My name is
CHIEF!

Posted 1 day ago | Updated 9 hours ago

Cared for by Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center

My basic info

Breed

Pekingese

Color

White

Age

Adult

Size

Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)

Weight

–

Sex

Male

Pet ID

21191709-A066439

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Chief is a little dog who knows what he wants and when he wants it! He's not your typical curl-up-and-snuggle lap dog, but he does enjoy romping around outside and chewing on his toys independently. He'll ask for pets when he wants them, and when he wants space he'll go off and do his own thing.

OTHER PETS: Chief regarded other dogs with interest, though he was more interested in humping them than playing, a sign of over-arousal. He was tolerant of another dog jumping on and pawing at him though, so he could be a good match with a dog who is tolerant of humping. [Likely (Must Meet First)]

OWNER EXPERIENCE: Someone who has current knowledge of dog body language and has experience with independent dogs would be ideal for Chief, to ensure that his boundaries are respected and he does not feel the need to defend himself. [Some Experience]

KIDS: Chief has some intensity around his food and should be left alone when he eats or has a treat. He also only tolerates handling to a point, and could get fed up quickly if someone overdoes it. He would do best in a home with older kids who are able to understand and respect his boundaries and give him space when he needs it. [15+ (Must Meet First)]

ACTIVITY LEVEL:Chief likes being around people, but doesn't always want to interact. He enjoys playing independently and loves to run around outside when the weather is fair enough. With further positive reinforcement training, he'll likely be a good walking buddy too! [Couch Potato / Good Walking Buddy]

VETERINARY CARE: [Routine]

LEVEL OF TRAINING NEEDED: Positive reinforcement training will help Chief not only learn his basic cues & skills, but also help him to bond with his new owner while he adjusts to his new home. [Minimal]

GROOMING: Because of his fur length and texture, Chief will need to be brushed routinely in order to prevent any knots or matts from forming. He could also be scheduled with a professional groomer to ensure that he stays clean and comfortable. [Routine Brushing / Professional Grooming]

Shelter

Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center

Contact info

Pet ID

21191709-A066439

Contact

—

Phone

(413) 781-1484

info@tjoconnoradoptioncenter.com

Website

http://www.tjoconnoradoptioncenter.com

Address

627 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 01104

Donation

Donate to This Shelter

Their adoption process

Additional adoption info

Our shelter operates on a walk-in, first come, first served basis. The first step is to fill out an adoption application, answering some basic questions about yourself and your household. This will help the Animal Welfare Specialists facilitate the matchmaking process. Most adoptions take at least 45 minutes to one hour to complete. The Adoption Center is a busy place, so please be patient and allow yourself enough time for our process. THANK YOU!

What we will need to know when you adopt a new companion:

Other pets already living with you will need to be up-to-date on vaccination. This is to decrease the risk of spreading infectious disease from one animal to another.

It is important to understand that your new companion will be a member of your family. This can mean a
10-15 year commitment from you! Please bring along family members so we can make sure it will be a good match before you make a commitment. Also, if adopting a second dog, please bring your current dog with you---we can let them spend some time together and give you some suggestions on surviving the adjustment period.

Please be sure you have considered the financial obligation involved in caring for a companion animal. This includes routine veterinary and emergency care, in addition to food, supplies and training. The adoption counselors can give you an idea of basic costs involved for each type of animal.

Many animals adopted from shelters can require an immediate visit to the veterinarian. Because of the volume of un-vaccinated animals entering a shelter’s care, the risk of transmissible contagious diseases can be quite high. Kennel cough in dogs, and upper respiratory infections in cats are the two most common diseases that your newly adopted companion may experience. You must ask yourself if you have the financial means to care for your new friend, beyond the initial adoption costs.

BEFORE YOU COMMIT: Please be honest with yourself about the actual time you have to train, groom, and exercise the companion animal you have chosen. Some things to consider: Do you work long or erratic hours? Do you like outdoor activity? Who will care for your pet while you travel? Will your pet be the appropriate size when he or she is full grown? When adopting into a home with children: Are you adopting to teach your child responsibility, or are your adopting because you have a responsible child? Are your children comfortable around the animal you’ve chosen? Will YOU still remain committed to this animal when the children lose interest? Take the time now to consider these things and find the best match for your lifestyle!

We thank your for offering your home to a “pre-loved” companion. We hope he or she will be a wonderful addition to your family and your home!

Go meet their pets

Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
Thursdays 2:00 PM- 7: 00 PM
Closed Wednesdays, Sundays and holidays

More about this shelter

The Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center provides comprehensive animal control services and programs to our communities for the protection of animals, public health and safety, and the environment.

The Thomas J. O’Connor facility believes in providing a second chance to animals that are not reclaimed by an owner. Our center has a full-service adoption service, a service rarely offered through municipal animal control programs. TJO has an in-house veterinarian four days per week, responsible for shelter animal wellness and sterilization surgery. Adoptable animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and screened for other health concerns. Each animal is then placed into the adoption area to await a new home. Every animal is microchipped at the time of adoption.