Adoption Info:

This page is unrelated to my research! I am also a dog foster for Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS). Profiles, updates, and information on the foster pups in my care will be posted here. Those interested in providing forever homes can contact the foster coordinator, Victoria, (sbcassouthfostercoordinator@gmail.com) and she will coordinate to set up a meet and greet. I highly recommend adoption, it will be the best decision you'll ever make!

Snoopy got his first experience with California's atmospheric rivers this week. (Side note: he also discovered umbrellas and is currently very suspicious of people carrying them over their heads. We'll be working on that!) The rain and general puppy skin sensitivity lead to the development of some hotspots under his armpits. Snoopy now is getting a nice spa treatment here to help his skin heal! Snoopy, similar to most rescues (and dogs in general), is cautious about being handled in ways that feel uncomfortable to him.

When handling is uncomfortable to Snoopy my job is to make it rewarding nonetheless. Through this, Snoopy has discovered that peanut butter is truly the best medicine. I have a lick mat that sticks to my fridge (but a plate on the floor works too). He gets his peanut butter smear while I apply some anti-inflammation cream to the hotspot areas. With time (and peanut butter) I expect Snoopy will come to truly enjoy spa days when they're needed as well as other treatments such as manicures & pedicures. 

At 13 weeks, Snoopy knows the commands, sit and come*. He is advanced in his understanding of leave it. We are developing drop it, lie down, and look. We are essentially fully potty trained, with just a few early morning slip ups (that's on me not getting out of bed quick enough). He responds well to go pee pee (when asked to pee) and go potty (when asked if he needs to poo). Snoopy is incredibly smart picking up these commands with ease, his intelligence does provide him with a slight independent streak, likely due to breed make-up. Fortunately, Snoopy LOVES food, like really loves food**. When we train (which is basically every time we leave our home), treats are plentiful, making it a fun and engaging experience for him! The treats vary from just his kibble, to high-value treats like bits of chicken to reward complicated tasks. 

My overall goal with Snoopy is to make a responsive, respectful, and neutral pooch. Having him on campus with me allows him to work on those objectives, thank you to all my fellow graduate students and, of course, all the undergraduate students we meet! Snoopy is learning to greet people and dogs only when invited to in a respectful manner (e.g., no jumping, whining, biting, barking). Otherwise, his job is to remain "ambivalent" to those around him. Snoopy attended one of my sections today and did incredible! I made sure to set him up for success. He had a long walk***/play time beforehand, and I brought several different types of toys, bones, and a place for him to lie (a towel) while I was teaching, that was tucked behind a podium, out of the way. Snoopy basically slept through the class, which is exactly what I wanted! With practice, patience, and persistence, Snoopy will grow into the dog that lies comfortably at your feet but also gets up and goes out on big adventures, knowing when and where which is appropriate. 

*Snoopy is currently on a long-line leash when we work on the come command, any off-leash skills will need to be developed later. 

**Snoopy is fed his meals on a snuffle mat as a stimulating activity for him and to keep him from inhaling his food to fast. 

***Snoopy is only walked in places where I know other dog + wild animal traffic is relatively low (like UCSB's campus) in order to prevent him catching any unwanted infections!

"Happiness is a warm puppy" -- Charles M. Schulz

Snoopy lives up to his name, he's joyful, affectionate, and full of personality! This adorable pup is looking for a forever home that will love him as much as he'll love you. Snoopy is eager to please and already learning his puppy basics. He's been practicing sit, come, and leave it with me and is making great strides with crate and potty training.

Because of his breed mix, Snoopy is likely to be an active and intelligent dog who will thrive in a home that provides him stimulation and structure. Snoopy came from a law enforcement removal and a tough start to life so in order to be the best version of himself he will need an owner that will commit to continuing his training and socialization. He would be a fantastic doggie addition for anyone that enjoys outdoor adventures, walks, and playtime. Snoopy loves the company and to play with my dog and my housemate's corgi. He would thrive as a companion to another playful pooch! Since he is still a young puppy, he is likely too much for young children to tolerate unless their relationship was closely monitored. I am continuing to work on his natural puppy propensity to lead with his mouth and teeth! Snoopy did instinctively recognize that my 8-month old nephew was to be given only kisses, so I believe with the right amount of work Snoopy would be the perfect pet for kids. 

Snoopy is continuing to be well socialized with people and dogs on UCSB's campus. He has been introduced to cats and would adjust to them in a home, his puppy curiosity and excitement currently makes cats very wary of him. Snoopy has been additionally introduced to chickens through a fence, he loves quietly observing them! I am completely smitten with Snoopy, he is simply the sweetest and has been such a joy! I am confident that with the right balance of care and commitment, Snoopy will grow into a loyal, loving, and fun companion. If you're ready for puppy kisses, tail wags, and endless adventures, Snoopy would love to meet you!