“Drako was taken to the shelter to be euthanized due to how malnourished he had become when his previous family couldn’t get his colitis under control. I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been for him, and for his family. He was very obviously a cherished pet at some point, and he is just basking in the love of being there again. He has blossomed so much now that he is healthy, and his cute pouty lip has a happy healthy face behind it now. There is life in him, and he is just the cutest guy. Every day he does something new and adorable, whether it is his joyful leaps out of his crate in the morning to grab a stuffy to carry with him to potty, or how he will turn into a total limp noodle when he’s tired on a walk and you carry him. He is going to bring so much joy to whatever family gets him that his softer than average stools and dietary restrictions won’t even matter. I’m tearing up with this next part…We want Drako to live with us forever, but we also want to be able to keep fostering and helping dogs like him get their second chance at life, so we have to share him.”
Pet Information
- Location:Southwest Michigan
- Age:3 years
- Sex:Neutered male
- Weight:27 pounds
- Kids:Yes, older, dog savvy
- Cats:Yes
- Dogs:Yes
- Fenced Yard:Preferred
- Adoption Fee:$400
Story
Mighty and brave as his namesake, our little dragon Drako looked death in the face and said “not today!” Now it’s time for this handsome boy with the pouty lip to find his happily ever after, with a forever family of his very own.
Drako was brought to a shelter to be euthanized due to severe and uncontrolled ulcerative colitis, which caused him severe GI distress and malnutrition. Poor Drako was constantly hungry, but eating caused him terrible pain (and truly horrific diarrhea). Fortunately, with a special diet, probiotics, and vitamin shots, Drako’s colitis is under control and he’s finally got some meat back on those bones. Best of all, now that he’s feeling better, he’s a happy, playful boy who brings joy wherever he goes!
To keep Drako happy and healthy, it is essential that he remain on his limited diet of hydrolyzed soy protein. That means no table scraps, no peanut butter…no, not even a teeny bit, no matter what type of puppy dog eyes he gives you. (Sorry, Drako, it’s for your own good!) On that same note, Drako is a remarkably adept climber and very food motivated, so it’s important that all treats (dog, human, and otherwise) be kept well out of reach, preferably in closed cabinets. To keep his tummy in tip top shape, Drako also gets daily probiotics and a weekly vitamin B injection. His new family must be committed to this routine and comfortable with giving him his weekly shot, and should also have access to high quality veterinary care in case he experiences a flare-up down the road.
Drako is also a resource guarder when food is involved, also the likely result of his previous hunger and malnourishment. He has only ever directed this behavior at other dogs, but for the sake of everyone’s safety, Drako will not be placed in a family with young children. If Drako lives in a home with other dogs, he must be fed in his crate (which suits him just fine—he’s fond of his crate and happy to be in it!)
This darling boy gets along famously with humans of all ages and sizes, and loves playing with his canine foster siblings. He’s also non-reactive with the household cats! In fact, we’re told that the only two things Drako doesn’t like are vacuum cleaners and trash cans with wheels (which is perfectly understandable—we don’t like chores, either!) Drako’s foster mom describes him as an “all or nothing sort of guy,” who is either calmly gnawing on a chew toy or going full throttle like a smoosh-faced bat out of heck. He adores his people and is always up for a snuggle, but is not a Velcro Frenchie—he’s more than happy to entertain himself with a toy while his person does their thing. That said, Drako truly enjoys being out and about with his family, whether it be a walk to the outdoor café or a field trip to the office. He wants to be in on the action, always!
Drako would be happy in just about any type of home, so long as he gets the attention and care that his medical condition requires. He’s not a barker, so an apartment or townhouse would suit him just fine. He would love to have a friendly canine companion (or two) to play with, and kids are great too, so long as they are older, dog savvy, and understand that Drako cannot be fed *any* food other than his special diet. Because Drako’s housebreaking is still a work in progress (again, due to his colitis), it’s essential that someone be around to take him for potty breaks on a regular basis. He is also the perfect office dog, content to lie at his person’s feet (and occasionally nudge them for pets) while they take care of business.
Drako’s foster mom has understandably fallen head over heels for this bat-eared beauty, and and tells us, “Drako was taken to the shelter to be euthanized due to how malnourished he had become when his previous family couldn’t get his colitis under control. I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been for him, and for his family. He was very obviously a cherished pet at some point, and he is just basking in the love of being there again. He has blossomed so much now that he is healthy, and his cute pouty lip has a happy healthy face behind it now. There is life in him, and he is just the cutest guy. Every day he does something new and adorable, whether it is his joyful leaps out of his crate in the morning to grab a stuffy to carry with him to potty, or how he will turn into a total limp noodle when he’s tired on a walk and you carry him. He is going to bring so much joy to whatever family gets him that his softer than average stools and dietary restrictions won’t even matter. I’m tearing up with this next part…We want Drako to live with us forever, but we also want to be able to keep fostering and helping dogs like him get their second chance at life, so we have to share him.”
Well goodness, that got us a little teary-eyed as well! Darn pollen. If you think you’re the person to give Drako his fairy tale ending, then fill out an application to adopt and tell us why. Just be prepared to travel—Drako and his pouty lip are making people swoon in the beautiful state of Michigan, and he will not be shipped.
FBRN dogs are in foster care in people’s private homes. For the foster families’ safety, we do not disclose specific locations, and we don’t set up meet and greets prior to applications. For detailed information about the dogs in our care, please read the extensive bios on each dog.
About Drako
Drako has a history of allergies and must remain on Hydrolyzed Protein diet with Probiotics and a weekly B12 injection.
Drako has a history of Colitis.
Drako is a resource guarder who requires a firm pack leader and must never be around small children. He must be monitored during feeding and when toys are present.
Potty training is a work in progress.
Sponsors
Donation to FBRN – Drako
Donation to FBRN – Drako