Deputy’s life started out rough, born with thirteen littermates to a feral mom trying to keep her pups alive in an abandoned shack. Over time, most of his siblings vanished or were lost, and Deputy became intensely wary of humans. Now, at just over six months old, he’s still wrestling with deep-seated caution from those early weeks. There’s something about his look: coonhound markings, the “pumpkin seeds” above his eyes, a basset body on short legs, those chubby, east-west facing paws. It’s as if Paw Patrol’s Chase came to life and got the soul of a small-town survivor. He gets along fine with other dogs, young and old, and has been around cats—though always from a safe distance. With people, he wants to join in, but needs to observe from afar before he’ll commit. The eyes say he yearns for more but just isn’t there yet. In a foster home packed with other dogs, Deputy struggles to get the one-on-one time he needs. He’ll do best with someone patient and experienced with shy, fearful dogs—someone who’ll let him set the pace and won’t rush things. A securely fenced yard is non-negotiable. In return, you get a smart, alert watch dog who’s deeply loyal once the trust builds. Deputy is fostered in Gillsville, GA and, with support from Dirt Road Doggies Rescue, is ready for someone willing to take a slow approach and help him start over. Make his next move the one that matters. They are waiting with paws crossed! Apply now!