Frankie

INTRODUCTION As told by Frankie

Let’s put it right out there. I’m a complicated guy, definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. But I know there is someone out there – maybe you? – who is up for both the challenges and the rewards that will come with adopting me. I realize that by acknowledging challenges, I may have already lost some readers. But that’s OK; I only need one special person to keep reading.

My background is pretty sketchy. I was found tied up outside in Puerto Rico, which is a tough way to live for a dog that just wants to be loved and give love. It’s not surprising that I developed a few scars and insecurities. Those first years were difficult, but my luck changed when AGaG came to the rescue.

I’ve been stateside since May 2023, and in that time, I have learned so much thanks to my patient and loving foster families. In many ways, I am an ideal dog! I am house- and crate-trained; I don’t counter surf or get into things when left alone (except I have been known to eat paper occasionally). I’m good in the car, and I enjoy boating, swimming, taking walks and exploring. I really like to chase tennis balls and run zoomies around the yard, but I know how to settle down when playtime is over. Squeaky toys are my favorites. I love being petted and am protective of those whom I trust. In fact, foster dad says I would make a great watchdog!

But maybe I should talk a bit about those scars I mentioned earlier. Understandably, I am very cautious in new situations. It’s best if I acclimate to new surroundings and new people on my own terms. I’ll come to you when I am ready, so don’t rush me. But I will come around, and once I do, we will become good pals. According to foster dad, I’m worth the wait. He says, “It may take a while to know Frankie, but once you do, you are friends for life.” That said, you must be careful when introducing me to new people.

I can also be a bit unpredictable with other dogs. Sometimes I want to play, and sometimes I don’t. I really like Midge, a little pug who lives next door. We “play,” even though we are on opposite sides of the fence. I even cry a bit when she goes in. In general, I ignore most of the dogs that foster dad and I meet while on walks. But once in a while – definitely not all the time – I get a little anxious. I might bark or growl, and, yes, I have even snapped. Dad made a very important observation about my behavior: The only dogs I seem to react negatively to are large, my size or bigger. Maybe I was bullied when I lived in Puerto Rico.

But my foster dad is a genius! He has been teaching me coping strategies. Whenever we come across a dog that makes me anxious, Dad tells me to sit and that calms me down. He’s even teaching me to touch his hand with my nose, and that, too, helps me focus on him and not on the other dog. If you are willing to continue this training patiently and consistently, I know that I can learn to be a model dog-citizen.

I also have had to deal with a few health issues, but again, with foster dad’s loving care, most of them are resolving. (Still, there are few that bear watching.)

If I haven’t scared you off and you are still reading, bravo! You just might be the ONE.  I saw a poster once that said, “Don’t be afraid to take on big challenges. They give the best rewards.” That’s me in a nutshell. Interested? Let’s talk.

HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL CONCERNS

• Dermatitis: Has been treated with prescription diet and baths with prescription shampoo (condition improving); now on regular food and an oral allergy medication but still needs regular baths.
• Chronic ear infections: Both ears are now clear.
• Mild valvular disease: Cause of mild heart murmur. No medication required at this time. Repeat echocardiogram in early 2025.
• Mild hip dysplasia: Does not affect movement; no medication required at this time.
• Reactivity to some people and some dogs – improving with training.
• Not good with small children.
• Curious about cats but hasn’t lived with one.