Ernie

Ernie is a 3-year-old, 85 lb Yellow Lab mix who is just beginning to learn what life as a loved family dog looks like. Everything is new to him - couches, routines, visitors, and the concept of "home." He’s figuring it out one cautious step at a time, with the help of his very patient foster mom. He's not here to run marathons, but to quietly exist near you and form a deep emotional bond. Once Ernie decides you are his person, he is incredibly sweet, soft, and devoted. He follows his foster mom around like a shy shadow and looks at her like she hung the moon. Ernie lacks confidence and is unsure and fearful. Big changes and new people are hard for him, and he will bark when he’s unsure, especially with visitors or anyone who doesn’t live in the home. He’s not trying to be difficult; he’s trying to be brave. His favorite jobs include being a Quiet Companion, Professional Best Friend, or Emotional Support Lab. He loves his foster mom, calm routines, other dogs, quiet spaces, predictability, and butt scratches. Ernie is not a fan of strangers, visitors, chaos, or being expected to know things he was never taught before. He sheds like it's his full-time job and is extremely handsome.

Ideal Home

Ernie is looking for a very quiet, very patient, adult-only home that understands he’s starting at the beginning. He needs a low-traffic home, or adopters who will simply separate him when visitors are over. He needs adopters who won’t rush him, won’t overwhelm him, and who see the beauty in earning the trust of a shy dog.

Ongoing Health

Ernie is neutered, vaccinated, heartworm negative, and microchipped.

Training & Support

Ernie is not housebroken but is making strides with routine. He is not crate trained but does best in an extra tall gated room. He is good with other dogs, but may get a little possessive of his foster mom's attention when she is giving attention to other pets. Cats are unknown but likely okay.

Application Details:

• Applications start by contacting us through Wags.
• You can apply on our website.

Transporation

Ernie is available for adoption to residents of IL and CT and their surrounding states.