Captain Grumbles

When people meet Grumbles, they often see his tiny size and missing front legs and say, “He’s the perfect handbag dog!” Size-wise? Sure. Personality-wise? Absolutely not. Grumbles wants to live life like a real dog. He loves exploring the world and, while he does things a little differently, his missing legs don’t stop him from living an adventurous life. Once he’s finished his important puppy adventures, he’s happy to accept a lift — usually while proudly telling you all about his discoveries. Honestly, we’ve never seen a puppy look prouder than when he first figured out how to zoom over to us in his cart. So throw away your assumptions and read on to find out about his ideal home.

Grumbles is a classic Pomeranian: smart, sassy, bursting with personality and yeah they can be a little loud (they after after all part of the Spitz family). He’s very social with other dogs of all sizes, but because his body language can be harder for dogs to read, his interactions will need to be more managed — no chaotic dog parks for this boy. A home with an adult small breed dog would be his dream (sorry homes with large dogs we know they’re gentle giants but it’s not his match).

Toilet training may take a little longer, as getting around takes extra effort and it’s not always obvious when he’s searching for a spot but an indoor flat-surface toileting setup would suit him perfectly. While his daily outings won’t look quite the same as a typical walkies around the block getting out to experience things daily is an important part of keeping him mentally fulfilled and stimulated. Training engagement also looks different, he’s not going to master a perfect sit 🤭 but he loves learning so get him involved with puppy school and go from there on what comes next- you’ll be surprised at what he can do and learn.

As a growing puppy, Grumbles is currently using an adjustable four-wheel cart to support proper muscle and joint development. He’s an absolute menace for drive-bys, but honestly a total joy to watch. Building strength is hard work, so he currently only spends short 30-minute bursts in his wheels. When he’s out of the cart, he gets around carpeted areas by scooting with his back legs, bunny-hopping, and occasionally standing upright for a few steps (though this does need to be minimized). Unfortunately, the cart market doesn’t really cater to puppies this tiny — especially ones missing front legs rather than back legs. Rather then let it go his foster home has been proactive by designing and building his cart with a 3D printer. Because Grumbles’ future home will need ongoing support with his mobility setup until he’s done growing, we are seeking a Sydney-based adopter willing to work closely with his foster home to give this little guy the very best support possible.

🐾 Health & safety considerations for life on two legs 🐾

🏡 When no one is home and at night, Grumbles should be contained to a safe smaller area, puppy pen/crate to stop him getting himself into mischief. He’ll need a family who aren’t away for full-time office days because if he does get into a pickle he needs you around.

🚫🪜 A stair-free home is safest, otherwise stairs will need to be securely fenced off at all times. One moment of wobbly puppy curiosity will lead to a very nasty tumble.

🩺 Apart from the obvious mobility difference, Grumbles has passed all his other health checks with flying colours! Early arthritis is common in dogs missing limbs, so supportive joint care from the beginning will be important (supplements, low impact activities and maintaining a healthy weight).

🛞 Once he reaches maturity, Grumbles can be fitted for a custom two-wheel cart. These are more streamlined and flexible for everyday and outdoor life, but they do require oversight from specialist physiotherapists.

🐾 Floor surfaces at home — while hard floors are easier for zooming around in his cart carpeted surfaces are the go for the majority of home time when he’s cart-free (or “nude,” as we call it). If your home has floorboards, lino or tiles you will need to invest in rugs and runners.

💸 We encourage applicants to carefully consider the ongoing costs of mobility equipment and physiotherapists care before applying. Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not cover “pre-existing conditions,” and birth defects generally fall into that category.

👶 Grumbles loves meeting people of all ages and is confident socially, but due to his mobility needs and wiggly nature, we won’t be considering homes with young children. That said, he absolutely adores attention from kids when they visit or meet him out and about.

Anything else to think about? Just the typical Pomeranian items like regular brushing at home as a non negotiable to keep his double coat mat free and happy. The breed is know for early tooth decay so it’s important to introduce oral hygiene young - that means a toothbrush and a high quality diet. To ensure his back legs are getting the best traction his nails should be kept as short as possible so as to not impact his gait and his paw pads should be trimmed so he’s not slipping on hard surfaces (more then he naturally does at least).

So what’s with the name? Meet him and you’ll find out! When life limits your ability to get to things you want you get really good at using your voice to inform the world of your desires. He’s got a wide vocabulary of grumbles each communicating a different emotion and trust that they are all utterly charming coming out of his cheeky little face.