Adoptable: Dottie — The 21 lb Neighborhood Watch Captain

If you’ve ever wished for a roommate who is equal parts couch potato, security guard, and stand‑up comedian, allow us to introduce Dottie — a 3‑year‑old, 21 lb mountain girl from North Carolina with the soul of a piglet, the determination of a linebacker, and the comedic timing of someone who knows she’s the main character.

 

Her Story

Dottie’s life hasn’t been the easiest. She was found as a stray, then loved deeply by her previous owners who ultimately couldn’t afford her medical care. She arrived in rescue underweight, regurgitating frequently, and snoring loud enough to rattle drywall.

But this little trooper has fought her way back to health with BOAS surgery (nares, laryngeal saccules, soft palate — the full spa package), treatment for suspected esophagitis, and a feeding routine that looks like a tiny‑dog version of incline training. And it’s working: her chronic regurgitation is dramatically improved and currently well controlled.

She’s on Apoquel for allergies, avoids chicken due to itchiness, and thrives on Purina Pro Hydrolyzed Vegetarian kibble. She also takes Omeprazole and Sucralfate (finishing the last few days) for esophagitis, plus Simparica Trio for prevention.

 

Her Quirks (aka: Dottie’s Comedy Routine)

Dottie is a character in every sense of the word.

• She does warm‑up stretches before meals like she’s about to run a marathon.
• She must rest her chin on something at all times — your arm, the couch, the car console, her own paw — because apparently her head is just that heavy.
• She snores, grunts, and snorts like a tiny piglet, even post‑surgery.
• She has strong opinions about blankets (she hates them), crate décor (she will rearrange it), and plush toys (she destroys them instantly).
• She LOVES car rides but must be strapped in — she once tried to jump out of a parked car window to greet a stranger.
• She is a sneaky pee‑er: she’ll go outside every time you take her… and then also pee inside if you look away for five minutes. Potty training is a work in progress.
• She absolutely hates having her nails clipped. Even with two people holding her, she fights it with the strength of a dog three times her size. She also chews on two nails on one front paw, and those nails are split — something her future family should monitor.

 

Behavior: Honest, Manageable, and Very Dottie

Dottie takes her role as Neighborhood Watch Captain extremely seriously. She will bark, raise her hackles, and kick her back feet at anything that passes by — humans, dogs, cats, squirrels, probably ghosts.

On walks, she pulls like a tiny freight train and has knocked her foster over once. She has not responded to leash training yet, so her future human must be physically strong and committed.

She can occasionally growl or lunge if you try to take away a high‑value item (yard fruit, bones), but it’s rare and manageable.

 

Dog Interactions

On leash, she barks and lunges at every dog. Off leash, in controlled settings with calm, larger female dogs, she has done surprisingly well — appropriate sniffing, circling, and respecting boundaries.

Best guess: Dottie will likely do fine with other dogs if she meets them first on neutral territory and/or the other dog is submissive. But realistically, she would probably prefer being an only dog.

Cats? She barks at them from the yard, but she barks at everything from the yard, so… unclear.

 

Meeting New People

Dottie is okay with new people — not great, not terrible. She may jump a little, but not excessively. Her foster keeps her crated until visitors have arrived and settled, and once the environment is calm, Dottie is calm.

 

Affection Style

She is not a licker. Not once. Zero kisses. Her love language is cuddling, lap hogging, and stealing your seat every time you stand up.

 

Home Life

Dottie is independent until she chooses her person — and then she becomes a Velcro cuddle bug who wants to nap on top of you, rearrange your organs, and supervise your every move.

She loves her crate, can be left alone for about six hours, and is unfazed by storms or fireworks.

She prefers a house over an apartment due to her barking and reactivity. A fenced yard is preferred but not required; she bolts out open doors, so she must always be leashed.

Her favorite activities include: • Chewing Benebones • Unraveling rope toys • Destroying plushies • Sunbathing • Neighborhood surveillance • Snoring • Being hilarious

 

Medical & Feeding Needs

Her regurgitation is currently under control, but her future family must be willing to monitor it and use incline feeding if symptoms return. The technique is simple and takes under five minutes. She is transitioning back to regular bowl feeding now.

 

Who She’s Looking For

Dottie needs a home that: • Is committed to leash training and potty training • Can physically handle a 21 lb dog who pulls like she’s training for the Iditarod • Will continue monitoring her regurgitation • Understands she’s not a playmate for kids, though she’s fine temperament‑wise • Appreciates a dog who is equal parts diva, comedian, and cuddle monster

 

Why You’ll Love Her

Dottie has survived being a stray, chronic regurgitation, BOAS surgery, and a life of discomfort — and she has come out the other side funny, affectionate, quirky, and thriving. She is young, healthy, and has many good years ahead. She will make you laugh every single day, cuddle you every single night, and keep your neighborhood safer than any security system.

She’s our little piggy, our chin‑resting queen, our window‑watching warrior — and she’s ready for her forever home.