Meet Monty Monty is learning his name - though he'll happily answer to "Buddy," which might tell you everything you need to know about his heart. Monty is the kind of dog who quietly changes your life. He's goofy, affectionate, intelligent, full of quiet joy, and deeply loyal - most days you'd never know he's survived abuse, abandonment, and hardship. In rare moments, when something reminds him of his past, you can see that some of his story still lives behind his soulful eyes. In other moments, you see how far he's come and just how much love he's capable of giving. But, most moments are spent with pure joy and happiness. Monty is healing beautifully and is ready for a home that understands that patience and kindness can change everything. He's incredibly smart and eager to learn. He already understands sit, down, off, out, shake, kennel, and come - now we're just working on polishing the follow-through (proficiency is... a work in progress ). He loves laying right next to you on the couch, and if you step out of the shower, don't be surprised if he tries to lick your wet feet like it's his personal duty. Monty isn't much of a barker, but he will let you know if something seems suspicious-like snowplows or the Amazon guy who visits constantly yet never comes inside. He's wonderful with kids, lights up with excitement when he sees another dog (or even hears one on TV), and treats his toys - especially his beloved stuffed Lambchops' - with the utmost respect. He currently has five, and yes, they are his flock. He does physically have some old battle wounds - the quiet kind that hint at a past that wasn't always kind - but despite them, he allows his paws to be handled, nails trimmed, ears played with, and teeth brushed without issue. Trust, once given, is something Monty offers deeply. Kennel time can still be hard. He experiences some kennel anxiety, especially during transitions, and is currently using an anxiety kennel. The progress, however, has been absolutely remarkable and he'll even wander in to "inspect" it on his own when he thinks no one is watching. Every day, he proves how resilient and curious he is. Monty tends to need slow introductions with new men, but he warms up quickly (usually in minutes) with calm energy and patience. Because of his size and ongoing leash training needs, his future person should be physically able to manage him - sometimes that even means carrying him to the car as car rides cause past fears to resurface prompting him to lay down. He will allow you to pick him up and carry him though (all 85lbs of him!). And one more important thing: Monty may be secretly related to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, because he will do almost anything for a bite of pizza. He now knows what it feels like to be safe, warm, and cared for - and he's ready to find a forever home where that never goes away. Sometimes the best dogs are the ones who just want to stay close. If Monty were king for a day, his kingdom would include calm energy, a canine playmate, a few bites of pizza, and plenty of room for his Lambchop collection.