About Polo

Hello . I was given your contact information from The Asher House. I am reaching out because I desperately need help finding a safe home, or shelter and hoping you might be willing to give him a chance. This is one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make because I love Polo deeply and never imagined having to let him go. Polo has been with me since he was a puppy. For the past four years, it has essentially been just Polo and me living together in a very small apartment. He is my companion and best friend, and I have cared for and loved him his entire life. Unfortunately, because of my ongoing medical and mobility issues, I am no longer physically able to give Polo the life he deserves. Polo is a large, very strong dog, and his pulling when we go outside has caused me to fall multiple times. My mobility has become increasingly difficult, and I have reached the point where I cannot safely take him outside, even for a short potty break. I have been trying very hard to find another option for Polo. I have contacted shelters and rescues, reached out to different organizations, and have also tried social media posts in hopes of finding someone who might be the right fit for him. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find a safe and appropriate placement. I also reached out to the Pixie Project hoping they might be able to help. Unfortunately, my experience was extremely heartbreaking. I was told by the owner that Polo was not worth their time or anyone else's time and that, because of his fears, and anxiety I needed to put him down. Hearing those words about a dog I have loved and cared for since he was a puppy was devastating and left me feeling incredibly sad and hopeless. Yes, Polo can be fearful and protective, particularly when he is outside on his leash he feels uncomfortable around people approaching him. But I have been working with him slowly and patiently on redirecting his behavior, and I have seen so much improvement. He is a wonderful, loving, and incredibly loyal dog. He needs people who understand him, are patient with him, and are willing to give him the time and space to learn to trust. I truly believe Polo deserves a chance. I do not believe his fearful moments define who he is or what kind of dog he can become in the right environment. I believe Polo deserves the opportunity to experience a different life-one where he has room to run, explore, enjoy nature, and get the exercise and stimulation he needs. Living with just me in a tiny apartment for the past four years has not given him the opportunity to truly thrive or become the dog I know he can be. My hope is to find him home or placement with patient adults who understand that he may need time to feel comfortable and build trust. Ideally, I would love for him to have a safe, secure space where he can run and enjoy being a dog. I believe that with the right people, environment, patience, and consistency, Polo has so much potential to do better and enjoy the rest of his life. This is not because I don't love him or don't want him. It is because I love him enough to recognize that I can no longer physically provide what he needs. Keeping him with me when I cannot safely take him outside or give him the exercise and freedom he deserves is not fair to him. My heart is absolutely breaking, but I am trying to put Polo's quality of life before my own feelings. I am asking someone to please give him a chance rather than judging him solely by his fears. He is so much more than those moments. He is loving, loyal, intelligent, and deserving of a chance to trust, learn, and thrive. I will always love Polo and will always be grateful for the years we have had together. My greatest wish is for him to have a safe, loving home where he can finally have the space, patience, freedom, and opportunity to enjoy the rest of his life. Thank you for taking the time to hear Polo's story and for considering helping us. I truly hope you can be the connection that helps give him the second chance he deserves.

Contact

Clackamas County
Portland, Oregon 97222

Martha Gomez

Email