More about Spam

  Spam is a small Chiweenie with a big personality and an even bigger bark—at least for the first few minutes. He may sound like a tough guy when he’s nervous, but it’s all fear, not aggression. Once he realizes you’re safe, he softens instantly and becomes a sweet, affectionate little companion who reaches out with his paw and looks right into your eyes as if to say, “Okay… I trust you now.” Spam is still learning that the world isn’t such a scary place. New people, new environments, and unfamiliar situations can be overwhelming for him. His initial greeting can be intense—deep barking, growling, and lots of bravado—but once he has a moment to settle, he’s a completely different dog: gentle, loving, and eager to be near his person. Sometimes, he surprises everyone and warms up instantly—like recently when he climbed right into a visitor’s lap—but other times, especially with new or younger people, he still needs time and space to feel safe. Once comfortable, Spam is incredibly affectionate. He loves to be close to his people, often jumping up to sit beside you wherever you are, curling up under his foster’s desk while she works, or burrowing under the blankets at night. He also has a quirky, endearing habit of gently “suckling” on the ears of other dogs—a little comfort behavior that perfectly reflects his sensitive nature. Spam came from a home with many dogs and does well with both big and small dogs after a proper introduction. While he can be a bit of a jerk at first (his words, not ours), he settles in quickly and has made great progress—those early spats have mostly disappeared. He recently spent time with a very large, senior Lab and was completely comfortable after the first day. He and his brother Meatloaf were rescued together and are very bonded. Spam does especially well when Meatloaf is around, and if possible, they would love to be adopted together, though not required. Spam is potty trained  and does well on a schedule, though like many small male dogs, he may still mark occasionally. He’s also made progress with his kennel—he will go in on command and even runs in on his own when it’s time for meals—but these days he prefers sleeping outside of it with his people and dog friends. He absolutely loves racing around a fenced yard and is surprisingly athletic for his size. He can jump higher than you might expect, so a secure fence taller than 3 feet is recommended  Because he’s not leash trained and can be fearful, a fenced yard is a must. Spam is also quite vocal—he likes to “announce” things, whether it’s a new person, a noise, or even his own reflection—so he wouldn’t be a good fit for apartment living. He has simple tastes in treats (apples and carrots are favorites!) and finds comfort in routine, companionship, and cozy spaces. Spam is a spicy little guy with a very tender heart underneath. He is still scared at times, but he wants to  love and be loved—and with a patient, understanding home, he will continue to blossom into a deeply loyal and affectionate companion. Spam may come in a spicy package, but inside is a soft, sensitive soul just waiting for someone to see him, understand him, and love him for who he is. Please note that some of our dogs are obtained from shelters, surrendered to our care, or released from breeders. Each animal's bio is based on our experience of the animal within our care, an educated guess based on physical characteristics, temperament and information shared. Each dog receives basic grooming when coming into rescue, but for some dogs they have not received grooming attention until recently and grooming may be required shortly after adoption. This will be at the adopter’s expense, so we encourage you to research the breed and be prepared for grooming expenses. Underdog cannot guarantee hypoallergenic or non-shedding qualities of any dogs in our rescue. Some of the animals come from situations where they are lacking experience in a home and confidence in humans. In turn, they require another companion dog and/or a fenced in yard in their forever home in order for them to feel safe. If you are interested in a particular dog whose bio states those needs and do not currently have them, please understand that your home might not be the right fit. Please use the filter on our Adoptable Dogs page to find the perfect match for your home.    ***Be sure to check your spam/junk folder as sometimes our emails end up there***