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have to survive: all bones, no meat, barely hanging on. Truly skeletal. His name? A nod to how flat he was when we met him. But that broken, crumpled dog is long gone.
Today, Stanley is a strong, healthy 65-pound pup, around 2 years old, who has blossomed into a loving, goofy, deeply affectionate companion. He’s fully potty trained, and while he hates the crate — likely due to his past trauma — he’s proven he can be left alone outside the crate without issue. He just wants to feel safe, and we’ve learned he does best when he’s not confined.
Stanley loves other dogs, cats, and people — anything with a heartbeat, really. Social cues aren’t exactly his strong suit (he’s the guy at the party who doesn’t realize he’s overstayed his welcome), but he means well and just wants to make friends. With guidance and patience, he continues to learn when to give others space.
He can be barrier reactive (like barking behind gates), but once out and about, he’s soft and easygoing. He loves touch, seeks affection, and will melt into you once he knows you’re safe. This we assume is due to his past and is connected to anxiety of being confined.
Flat Stanley has been through the wringer — starvation, illness, fear — but he never gave up. He’s come so far with steady meals, vet care, and love. Now he just needs a home that will keep showing him what kindness feels like.
If you’re ready for a dog with grit, spirit, and a hell of a comeback story, Stanley might be your guy.
This dog is up to date on vaccinations and is spayed or neutered. (Please note: Puppies under 3 months old may not be sterilized prior to adoption. If this is the case, your adoption coordinator will provide guidance on the process.)
To adopt or learn more about this dog, you must complete an adoption application, which can be found on our website: .sandypawsrescue.
PLEASE READ:
• If a dog or puppy is listed, they are currently available for adoption. However, they may already be pending an adoption, and their profile may not yet reflect this.
• All information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the posting date.
• Unless explicitly stated, Sandy Paws Rescue does not guarantee the breed of any dog. Breeds listed are educated guesses made by shelter staff, volunteers, or veterinarians. Many of our dogs are mixed breeds, often with pit bull-type genetics, resulting in a wide variety of physical traits and temperaments.
Our dogs come from various situations, such as kill shelters, owner surrenders, or as strays. It is likely both parents were mixed breeds as well.
Sandy Paws Rescue does not have a public shelter in Massachusetts. Our dogs reside in private foster homes or boarding kennels in the South until adopted. Many dogs are spoken for prior to transport or release from state-mandated isolation.
For information on adoption fees, procedures, or FAQs, visit our website: .sandypawsrescue.
The FIRST step in adopting from Sandy Paws Rescue is to submit a completed adoption application.