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| Name: |
Dooley
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Age: |
Thirteen years old
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| Gender: |
Male |
Breed: |
American Bulldog
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| Home: |
Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
Dooley was the first dog I adopted as an adult. I saw his picture on the Internet and decided he was on the one for me - even if his shelter was located an hour north of where I live. I drove up with a friend and despite Dooley's ferocious barking at him (I later realized he had a man-phobia, not uncommon among shelter dogs) I decided that because I had come all this way, I had to take him home. Dooley has turned out to be a wonderful dog. He is funny, playful, sweet, and a big personality. We just celebrated ten years together! After dealing with numerous health issues (including skin cancer at age six and spinal arthritis at age ten), I certainly never thought he would make it to 13, his current age. And he is still kicking it! Although he is not a huge fan of other dogs, he has grown to love ALL people.
Because he is a bully breed - a breed upon which many untrue and malicious stereotypes are thrust - I am quick to let others pet him and interact with him when we are out. Dooley reliably responds with a tail wag and hand licking to the delight of his on-the-street admirers. Yes, he looks tough, but he is quite the softy underneath. I am so happy that I (and later, my husband) have been able to give him a loving home for most of his life. Who knows what the first two years were like and why on earth his first family gave him up, but I can assure you we have done everything we can to make him feel loved. He now lives with another (submissive) dog and two cats, and everyone gets along great. At 13, I know we don't have too many years left with Dooley, but we will enjoy every day we do have with him.
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