CYPRESS The Bayou-Born Velcro Legend of Louisiana Cypress isn't just a dog-he's the kind of creature old Cajun folks whisper about on porches at dusk. If the bayou ever sent a spirit to guard the living, it would look like this 53-pound Lab/Shepherd mix made of swamp-breeze devotion and quiet moonlit magic. Stand within ten feet and you'll feel the pull-like tides shifting, like moss swaying in a midnight wind. Sit down, and he settles against you as if you were the last piece of high ground in the Atchafalaya. He's a true Velcro dog-soft, loyal, and gentle without a hint of drama. At one year old, Cypress exists in the perfect Goldilocks zone of doghood: big enough to steady you, compact enough to curl across your lap like a quilt on a stormy bayou night. His relationship philosophy: Dogs? Yes. Slow, steady intros-the Cajun way. He just needs to know the other dog will be kind; once he feels safe, he loves deeply and forever. Cats? Sweet as beignet sugar. Zero ill will. He'll even let a cat bat at him and simply disengage. He does want to play, though, so confident, dog-savvy cats are the best fit. Kids? Wonderful with dog-respectful kids. Chickens? Non. Pure swamp-chaos energy. And his toys? Mon Dieu. Cypress carries them everywhere-tiny, squeaky security blankets that steady his heart. A toy in his mouth is his emotional compass, his comfort ritual, his way of saying: "I am safe, and so are you." He's house-trained, gentle, and greets you with toy offerings like blessings: "I brought you joy. Come sit a spell." Cypress doesn't enter a room-he changes the weather in it. He doesn't cuddle-he commits. Fully. Quietly. Like a dog who has chosen his people and his purpose. Cypress is not just a dog. He is swamp-wind peace. He is cypress-tree stillness. He is a Louisiana legend in search of his forever home. Adopt him- not because you want a companion... but because you deserve to be loved like this. PLEASE READ BELOW: If you are interested in meeting and/or adopting, the first step is to complete an application and read all of our FAQs: https://www.takepawsrescue.org/adopt Please note: Information to determine if you might be a match for one of our animals can only be found on our application. *An inquiry, questions or introduction through Petfinder is NOT an application* All known details about our animals are posted on their profile and updated daily. Other info will be discussed in detail with the foster during the application review process. Due to the high volume of introductions/questions received we ask you to submit an application (that application can be used for any dog with Take Paws Rescue). The adoption fee for adult dogs covers age appropriate vaccinations, microchip, spay/neuter if not yet performed, heartworm test & appropriate heartworm treatment by the rescue's vet. All dogs in our care are also kept up-to-date on HW/Flea Prevention. For more on this, or for additional information, including the adoption process and our adoption fee scale for all our adoptable pets (including an explanation about Benefactor Dogs), please see our FAQs page: https://www.takepawsrescue.org/faq Any breed labels used by Take Paws Rescue, its employees/volunteers, or on vet records provided cannot be guaranteed. Breed labels are given based on information obtained during intake and/or best guesses based on appearance and/or temperament of the dogs and Take Paws Rescue gives no assurance to the accuracy of these labels. Labels are necessary for postings to many animal networking sites, such as our website, Chewy, Pet Finder, and others. These are in no way a guarantee. Additionally, exact age and potential size cannot be guaranteed. ***Take Paws Rescue saves dogs from high-kill shelters across the South, owner surrenders, and discarded dogs with uncertain futures. All of our animals live in foster homes where they are socialized, and well cared for. An application will be required to make sure it's the perfect match!