer thinks no more than 2. he is crate trained, house broken, good on the leash and has turned into a ball fanatic. we play fetch every single day and he will play as often as you can throw the ball. he also loves loves loves to run and romp and play with other dogs. he’s smart as heck, and while i wouldn’t necessarily call him graceful, i think he’d be a great agility dog and it would help channel some of his energy. he knows all of his basic commands well (sit, stay, heel, down) and we work on off-leash commands every day and has good recall. he also can fetch his leash, ball and his Kong and i’m working on giving him new jobs daily. he is heart work negative, microchipped and neutered.
if there is one word to describe this guy, it’s enthusiastic. i’d never fully realized what “eager to please” meant until he came home with me. he watches me do everything. day one i was washing dishes and putting them away and he was following my hands and nosing everything as I put things away and it truly felt like he was trying to help. turns out he is silly smart, and i eventually taught him how to close the cabinet doors and drawers. i was folding laundry yesterday and he picked up a hanger and brought it to me (granted he was chewing it while doing it). i really think he’d do just about anything you asked him to if he could figure out how.
he a sweet, happy, sensitive boy with a lot of energy. he LOVES people. like.. LOVES THEM. he will settle with his humans in the house, but he greets guests with unending enthusiasm, which is something we’re working on. because of his energy and enthusiasm, he would do well with a family that will keep him exercised and continue his training. i would highly recommend a yard for frequent rompings. he does settle and cuddle (and spoon, both big and little) like no other, but he is prone to getting the zoomies when he doesn’t have an energy outlet. he loves the “find your Kong” game and loves chomping on it even more and even better news, so far he’s shown no desire to pick up and chew anything that is not his. i think he’d also do great in a house with other dogs to keep him company. so far all signs are pointing to no cats. he loves kids, but because he is a 50 pound bowling ball and seems to have no idea of his size or location of his paws, my thought is he’d do better with older children that he can’t inadvertently knock over.
Does this sound like a good fit for you?? contact Tami at Mid Atlantic Bully Buddies and we’ll set up a time to meet!
thinking about adopting a pit? he’s the cutest dog i’ve ever seen in my life, but get to know the breed before adopting. they can be high energy and need lots of love, but they also need boundaries. pitties make great family dogs, love people, are loyal and very silly. they are very very trainable, and adopters should be prepared to spend time exercising, teaching and training every day in addition to giving belly rubs. i found a great post for folks thinking about adopting one of these energetic love bugs: Article: Thinking about Adopting a Pit Bull?
my favorite frog butt!
don’t mistake the furrowed brow for a sad boy. he is good at following commands (down, stay) but prone to guilt tripping you for it. he is also terrified of the camera and gathers his concern between his ears. figures, right?
by kim seidl
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