Buddy’s experience before arriving with us was rough. He was found scavenging at a landfill—underweight, scarred from old fights, desperate enough to eat garbage bags just to survive. We suspect he was used as a bait dog and then abandoned. Since settling in, Buddy has regained his weight and confidence. His face and neck bear old scars, but none keep him from showing how much he loves people. At the shelter, Buddy is nonreactive toward other dogs and content for parallel play in adjacent kennels, though he’s never been formally introduced off-leash to others. His interactions always depend on the personality of the other dog. He hasn’t met cats during his stay. Buddy craves human attention, learns quickly (mastered “sit” almost instantly), and is highly treat motivated. At 54 pounds, he’s solid and muscular, not very tall, and full of energy. He walks willingly on a leash but can pull with enthusiasm. Buddy is neutered, microchipped, crate trained, heartworm negative, and current on all vaccinations. He’ll thrive with owners ready to include him in daily life—ideally, an active household with a secure, fenced yard and a commitment to making him a family member. Buddy must be adopted into a home (not an apartment) that has its own securely fenced yard for play and exploration. His sun sign is Capricorn, which means he’s stubborn in the best ways, reliable, and always willing to learn. Click apply to start the adoption process.