Stitch was brought into animal control after having been in a fight with several other dogs that were chasing a female dog on the streets in 2022. He had extensive injuries to his face, lots of stitches and was heartworm positive; hence the name they gave him at animal control. He stayed at animal control for a little over a year with no interested adopters and his heartworms were left untreated. The decision was made to put him on the euthanasia list. That’s when a very special animal advocate from a group called S.P.A.N. contacted Kris. The S.P.A.N. animal advocate had been visiting Stitch at animal control for a very long time and believed he deserved a second chance. A rescue organization was secured but finding a foster was the problem so Kris agreed to take him. Not knowing what to expect and having not met this dog before, Kris went to animal control the day before he was set to be euthanized.

In talking with the actual officer that brought Stitch into animal control, he painted a rather grim picture to Kris and she was left wondering what she was getting herself into. It seemed this officer was not a fan of Stitch and made it seem like she was making a mistake in taking him home. So, keeping in mind what the officer had said, Stitch was hoisted up into the back of Kris’ truck and he was free of ever having to go back to animal control. He had his freedom ride! He was a perfect gentleman, sat right in between the seats and seemed to realize his life was about to change for the better – he definitely loved his ride in the truck!

At the end of August 2023, Stitch was headed to the Barber’s house to live in Hailey’s room while she was in college in FL. He loved his new room with a big soft bed to snuggle into, a fuzzy ball toy for comfort and free time to stroll around in the big dog run to sniff and bark at squirrels.

As the Barbers were getting to know Stitch, they discussed his temperament based on what the officer had disclosed and decided to take everything slowly. How would he be with other dogs? Would he resource guard? Was he truly aggressive or was it his circumstances that brought out a defensive attitude? The decision was made to go at Stitch’s pace to find these things out without him ever feeling threatened or that anyone would take his toys or bedding away. He responded amazingly and showed no sign that he had an aggressive bone in his body. Dogs like Stitch are often times labeled because someone observed them in a dog fight with other dogs and there is no question he is a powerful breed. Dogs fight, even docile dogs. It’s normal behavior in certain circumstance, however, its how it is addressed after the fight that determines how the dog solves problems moving forward. Stitch has a silly, aloof personality. He was more than likely not in an environment that promoted that behavior, being out on the street, so he lived on instinct rather than training.

Stitch fit in with with all of the craziness of the Barber’s house, but has always had his own space, his own bed and his own toys. He lives in a bedroom/office that Chuck uses for work and that suits them both quite well (aside from Stitch’s occasional farts in the closed room & a bit of buzz saw snoring LOL!). He strolls by the other dogs in their crates when he goes outside and is indifferent with them as they sometimes bark with excitement when he passes. He pays no attention. He has met Ginger a few times, one of the female den dogs, that is notorious for jumping the fence. They have strolled around out in the dog run and the back yard a few times. No issues other than Stitch getting the zoomies – which is a feat for an old guy like Stitch!

He is a kind, old fella that is not terribly interested in being with lots of dogs (he doesn’t really pay much attention to them). He likes to have a big fluffy bed, treats hidden around the room after he goes outside to go potty, and a human to be in the room with him, but if not, he’s great on his own. He’s not a snuggler, but he does like to sit with people IF he chooses to. He is essentially an old guy, looking for a comfy bed to call his own, a back yard to chase squirrels & some treats now and again. Would he fit into your family?