Foster location: Debi and Chris in Lexington South Carolina
Weight: About 17 lbs
Height: Estimated 12 inches at the shoulder
Spayed/Neutered: Yes, Sabbath is neutered
Adoption Fee: $299
Fence needed? Preferred and if you have one it needs to be secure. Sabbath is an explorer, an escape artist and an impulsive little guy who should not be trusted loose outside. His foster family strongly recommends an AirTag as an extra layer of security.
Want To Know More About Me?
Text SABBATH to 864-441-9075 for my full story — we’ll share everything you need to know!
Here’s Your Quick Peek:
Sabbath — known as Murphy in his foster home — is equal parts snugglebug, stubborn little terrier and professional blanket burrower.
His favorite place is beside his person, preferably touching you. His even MORE favorite place is in bed with you, under the covers. Once he trusts you, belly rubs are wonderful, toys and balls are great fun, and being close to his human is pretty much the entire point of life.
Murphy loves big.
Must have: An experienced, patient dog owner who understands that this sweet boy also has opinions. Murphy needs calm, consistent boundaries and someone willing to continue teaching him that humans sometimes get to make the decisions. He can protest when asked to do something he does not want to do and has occasionally used his teeth as part of that protest. He responds to redirection and clear, consistent handling.
Exercise: Currently restricted while his surgically repaired right front leg finishes healing. His activity has already been increased to several controlled 10–15 minute walks each day, and he is using the leg much more consistently. Follow-up X-rays are scheduled for November 17.
Best with: Someone who wants a close companion and is home much of the time. Murphy would be wonderful for a retired person or couple who wants a dog beside them on the couch, under the blankets and involved in everyday life.
Not ideal for: Someone away from home for long hours, an inexperienced dog owner, or a home that expects a very independent dog. We also believe Murphy will be happiest as the only dog, where he does not have to share his person or manage food around other dogs.
Energy level: Moderate. He is still recovering from orthopedic surgery, so we have not yet seen his unrestricted activity level. What we do know is that he is curious, quick and enthusiastic about exploring.
Murphy has had quite a year. He first entered Columbia Animal Services in March after being surrendered by someone who had taken him in when his owner could no longer care for him. His original owner reclaimed him the following day. He returned to the shelter on September 25 after being hit by a car when his owner was unable to provide the veterinary treatment he needed.
The accident caused serious fractures of his right front leg, including fractures of the radius/ulna and olecranon. They were surgically repaired with plates and screws in October. He has been recovering beautifully in his foster home and is increasingly using the repaired leg. His surgical team planned follow-up radiographs at approximately six weeks to evaluate bone healing before completely releasing his activity restrictions.
House training: A work in progress. Murphy is learning to potty outside and is making progress, but he does not yet give his foster family a signal they recognize. Consistency, frequent trips outside and continued training will be important in his new home. We never guarantee house training in a new environment.
Crate: Murphy seriously dislikes a crate and has demonstrated some impressive Houdini skills. His foster family crates him when absolutely necessary, but a home where he is routinely crated for long periods would not suit him.
Good with dogs: He can coexist with other dogs and has even tried to initiate play, but food can create conflict and he seems happiest when he does not have to share his person. His foster family recommends that he be the only dog in his new home.
Good with kids: Yes. Murphy’s foster family has had him around children and says he has been excellent with them. His biggest offense so far has been enthusiastic licking.
Cats: Unknown. We can cat test him if needed.
Fun fact: Murphy sleeps under the covers with his foster mom every night. Apparently blankets are not bedding. They are a lifestyle.
This is a dog who has bounced between homes, landed in a shelter twice, been hit by a car, undergone major orthopedic surgery and somehow remains absolutely convinced that people are wonderful. He does have some rough edges. He needs training. He needs consistency. He needs someone who will take his safety seriously. But underneath all of that is an extraordinarily affectionate little dog who wants one thing more than anything else: His person.
And once Murphy decides you are his, he loves with everything he has.
