melvin

Melvin is a 2 ½ – 3 y.o., 23 pound neutered Beagle who came to us after being rescued from a heartbreaking hoarding case. It is reported that 43 beagles were discovered living together in a single garage. Their world had been small and crowded, filled with the sounds and smells of dozens of other dogs but not much else.

Basically submissive, Melvin’s socialization is progressing well. Melvin volunteers for chin, head & belly rubs. His love for food & treats provides a path for trust & learning. Melvin’s housetraining is coming along nicely. He has become comfortable in the fenced yard of his foster home. Melvin is making sense of a new world. He finds being leashed foreign, but has learned to well on the leash.

Despite his past, Melvin is resilient. Melvin is learning about safety, comfort, and companionship for the very first time. He loves exploring his foster home yard.

Melvin is not for a first time owner as he needs a patient adopter who wants the satisfaction of developing the trust & teaching skills to an under socialized dog. Quick movements & loud noises startle Melvin so that he darts away. So no children under age 8 please.

Melvin is a flight risk and requires extra care with secure handling. Patience will be needed when meeting new people or visiting new places.

Melvin is neutered, heartworm & fecal tested negative. Melvin is up to date on vaccinations as well as monthly heartworm, flea & tick preventatives.

Melvin’s adoption fee is $425.

Once learning that home is safe, Melvin will become the most loyal, affectionate companions you could imagine. If your heart has room for a dog who’s never truly known what “home” & loving, accepting companionship feels like, Melvin might be for you.

If you are interested in either Melvin, please spend a few minutes looking over the Facebook page he shares with fellow hoarding survivor Eric (facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582810926636) or search on Eric & Melvin of Heather’s Foster Dogs.

If you believe Melvin is for you, then click on Adoption Application in the menu at the top of the page to find our electronic application which serves as the basis of a conversation. Submit it & you will be contacted. We will make arrangements to meet with prospective adopters only after a submitted application has been reviewed & a phone conversation has taken place.

Adopting a dog from a hoarding situation can be one of the most challenging — and rewarding — experiences in rescue. These dogs are learning about life from the ground up: hands can be gentle, food will always come, leashes can mean adventure, and people can be trusted. Everyday sights and may feel strange or scary at first. Progress can be slow, but watching them open up is nothing short of extraordinary.

Please note that we are a foster based group located in the southern suburbs of Chicago. Our service area is the greater Chicago metropolitan area.