Meet Smudge! He is a 2 year old, 100lb black lab that was found stray in Mississippi.
Personality
Smudge is a devoted companion who prefers to stay close to his person. Wherever you go, Smudge is right there following along, content just to be nearby. He is affectionate and especially enjoys belly rubs and gentle pets, soaking up attention whenever it’s offered. Smudge can be uncomfortable around men so he will need a strong leader to help build his confidence.
Training
Smudge is house trained and has been reliable in the home. He is still learning some of the basics of being a dog. He hasn’t shown much interest in toys yet and doesn’t spend much time on a dog bed….he prefers to be right by the side of his humans.
Updates
Meet Smudge: part black golden retriever, part weighted blanket, part oversized baby deer learning how to be brave.
When Smudge first arrived in foster care, he was incredibly timid and unsure of the world around him. Not fearful or reactive — just cautious, observant, and trying to figure everything out. Since settling in, his confidence has grown exponentially, and watching his goofy personality emerge has been one of the sweetest things to witness.
Once Smudge trusts you, he becomes your shadow. He loves being close to his people and has a very serious commitment to snuggling. His favorite move is pressing his giant head directly into your chest while getting pets, as if he’s trying to absorb affection through osmosis. Sometimes he’ll sit beside you and casually rest his enormous head on your shoulder like a 70-pound emotional support toddler.
Smudge is truly one of the easiest house guests around. He hasn’t had any accidents in foster care, is excellent in his crate (though he may voice a tiny complaint about having to go in), takes treats gently, doesn’t jump, doesn’t counter surf, and generally acts like a polite gentleman who doesn’t want to inconvenience anyone.
At heart, Smudge is a couch potato. He enjoys lounging near his people, supervising household activities, and perfecting the art of relaxing. That said, once he’s comfortable, he absolutely has playful moments where he bounces around the yard with toys and shows off his silly side.
He does great with other dogs and cats and would likely enjoy a calm canine companion. While some have mentioned he may be selective with certain men, his foster has not experienced that at all.
Smudge is currently learning “sit” and “paw,” and he’s proving to be a smart boy underneath all that fluff and sweetness. He would thrive in a quieter home with patient people who understand that some dogs need a little time to settle in and feel safe. But once Smudge opens up, the payoff is huge.
If you’re looking for a soft-hearted, gentle companion who just wants to love and be loved, Smudge may be your guy.
