** This is an Out Of Town listing. We transport to the city on this listing. Please apply at www.bit.ly/mu-adopt ** Meet Santos! At just 2 months old, this Malinois/Dutch Shepherd mix is already growing fast, thinking faster, and treating life like one big puzzle waiting to be solved. Santos doesn’t just watch the world go by—he studies it, follows it, and then tries to figure out how he can be part of every single piece of it. If you sit down, he’s there. If you move, he’s there faster. If you blink… he’s probably already halfway into something he decided was a great idea. Santos and his siblings come from a very resilient beginning. Their mom is a Dutch Shepherd mix and their dad appears to be a full Malinois. They were rescued from an area known for dog fighting, but that chapter is firmly behind them now. What remains is something much more powerful: survival turned into possibility, and a puppy who is getting the chance to grow into exactly who he was meant to be. And let’s be clear—Santos is not your average puppy. He’s smart, driven, and already showing the spark of a dog who will need more than just love (though he has plenty of that already). Breeds like Malinois and Dutch Shepherds are incredible, but they are not for casual lifestyles. Santos will need an active, experienced, and fully committed adopter who understands that mental stimulation matters just as much as physical exercise. He’s the kind of dog who will thrive when life has structure and purpose—advanced training, agility, scent work, hiking, problem-solving games, a “job” that keeps his brilliant little brain engaged. Without that, he won’t reach the incredible potential we already see in him—and that would be a real loss for both sides of the leash. But here’s the payoff: when matched correctly, Santos will be the kind of dog people talk about for years. Fiercely loyal. Deeply bonded. Intuitively connected to his person. The kind of companion who doesn’t just walk beside you—he learns you, watches you, and becomes your shadow in the best possible way. We are currently accepting pre-adoption applications so Santos can transition directly into his forever home once he’s neutered mid-May and ready to fly the coop. We will be carefully screening all applicants to ensure the right match, and those with breed experience or a thoughtful, structured plan for training and engagement will be strongly prioritized. Santos is one of five siblings (3 boys and 2 girls), and we’re happy to talk with you about his littermates if he happens to get scooped up quickly. If you’re ready for a puppy who will challenge you, inspire you, and grow into your most loyal partner, Santos might just be your guy. Apply at the link below and tell us why we should choose you! ________ HOW TO APPLY TO ADOPT: Start by filling out our online application at www.bit.ly/mu-adopt Once submitted, we will reach out to approved applicants by phone. We may also suggest other amazing dogs in our care who could be a great fit for your home. **NOTE: Completed applications take priority over Petfinder inquiries or emails. LOCATION & TRANSPORT: This dog is currently in South Mississippi. Local and out-of-town adopters are welcome. For out of town adopters, we offer virtual meet-and-greets and can arrange transport to many states in the Northeast. (The $525 adoption fee includes transport to the city on this listing. Our transports run every 2-3 weeks to that location.) We cannot adopt to Rhode Island due to import restrictions. VETTING: All of our dogs are cleared by a licensed veterinarian for transport and arrive to their adopters spayed/neutered with age-appropriate vaccines completed and are microchipped. To see more of the fur babies we rescue and love, follow us on Facebook: Misfits & Underdogs (www.facebook.com/misfitsunderdogs)