Pitbull for adoption, Fargo

From time to time I take rescue dogs out running from the boarding kennels they live at. Most of these dogs are full of energy and anxious or excited when we pass people, other dogs, birds or squirrels. When I run with a calm, mellow rescue dog that doesn’t pull on the leash, I notice.

A few weeks ago I met Levi. Not only is this dog adorable, but he has a calming energy I immediately noticed and was drawn to. The best advice I can offer when choosing a dog is to pick an animal that has less energy than your existing pets. The transition is so much easier when you add as little anxiety and excitement as possible.

I usually avoid fostering dogs because the timing is not right at this point in my life. Most of my energy goes into my pet sitting and dog running business while squeezing in time to train my own dog and to write. Still, I have a strong (obsessive?) desire to help rescue dogs, so when a nice dog like Levi crosses my path, I have to consider fostering him.

Levi is one of the sweetest, calmest dogs I’ve met. He is a tan and white American pit bull terrier up for adoption with 4 Luv of Dog Rescue in Fargo, N.D. I will bring him to the adoption event from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the West Fargo PetSmart if anyone would like to come meet him.

A dog that is able to stay relaxed is capable of many things, and I promise that Levi has a purpose. There is something special about him, and whoever adopts him will truly be fortunate.

Most dogs will feel a bit uncomfortable when visiting a new home or a new environment. They will pant heavily, pace around, whimper, cry or show frantic interest in the other pets and people.  This was not the case with Levi. He curled up in the back seat of my car on the way home and then casually followed me around. He slept often, never bothered the cats and backed off whenever my mutt Ace wanted anything.

More about Levi

As for the basic info everyone wants to know when adopting a dog – Levi is fully housebroken, excellent around dogs and cats, walks well on a leash and sleeps through the night without making a sound. On top of all this, he knows a basic sit and stay command and makes a great running or walking partner. I even took Levi biking, and he picked it up instantly, never pulling or showing much interest in passing dogs. Even better, Levi is not a high-energy dog and certainly wouldn’t need to go running or biking.

Levi needs someone who is able to help him adjust to being left home alone. I am not the right person to help him, which is why I am no longer fostering him. Levi stays in a kennel, but cries to get out. I live in a townhome and share walls with my neighbors. Levi will be able to learn that being alone is no big deal, but he needs someone who has the time and the right environment to work with him. I’ve written several posts on dog separation anxiety and dog kennel training and plan to write more on these topics soon.

As for Levi, he is going to make someone the perfect dog. I can’t wait to see who adopts him and what is in store for this dog’s future.

05/16/10 update: Levi has been adopted!