You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Its not often a chow mix is labeled a "nice, friendly" dog by shelter staff. Thats because most chows and mixes are very uncomfortable in the shelter environment, and theyll do whatever they need to to keep people they dont know from handling them. Mostly theyre scared, not aggressive, but they often get mislabeled. Bear, however, was a friendly guy from the get-go. Shelter staff really enjoyed him, but perhaps because his skin needs help, no one was interested in adopting him. So we got him out of there and got him some medical help.

We think Bear likely was an outside-only dog in his previous life. He really enjoys the yard at his foster home, and makes great use of the doggy door to head out there frequently. Hes got rough calluses on his elbows, often a result of lying on hard surfaces, like packed dirt or concrete. He has lost hair in some places, but it is growing back. Our vet says hell need to be on ketaconazole for life because of his skin issues, but were hopeful that a good diet will make that unnecessary. Were working on it.

Bear gets along with other calm dogs. We arent so sure about cats, but we are working on that. Hes a voracious eater -- likely a sign he was on the street for awhile (he was found as a stray), or perhaps because he didnt get fed regularly in his earlier days.

He is a real sweetheart who loves to give kisses but wont crowd you. He isnt interested in getting on the furniture but likes lying in his dog bed -- or, again, outside, weather permitting. Hes a dear, dear boy who needs a chance to learn to be a happy dog in a happy home. We dont think hes ever had that chance.

Although he likes being outside, he must go to a home with a secure yard where he will be inside most of the time, and he must sleep indoors. No most outside-only life for Bear!

If you rent, we require written proof that your landlord will allow you to have a chow mix.