Fonze
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Fonze Has Been Adopted!
Aaaayyyy! I’m Fonze, The Fonz, Mr. Fonzarelli because I am so cool and would look great on a motorcycle wearing a leather jacket just like Henry Winkler in “Happy Days.” Seriously, someone along my rescue journey thought that was a great name for me, but I don’t really answer to it, so I’m open to suggestions if you’re a more traditional type.
The best guess is that I am a schnauzer mix, about 8 months old (certainly less than one year). I’ve been neutered to help curb my rebellious ways because the ladies go crazy over my fur of varying brown/black/gray shades flecked with golden strands. My coat is wiry and rough, both of my back feet have two white toes, and my tail is almost as long as my whole body. I have incredible control over my ears, which I can pivot and manipulate in countless cute ways.
I’m a small little dude – only 8 pounds -- and I’ve had a lot of upheaval in my short life. I ended up at a high-kill Kentucky shelter with my friend, Fritter, and was moved out just in time. On my way up North, I contracted kennel cough and coccidia (a nasty diarrheal infection), which necessitated a recovery in Syracuse and brought me into the CDR family. I feel much better now and am looking for some consistency so I can reach my full potential in a great forever home!
Everything is new to me and I am curious about it all! I don’t know enough to be afraid of anything so my foster family has to watch me closely and teach me about things like not to jump on the table, not to chew on things that don’t belong to me, not to run out the door. I have a LOT of energy and I LOVE to play with my foster siblings, though sometimes my older foster sister has to remind me not to be a pest. I don’t always realize that I’m stepping on her head in my excitement or that she has already claimed a bone or doesn’t feel like cuddling. I don’t really understand what growls and barks mean, so I need a home where there are patient people/dogs who can show me.
My foster Dad calls me a hoarder because I like to grab everyone else’s toys and bones to make a big pile that I can lay in. I will run after any toy you throw and play as long as you let me. I also am very affectionate – I give lots of kisses and like to be close to my people. I also like to make you laugh. I’m full of antics that will cheer you up every day.
When I first came to my foster home, I didn’t eat very much. I guess I was nervous, but now I enjoy food and treats, both crunchy and soft. I’m learning how to walk on a leash. I like to go for walks so much that it’s hard for me to contain my excitement and wait for you to get my leash on.
I’m not super awesome yet at remembering to do my business outside. I definitely need some help with house training, but I am learning to use puppy pads and often hold my pee all day while my family is at work and school. I get cold quickly when I’m outside so that might be some of the problem right now. Good thing I’m easy to carry back inside and I look dashing in many styles of canine clothing. I will be happy to model sweaters, coats, T-shirts, etc. for you if you buy them to keep me warm.
Like a lot of small dogs, I have a temperament that could allow me to develop “little dog syndrome” if I am allowed to do whatever I want. I shouldn’t be carried everywhere even though it’s super easy and fun. I may not be able to handle being allowed on beds and couches. Right now, I share my foster home with my longtime friend, Fritter, and my newer friend, Noelle. I never growl at Fritter, but if I am higher up off the ground than Noelle, I will growl at her. I haven’t nipped at her, but I sound really threatening. I don’t know if it’s because she is bigger than me (and Fritter isn’t) or because I don’t know her as well or because I don’t want to share my space. I’m fine with her when I am on the ground with her and if she is on the bed/couch first. I’m not food aggressive with either of them and am happy to share (and I hope they will share, too!).
Apparently, I am very opinionated because I bark – a lot. I bark when I’m excited to see you, I bark when I hear strange noises, I bark at people out the window, I bark just to be sassy sometimes. Fortunately, I have a cute bark, but I’m noisy so I wouldn’t do well in an apartment despite my small size. My face is so cute that it’s easy to give in and let me run the show. That’s a lot of pressure for a little dog, so I would do best in a home with people who will work with me on my listening skills – take me to obedience training and reward me for good behavior.
Anyway, I have a long life ahead of me that I’m ready to share with someone. I’m loving and snuggly and eager. My face is absolutely off the cute charts and when I look you in the eye, I guarantee you will melt at the hope and innocence you see there. I haven’t let my past affect my optimism and I’m searching for a thumbs-up forever home full of “Happy Days.”
If you are interested in adopting Fonze, please fill out an online adoption application and live close to Ithaca , Syracuse, Binghamton, or Elmira. We do home visits on every applicant, and can't do home visits where we don't have local volunteers.
