About Duncan

Duncan's story started as a stray in South Carolina, picked up by animal control and never claimed. It seemed clear he had a home before, as he already knew how to sit and walked well on a leash. A rescuer took him from there and found him a foster home while he waited to come to Massachusetts. He made fast friends with both the humans and dogs in his temporary home. He loved running around the large fenced in yard with the other pups! He first came to Massachusetts at the end of July 2018, and was adopted in a week! His family loved him dearly, but they were an older couple and didn't have the energy to give him the exercise he needed. There, he was very housebroken and loved to play with all kinds of toys! He loved them so much he'd occasionally eat them! The only toys he couldn't eat were the very tough black kongs. He will need to be supervised while playing with toys, or have very tough rubber/plastic toys (the 'indestructible' fabric ones didn't last long either). Alone time didn't bother him, it just made seeing his family again even more exciting! And he enjoyed sunbathing in the yard, with some playtime of course. He did need to be crated or in a separate room when visitors came over, but with time to get to know new people he came around. While not every dog is Duncan's cup of tea, he loves the playtime he gets with his doggy pals! He does great with other friendly social dogs, and is a surprisingly gentle player (watch the video below of him and Olivia, he's so bouncy but barely touches her!). He even takes cues from other dogs very well and will give them space if they ask for it. He's gotten frustrated during his time as the shelter, being in such close proximity to other dogs all the time. He can be reactive on leash and through the fence, so we were worried if he'd be still be interested in doggy play dates. Even after being kept separate for so long, he still has such great doggy manners, we were so relieved! He is not always interested in sharing, so a doggy roommate would need to be very sweet and non confrontational. As we recommend with all new dogs, they will need to be kept separate while unsupervised for at least the first few months until they are truly comfortable around each other. While Duncan did live with a cat before and ignored all small critters (except bunnies!) in his previous home, he hasn't been happy to see the kitties at the shelter and didn't take kindly to being whacked by them, so he'll need a kitty free home. At first Duncan may bark and appear scary through a fence but if you bring him out for you to see he's a lovable mush! He's mostly afraid of bigger men, so they will likely need some time to win him over, but it's happened before so it can happen again. With the people he knows, he eagerly awaits cuddle time! He rolls over for belly rubs immediately and is very affectionate and snuggly! We know Duncan will be such a great companion. He just needs a family to give him a chance, and he can't wait for them to come! Adopter Requirements: Duncan cannot live with kids under 15 years old. He is a very strong dog. Visiting children are okay with close supervision until he gets used to them. Duncan cannot live with cats. Landlords, condo associations, and home owners insurance may not allow these breed mixes. Considerations�'��: Duncan can be nervous of new people, so his home should have little visitors and be able to have a separate and quiet area for him when there are visitors until he gets used to them. Slow introduction is best. It is best Duncan live with no other dogs or dogs that are non confrontational dogs. Duncan may eat toys and beds if left unsupervised with them. He can only be left alone with exceptionally sturdy toys (black kongs have been okay), or long lasting chews that are meant to be eaten. Duncan will need to be muzzled during vet visits. If you're interested in adopting Duncan, please fill out an adoption application on our website: www.safetails.org.

Essex County
Merrimac, Massachusetts 01860