Mattis

Mattis is a 1.5-year-old Shepherd mix who is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on all vaccinations. He was rescued from a shelter, where he faced a euthanasia due to behavior concerns and severe crate anxiety. Fortunately, after moving to an experienced foster home, it became clear that his challenges were environmental and rooted in a lack of proper training. Overcrowded shelters often lack the resources to help dogs like Mattis thrive, making foster-based rescues essential for dogs like him. Since entering his foster home, Mattis has blossomed. Through consistent care and exposure, we’ve learned a lot about his ideal home and what makes him the happy, confident dog he is today. What Makes Mattis Special: • The Perfect Walking Companion: Mattis is exceptional on a leash and completely non-reactive to other dogs on walks—even when they’re reactive themselves. He’d make an amazing hiking buddy or contentedly hang out on the couch with you. • Neutral and Calm in Any Environment: Mattis adjusts quickly to new surroundings when he’s with a trusted person. He’s indifferent to cats and would do well in a home with them. • Low Maintenance Grooming: He’s a champ during baths, nail trims, and general handling. Car rides? He’s your guy, happy to ride in or outside of a crate. • Playful Yet Relaxed: At home, he enjoys lounging on the couch or engaging in a fun game of tug. The Ideal Home for Mattis: Mattis would thrive in a patient, educated home, preferably with someone experienced with Shepherds. He needs slow introductions to new people and prefers to keep his distance at first, though treats will win him over quickly. He bonds deeply with his people and shows a preference for women, though he has built strong trust with men in his foster home. He has even shown interest and comfort around children (ages 10 and 11). Mattis does best as the only dog in the home, as he can display dominant behavior around other dogs. However, with proper introductions and supervision, he could potentially live with a compatible, submissive canine companion. Challenges and Ongoing Needs: While Mattis has made incredible progress, he does come with some challenges that his forever family must be prepared to work through: • Crate Anxiety: Mattis cannot be crated in a wire crate, as he has previously injured himself trying to escape. He currently uses a high-impact anxiety crate and has made progress with positive crate associations (like eating meals in the crate). His new family will need a similar crate and should continue reinforcing crate training. • Separation Anxiety: Mattis is a Velcro dog who loves to stay close to his person. Training and consistency will help him build confidence when left alone. • Mouthy Play: Like many Shepherds, Mattis can be mouthy during play, but this is easily redirected with toys and tug games. Why Mattis is Worth It: Despite his challenges, Mattis is truly a gem. Few Shepherds from his background adjust as well as he has to new environments. He’s calm, cooperative, and loves being part of his person’s life. From stress-free nail trims to independent baths, Mattis makes everyday tasks easy. His potential is limitless with the right family willing to provide the structure, patience, and love he needs.

Adoption Fee: $350

-Adoption fee includes spay, vaccines and microchip-

*We do not DNA test our dogs, the breed listed is best guess from the shelters we pull from or surrendering family*