PERSONALITY & BEHAVIORS
This little guy belies his age and acts more like a 10-year old! A gentle and compliant companion, Dewey Wilkerson is so sweet! He will gladly and easily get on your bed or couch to cuddle with you. He is house-trained, doesn't need to be crated, and eats well.

A lover of the outdoors, Dewey very much enjoys exploring, and walks nicely on leash, wearing a harness of course, and even will frequently break into a trot! Despite his limited vision, he can distinguish objects, and can see you as you walk next to him. He relies on his sense of smell, as his hearing is slightly diminished as well.

Dewey will make a wonderful pet for someone looking for a small dog who doesn't need a great deal of exercise, but will require you to get outside at least twice a day for a short walk, along with bathroom breaks.

Vocal when he would like attention, he doesn't bark, but more whines. He loves to be scratched, especially along his spine and tail.

When he is nervous or afraid, he shivers (also perhaps because he is a little bit colder than other dogs with his temporary hair loss). He has a new small wool blanket and a little lamb lovie that he likes to sleep with.

Dewey can't wait to find his loving forever home where he can live out his remaining years in comfort and joy!

PHYSICAL
Dewey is gray and brown with smatterings of white on his face, legs, and elsewhere.

HEALTH
Dewey Wilkerson is up-to-date on vaccinations, microchipped, neutered, and heartworm negative. Like many dogs who are up in years, Dewy has some health issues. He has Nuclear Sclerosis (a condition found in older dogs that affects depth perception); diminished hearing; a heart murmur (Grade 2-3); and some muscle atrophy and arthritis. Before entering IAR, he clearly had been malnourished, along with significant dental disease (Grade IV), broken teeth, and much hair loss.

He is being treated with pain medication and supplements for his joint issues, along with Omega 3 and immune-booster supplements.

HISTORY
Dewey's owner passed away and he was taken to a local shelter.

IAR subsidizes post-adoption professional training with Jane Marshall (www.cheerydogs.com) to encourage a life-long and successful bond between the dog and the adopter. Group classes for puppies and adult dogs are provided at a substantial discount to IAR adopters.