Mikey, like many dogs had a problem adjusting to new environments. He had become extremely aggressive toward everyone who worked with him. After several efforts and medications to help, the decision was made in consultation with the vet staff to have him euthanized so he could be at peace. Sweet rest, Mikey.
My name is Michael, but today, I changed it to Mikey.
The day my family surrendered me to the local shelter was the best day of my life.
All of my life, I’ve lived outside. In my three short years of my life, I endured heat stroke, heartworms, fleas, ticks and lots of trips to the vet.
At each visit, the doc recommended entropion surgery for both my eyes. But I never got it.
I don’t know if the heat stroke had anything to do with my hearing, but I am also deaf. So, I guess you can understand why being surrendered to the shelter was the best day of my life.
Everyone at the shelter loved me. I loved that I was finally inside in the air conditioning.
I was super excited when the staff reached out to Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue. I then knew my life was changing for the better.
No more living outside for me. No more heat strokes, no more heartworms, fleas or ticks and no more NOT being part of a family. Nothing but great years ahead for me.
6/13/23 Update: Mikey has been in his foster home for about a month and he’s really doing great.
Here are 10 things we have learned about him so far:
1. He is a total sweetheart. He just wants to be where you are.
2. He is extremely hard of hearing, but not completely deaf. He can hear loud sharp noises.
3. Because he can hear loud sharp noises, we shout “MIKE” when we need his attention and he does answer to it.
4. He can hear other dogs barking. This is both good and bad. If the other dog is happy, he responds happy. But if they are stressed or upset, it will cause him stress.
5. He is a very slow eater and not super food-motivated. He is slow to decide that the food you are trying to give him is food. Once he has made that decision, he can get a little annoyed if another dog tries to take the food he dropped.
6. For the most part, he does great with other dogs. It really does depend on how the other dog reacts to him.
7. Because he is hard of hearing, he is easy to startle. This makes proper introductions very important with him.
8. He walks really well on a leash, and mostly just wants to stay with his pack.
9. He’s learning to be a dog. He recently fingered out what the beds are for.
10. He’s starting to understand toys and play.
Two less than perfect things we are working on:
1. He’s a humper. When he meets a new dog, he will try to hump them. While Bruno was visiting, we had competitive humping mixed in with wrestle mania.
2. He marks in the house if left alone. He is mostly potty trained. It’s not a full pee. It’s just a quick sniff and then a small sprinkle, like he’s saying “mine.” We keep him on a leash in the house and use a spray bottle as a deterrent when he’s caught in the act. Then we go straight outside where he gets lots of love and praise the moment he goes potty.
Overall, he is a wonderful, happy, super chill Bulldog. He has a super expressive face and an adorable smile.
6/21/23 Update: Mikey has been staying with us and his best friend, Bruno (formerly Bo). They might as well be fur brothers, with the way they follow each other. It’s synchronized eating, drinking, and going potty.
Mikey is quiet and observant. He loves laying on cool tile in Bulldog Superman style. I’m told he’s deaf, but there are times his ears perk up and I’d swear he is listening.
His favorite thing is affection. He is not aggressive when it comes to getting it, but he will stick close to you seeking attention. His favorite person is our 15-year-old daughter, yet he listens to and loves the attention our two boys give him, too.
He has been known to mark things, but he has not done it in the house for the last two days. We love him already. If anyone is seeking a loyal love bug, this is your guy.
8/11/23 Update: Mikey loves to be loved on and babied. He’s been enjoying playing with a plushie ball and bones. He does hear higher pitched noises and loud noises, so we can call him to come to us outside. Overall, he’s just a huge love bug when he gets to know you.
8/31/23 Update: Mikey, this little sweet potato, took advantage of a beautiful morning today to enjoy a quick sunbathing session and listen to the birds.
9/2/23 Update: Mikey had a busy week! It started with going to see Dr Larson for his annual exam! (Yes! That means he has been in LSBCR for a whole year!!) He got loved on by all his favorite staff members and the highlight was Dr Larson confirmed that Mikey has gotten some of his hearing back!! For his next adventure we went to see the amazing Sheila for some new professional photos of this handsome boy!! He heard all of Sheila’s noises but really just wanted to climb into her lap for some loves the whole time.
Mikey is looking for a patient family who will continue to work with him on his quirks. He knows how to sit and walks nicely (most of the time) on a leash. He needs a home with no cats but would do well with a laid back other dog who won’t terrorize him. He loves to play with balls, his bowls, and chew on bones but mostly wants to be where you are. He is very treat motivated and wants to please.
