Louie

Meet Louie, an adorable male apricot Toy Poodle born on March 25, 2024 and weighing just 2.3 kgs.

With his lively, sociable, and affectionate demeanor, Louie will make a superb little canine companion who will fill your days with endless joy and amusement.

Not surprisingly, he's captured the heart of his devoted foster mum and everyone else who's met him since he came into our care in July 2024.

We knew at the start that Louie had some mild neurological deficits - and at 890 grams he was so, so tiny! That's why we've waited much longer than usual before advertising for his forever home. We needed time to assess whether he could be offered for adoption or whether he needed to join our "forever care" program.

And now the results are in. Our vet has diagnosed Louie with "head bobbing" and "high stepping", but says he's otherwise healthy. Check out her detailed report in the medical notes below. Our poodle expert, an international judge and former breeder, says "Despite Louie's neurological deficits, he's a lovely little example of a toy poodle."

And because Louie has been in our care since July 2024, we've got to know him really well. There's nothing not to love about his energetic and sweet-tempered youngster. He's happy to run around the garden with his canine mates or snuggle up on his foster mum's lap - just as long as he's got company.

A social butterfly, he is comfortable in the company of the many cats and other dogs in his foster home but he especially relishes the cuddles and love he shares with his foster mum. Whether inside or out, Louie likes to follow his foster mum around or better still be carried about in her arms. Yep, he's a little bit spoilt.

Louie has had no exposure to children since being in care, but we're confident he'd be fine with school-aged children. He's probably too small to be a suitable companion for the very young.

Following the lead of the resident dogs, he's become something of a watch dog, but he announces visitors so politely, that no one could take offence. After all, Louie loves everyone he meets.

Louie is clever and eager to please, a combination that makes him highly trainable. He's still got a little way to go with house-training, but he's getting there.

While poodles may have lower exercise requirements than some other breeds, Louie will still benefit from a daily walk and/or plenty of indoor and backyard play.

Most definitely an inside-outside dog, we're looking for a home where he'll be regarded as an integral part of the family unit and will be treasured as a devoted companion for life. Like many poodles, Louie is most happy with human and/or canine company and can become anxious if left alone.

If you're looking for a companion dog wrapped in one tiny, fluffy package, then Louie could be the boy for you. He will steal your heart with every wag of his tail, so if you can offer this little man the life he deserves, please lodge an adoption application at https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/ and one of our volunteers will be in touch.