Fuzzy Bear (On Trial 24/3/14)

Fuzzy Bear is a small 5kg Maltese Terrier, and is too sweet for words! At 4 years old he is the perfect age - past the crazy puppy stuff, but still young and playful, with many great years ahead at his forever home. He also has a beautiful white, low shedding coat, which will need to be clipped every 6-8 weeks.

Fuzzy was very timid when he came to us, but has now come out of his shell to show his gorgeous, affectionate personality. He enjoys the company of our small dog, but is still a little frightened of strange dogs. He does get used to them quickly once they spend some time together.

Fuzzy LOVES food. He has learned sit and shake hands, but is often so excited about getting a treat it's hard for him to stay still! His favourite activities are sleeping on the lounge next to you, getting cuddles, and going for walks. He isn't a particularly active dog and is fine on the days it's too wet to go outside, but does love going for walks every day. He is fantastic on the lead - no pulling, and always looking to you for direction.

Although he was previously an outside dog, Fuzzy has house trained himself very quickly (I can't take credit, he did it himself!). He has had a couple of accidents, however he didn't have access to outside both times, and he looked very embarrassed about it and said sorry. He would do well with a dog door so he is able to get outside during the night if he needs to. He also isn't a nuisance barker, and we only hear him when he is extremely anxious (when I leave the house), or when he is extremely excited (when I get home). He calms down quickly and is easily distracted by food if necessary! He never barks at night, even if the neighbourhood dogs start up.

Fuzzy's dream home would be where someone was home most of the time - perhaps a retired person, or someone who works from home. He is also fine with another small, placid dog for company - this would be best as he has never been alone before and we don't know if he would cope with it. He is extremely easy going and is often happy to lie at our feet while we watch TV or work on the computer. He is extremely gentle, but would do better with older children at home, as smaller children might hurt him by accident, and he can get overwhelmed if there's a lot of commotion. Fuzzy needs to be an inside dog, preferably with access to the house all day, as I have found he does fret if he is put outside, even with another dog for company during daylight.

If you think you and Fuzzy are a match made in heaven, please call foster carer Regina on 0409 831 754 (after 5pm weekdays or anytime weekends). Fuzzy is in Newcastle, NSW and is available for adoption interstate.

Fuzzy's $400 adoption fee includes his desexing, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, microchipping, and lifetime registration. You can see all our available dogs at www.dogrescuenewcastle.com.au