11/30/2024
"Hey everyone! My name is Cerebus. I am an 8 year old black lab mix who currently weighs 70 pounds. My awesome caregiver is helping me shed more pounds. When they first took me in, the vet told me I was 60% or so overweight! Let me tell you, I feel SO much better now.
Last year my caregiver found me wandering on the street. I had just been through a traumatic event. My owner and I were out walking and he was shot and killed. It was terrible! Fortunately for me this kind human took me in and has helped me tremendously. Not only have they helped me physically, they helped heal my heart. Now I am ready to find a home where I can stay forever.
When I first arrived to my caregiver's home I was overwhelmed and I acted out. I acted aggressively towards my caregiver's younger dog. He took it and took it from me and then one day, he kicked my butt, so much so that I need surgery. I learned a lesson and so did my caregiver who promptly got some training for me. My caregiver used gates and kennels to keep us safe from each other while helping me to remain calm when I am stressed. Now I can be around the other dog who lives here and we can get along, walking on leash together and even sleeping near each other-just not touching each other.
While I am super proud of myself for learning how to live with another dog, my wish would be an only in my new home. Perhaps I could learn to live with another dog if my new human knows how to properly introduce and integrate a new dog. Lack of experience, patience and compassion could set me up for failure and I don't want that. I cannot recall if I ever lived with a cat and my current caregiver can't tell you if I could. When I see a kitty on a walk, I will stare intently but my caregiver tells me "leave it!" and I do. For those reasons it's probably best not to try it. I have been alright with kids older than 12. A calm home is best for me
The trauma I experienced made me anxious about loud noises. You can understand why I would be nervous about loud noises, right?! My caregiver recognizes this and assures me that all is OK. I will need someone who will continue to assure me after my move. I have come so far in the last year! My caregiver believes I can continue to heal and improve with time and love.
I LOVE to exercise! My caregiver gets me out for daily walks, an hour or two at a time. We go fast in the morning! A game of fetch is the best. My reaction time to "drop it" command is phenomenal! I do pretty well while I'm on a short leash. Walks are a great way to bond with me.
At my age, I'm considered a young senior. I don't feel any aches in my joints yet so I can still manage stairs. I enjoy being active but I also enjoy hanging out with my human. I am very cuddly. I will snuggle with you on the couch or in your bed under the covers if you allow it.
When my caregiver leaves the house I go into my crate. I get to listen to music when they leave, reggae or classic rock. Maybe you'll expand the play list? I manage quite a while between potty breaks. I will bark when someone comes to the door-to let you know, of course!
I have been a very lucky boy to have been so well cared for this past year. My caregiver truly is my hero, they got me ready for my next chapter. Their intention was not to keep me forever but to spare me from going to a shelter where my stress would have exacerbated. The belief and hope is that I can continue to thrive and live my best life in the right home, with someone who can commit to me for the rest of my life. I am ready for that home now!"
Cerebus is located in Portland, OR. For contact information please email: [email protected]
Cerebus is not an Old Dog Haven dog. Old Dog Haven has not assessed this dog for medical issues and will not be responsible for medical care after adoption. We urge prospective adopters to do their own evaluation.