mj

Meet MJ, or Emmy-J as we affectionately call him. He is a one year old shepherd mix with a big heart.
MJ came to Beauties as part of a litter when he was very young. All of the puppies were named after 80s rockstars, which is how MJ became short for Michael Jackson. The entire litter was adopted quickly, but as they reached their teenage phase, two puppies were returned when things became difficult. Their adopters were not prepared to work through the fear and trouble-making that can come with adolescence. MJ’s brother has since found his forever home, and now MJ is the last pup from the litter still waiting for his person.

I began fostering MJ when he was eight months old, after he had been back at the rescue for about a week. At that time, he was fearful of almost everything and very anxious. We spent the first six weeks letting him settle in, learn the rules of the house, get comfortable with my dogs, and build trust. Once he was ready, we slowly began training.

MJ learned his name, how to hold a sit and a down, how to walk politely on leash and heel, and how to greet other dogs without jumping. He is now working on recall from longer distances and learning how to stay with the pack on adventures. We go on outings to dog-friendly stores and walk near traffic, horses, and even a fussy toddler on a bike. Over time, MJ has learned to take new experiences in stride and has become an easy, enjoyable hiking buddy.

MJ is still very much a young dog. If he does not get enough daily exercise, he can get bored and may chew on things he should not. He sometimes pesters the other dogs and needs reminders to take breaks. He also has some separation anxiety and a bit of lingering fear that he continues to work through.

MJ loves playing ball, tug-of-war, daily cuddles, pestering his foster siblings, heavy chew toys, hiking and running, his crate, chasing birds, and using his nose.

MJ has done a lot of growing already, and he’s ready for someone who wants to keep building with him. He would thrive with an adopter who enjoys being active, values structure, and understands that young dogs are still learning. In the right home, MJ will be a loyal and fun companion for adults and kids.

If you’re looking for a dog who’s already done the hard work and just needs someone to keep believing in him… MJ might be your guy.