thanksgiving mashed tater

Meet Mashed Tater — but everyone calls him TATER! Tater hasn’t had the kind of start any dog deserves. He came to us in November as part of our “Thanksgiving Crew,” rescued from a home where he lived with nearly 16 other dogs. We were only able to bring six of the younger dogs to safety, leaving others behind—a reality that still weighs heavily on us. These dogs had never felt grass under their paws. They didn’t know what a collar or leash was. Their world was overcrowded, chaotic, and built on survival. There was no structure, no security—only a pack mentality where the strongest got by. Out of all of them, Tater carries the deepest emotional scars. He is not a bad dog—he is a scared one. When he feels overwhelmed or threatened, he can react out of fear. What he needs isn’t punishment—it’s patience, understanding, and someone willing to help him feel safe in a world that has never been kind to him. Tater is crate trained and house trained. He does well with other dogs and genuinely enjoys playing, though his style can be a bit rough due to his past. He would do best with a confident dog who can tolerate him while he learns appropriate play. He will need a home without children, and we are unsure how he would do with cats. ⭐️What Tater needs most right now is someone experienced—either a trainer or a dedicated handler—who understands fearful dogs and is willing to invest the time to help him grow. ⭐️He needs exposure to new experiences at his own pace, guidance to build confidence, and reassurance that he is safe. An in-home environment would be ideal, as a kennel setting may only increase his fear. ⭐️We are searching for someone truly special. Someone patient. Someone compassionate. Someone who sees past the fear and believes in the dog underneath it. Tater deserves a chance—not just to exist, but to feel safe, to trust, and to be happy. With the right person, we truly believe he can get there. Please don't wait.....if you have the experience and the heart to help him, please reach out. He needs you.