Mutts Matter: Meet Chico

Sweet Chico is a 1.5 year old Husky-mix who weighs 52lbs. He’s one of the more social pups that we see in rescue, great with kids, dogs, and cats too. He’s strikingly handsome with gorgeous blue eyes, and his short black and white coat really makes him stand out. He’s a young dog with medium-level energy who still has a goofy side and loves to play. He will “yodel” with joy as he zooms around the yard with his foster pup siblings, and really enjoys the camaraderie of other dogs. Chico wants to be with his people and needs an active family who will play with him and keep him well socialized.

Mutts Matter was contacted about Chico the night before he was scheduled to be euthanized at an overcrowded shelter in West Virginia. Luckily, one of our WV rescue partners saw him and knew he was special, and found a safe place for him until he could come into rescue. Chico is a perfect example of all the great, well-behaved dogs who wind up in a shelter through no fault of their own, and just need a family to love. We don’t know much about his background, but believe he was a former family pet who was loved and cared for.

Chico is being fostered in Poolesville, MD by the Brady family, which includes two teen daughters and three large labs who he took to right away. Chico’s transition to his foster home has been pretty seamless. His foster mom, Dorothy, spent the first few weeks teaching him the rules of her home – he’s not allowed on the couch, but is able to snuggle in bed with the kids at night. Maggie, Chico’s foster sister, is happy to report that he is an excellent sleeper; he curls up at her feet at night and never moves, and will even come back to bed after he’s had breakfast and a morning potty break.

The whole Brady family takes their commitment to fostering seriously and works with their foster dog to get them ready for their next home. Dorothy says that Chico has been the easiest foster yet. He learns quickly, is already potty trained, and is not destructive so they trust him to have free roam of the house. They’ve taught him to sit and wait for food and treats, especially ice cubes, which are a prized treat among all the Brady pups. When the freezer door opens, Chico has learned from the other dogs to hurry to the kitchen and then sit at attention like a soldier for the chance at a frozen morsel.

The Bradys are still working on Chico’s leash walking skills. He loves to go on walks with Maggie, but will pull on leash, so they are trying a new harness and using treats to reinforce his good behavior when he walks calmly by their side. He’s a young dog, so he just needs some time and practice. The great news is that he’s very social on walks, and is a dog that you can take with you anywhere. He adapts quickly to new environments and really wants to please.

Dorothy and Maggie believe that Chico will do best in a home with another dog for companionship. He’s respectful with all of their dogs, even their seniors, and really wants to be part of a pack. He shares his toys well, but, like all curious younger siblings, is most interested in the toys the other pups have. Sometimes they give into his youthful exuberance, and sometimes they stand their ground. Chico takes their cues well, and will move on to chew his favorite bone and wait for one of them to play.

Dorothy offers, “Chico will make a great addition to any family, and has been such a pleasure to have in our home.” So if you are looking for a sweet family dog to play with the kids, be a best buddy for your pup, or go on weekend hikes with the family, Chico is your dog.

To learn more about Chico, go to the Mutts Matter Adoption Page and fill out an application, or you can contact Suzanne at suzanne@muttsmatterrescue.com.

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