About Frankie

American Heeler mix per Pitt County Animal Shelter. Frankie was adopted and named by my mother (after St.Francis-Patron Saint of animals)who lived alone. He needed some basic training but didn't get beyond being walked in neighborhood on leash, in home, and in her fenced in back yard. My mom was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and Frankie became hyper vigilant in protecting her. His only exposure to male humans were from infrequent visits from my adult brothers who live out of town and delivery men. Since Covid, Frankie has become more of a barker due to masks being worn by everyone he sees that was not my mother, my daughter, or I. Frankie did well with home health caregivers but initially needed to be put in bedroom or outside unless caregiver was comfortable with dogs specifically. Frankie's buddy is my daughter's dog Luna, who is a hound mix. Her taller stature and calmer nature provides reassurance to Frankie, but the two of them can get themselves into mischief if they do not have chewy toys available. Frankie does like to 'destuff' his toys and is very good about making his play area look like it snowed. He will chew plastic of any kind if left on his own. He will try to convince you with his dark adorable eyes to share any morsels left on your plate, or to lick the plate clean if given permission. He adoringly gives you a quick 'thank you' lick when you bend over to feed him twice a day. He loves to lay at your feet in the bed, along side if he is permitted and/or encouraged, and may even crawl up on the recliner with you for an afternoon nap if he feels comfortable to do so. He is a very loving, affectionate dog who is shy with unfamiliar locations, people, and circumstances. He likes to lay on the front seat or on the floor in the back seat while riding in the car. A soft and reassuring nature will be best as he realizes you are his person(s). My mom battled metastatic breast cancer for 11 1/2 months at which time my adult daughter and I were her primary caregivers. I moved in with three cats, and my daughter moved in with her dog. Frankie did well with the 6 total number of cats in the house. As my mom continued to decline, Frankie became more of her protector and 'job'. He would herd her in her way to and from the kitchen and the bathroom sitting at her feet or under the footrest of her recliner. My mom passed away in September 2021 and I am unable to keep Frankie. I have had both shoulders replaced and require an additional surgery on one of them. I am in not in the physical condition to be the best owner for Frankie, nor will I have a living environment that is best suited for Frankie's needs. Being around animals most of my life and after sharing my adoption concerns with a veterinarian friend of mine, I believe Frankie would do best if he lived in home where he could either be exercised regularly and frequently (2-3 times/day), or had a large fenced in back yard where he could expend some of his working dog energy. A farm type atmosphere where he could be trained to herd, but then come in the house would be the best case scenario for him. He does not do well without physical and behavioral boundaries. Once he realizes he has a routine, and that he is loved, he will be a wonderful dog for any of the suitable recommendations I've made. Frankie was heartworm positive at his adoption from the shelter but has been on medication since then to maintain his health. He is under a pet protection wellness plan through Banfield Pet Care at PetSmart. His adoption fees (estimated at $100)would include only the cost of his current month's plan, updated vaccinations, not covered, and all medication transferred at his adoption. Frankie's food, bowl, treats, blanket, and any surviving toys will be given at time of his adoption as well. Frankie is a sweet boy. My daughter and I just want him to have a good home, a good life, and lots of love.

Pitt County
Greenville, North Carolina