More about SMUDGE

04/19/26Looking for something more interesting in your life? Meet Smudge!This happy boy has been at the shelter since mid-January and has been waiting patiently for his new family to come and meet him. He is obsessed with toys and loves nothing more than to play fetch. We like to make sure that we have at leash two balls on hand so that he never has to pause his playtime. This sweet boy deserves it. He will even sit for the ball if you ask him to. He is not a big fan of water, he tends to avoid the pool in the yard. But Smudge does not let this one scary obstacle get in the way of his yard-time fun.Despite being in the shelter for so long, Smudge has not shown any reactivity towards other dogs. When meeting other dogs through the yard fence, he has done great! And when evaluating him for our playgroups he was able to coexist in the yard with another dog. He did not show much interest in his potential playmate though, and just tried to find the toys. His long stay, however, has started to show in his kennel presence. Smudge is mostly good in the kennel, but when someone walks by he gets super excited. He will start barking and becoming wiggly in hopes that someone will come and say hi to him. How about you? Will you be the person to come in and make this sweet boy's wishes come true?02/21/26 13:21 MHMeet Smudge! Smudge is a friendly, high-energy boy with a big personality and an even bigger love for toys—especially balls! He greets people with full-body wiggles and is especially excited to see familiar faces. He’s very easy to handle, has done great for medical exams, and knows sit, stay, and shake. He’s very treat motivated in calmer settings and responds well to verbal cues during play.Smudge’s favorite thing in the world? A big ball in the yard. He’ll happily chase, push, and carry it around (sometimes all the way back to his kennel!). He doesn’t reliably retrieve yet and can get a little grabby with toys if overexcited, so continued positive reinforcement and structured play (like two-ball games) will help him succeed. No guarding has been observed.He’s easy to leash and exit the kennel but can pull strongly when excited—especially on the way to playtime. Once outside, he’s focused and engaged with his toys. He has shown friendly, appropriate interest in other dogs through the fence and has not displayed reactivity.Shelter life has been a bit frustrating for Smudge, and he can become vocal and wiggly in his kennel when people approach. He’ll thrive in a home that provides regular exercise, enrichment, and continued training to help channel his energy in positive ways.Smudge would do best with an active adopter or rescue ready for a fun, toy-loving companion who’s eager to learn and always ready to play.