Han Solo - 8yo Neutered M
Our handsome Han Solo, affectionately known as Solo, has completed his rescue evaluation and is officially looking for his forever family! And let us tell you, this big blue gentleman has quite the personality!
When Solo first arrived at Tarheel Weimaraner Rescue, he was timid, unsure of new people, and carrying quite a few extra pounds. Fast-forward a few weeks, and we have a completely different boy! He’s making friends, enjoying walks, asking for affection, and thanks to his wonderful foster moms Ellen and Zoe, he’s finally getting a waistline!
SO, WHO IS HAN SOLO?
Solo is an affectionate, submissive, people-loving Weimaraner who wants nothing more than to be wherever his humans are. And when we say close, we mean CLOSE. Personal space is not something Solo believes in.
He loves his people, enjoys belly rubs, and considers himself a professional couch and bed warmer. He sleeps in bed with his humans, preferably under the covers, and believes the bigger the dog, the more mattress space he deserves. His foster dad Mike has become one of his favorite people, much to the disappointment of resident medical foster Gabi, who would appreciate having her bed back!
SOLO’S PERSONALITY AND HOUSEHOLD MANNERS
Other dogs: Solo does wonderfully with other dogs! He has lived with multiple dogs in foster care, enjoys their company, and has even been known to join in some good old-fashioned Weimaraner playtime. He made a best friend in Javi during his initial foster stay.
Cats: His foster reports that he does well with cats in the home and has been fine around cats outside. He may bark when he sees the neighborhood cat through the window, but he has not shown aggression toward cats during direct interactions.
People: Solo is sweet, affectionate, and submissive. He can be timid around unfamiliar people and needs a little time to become comfortable. Once he trusts you, expect a constant companion who wants to be touching you whenever possible.
Children: Solo came from a family with a toddler. We will still want to make sure any potential home with children is an appropriate match for him.
Housebroken: Yes! His foster family reports that he is completely housebroken.
Crate trained: Yes, although he may whine, bark, or howl when left in his crate. He would much rather be wherever his humans are.
Training: Solo is learning to come when called, enjoys being involved with his people, and has made wonderful progress with his confidence. He will benefit from continued positive reinforcement and a predictable routine.
Barking: Now, let’s discuss Solo’s second career. This boy is apparently the neighborhood watch captain. He hears EVERYTHING and believes it is his responsibility to notify the entire household. Sometimes he continues his announcement long after the suspicious squirrel, person, or leaf has disappeared. Because of his vocal tendencies, Solo is not a good candidate for apartment living.
Food manners: Solo generally leaves food alone, although he does have one documented offense involving stealing foster dad Mike’s English muffin directly from his hand. Apparently, breakfast pastries are his weakness!
Weather: Rain makes him a little unsettled and clingy, so expect additional snuggling during questionable weather.
LET’S TALK ABOUT HIS HEALTH AND WEIGHT LOSS!
Solo is eight years old, neutered, current on his vaccinations, and tested negative for heartworms and tick-borne diseases during his rescue intake.
He came into rescue significantly overweight, and his foster family has been doing a wonderful job helping him shed those extra pounds. We are already seeing a waistline emerge!
Solo is on a prescription weight-management diet, and his future family MUST be committed to continuing his weight-loss program. This means measured meals, no table scraps, no food toppers, and no extra dog treats. His regular kibble can be used as training rewards.
He also has a history of skin sensitivities and ear infections, so his ears and skin will need continued monitoring. His initial senior bloodwork showed elevated liver values, for which he was prescribed Denamarin and follow-up testing.
Solo has a somewhat awkward gait, and his veterinarian has evaluated his joints. At this time, the veterinarian did not find anything requiring immediate X-rays, although mild age- or weight-related joint discomfort is possible. His future family should continue monitoring his mobility and maintaining his weight-loss program.
Solo has been increasing his activity with his foster family, enjoying walks and exploring new places. We aren’t expecting him to become a marathon runner overnight, but he’s already come a long way from the boy who made it 2.5 minutes into his first walk before lying down and declaring the exercise program officially canceled!
WHAT KIND OF FOREVER HOME DOES SOLO NEED?
Solo would thrive in a home where his humans are around regularly and want a dog who is truly part of the family. He needs people who understand that he may take a little time to adjust to a new environment and who will allow him to settle in at his own pace.
A home with other friendly dogs could be wonderful, but what matters most is finding people who will give him the affection, companionship, structure, and patience he deserves.
His ideal family will be comfortable with a vocal Weimaraner, committed to his ongoing health and weight management, and willing to share their furniture.
Especially the bed.
Actually, you may just want to buy Solo his own king-size mattress and ask permission to sleep on the corner.
LOCATION: WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA
Solo is officially ready to begin his search for his forever family!
As always, Tarheel Weimaraner Rescue follows our adoption protocol. His foster family receives first consideration, followed by approved applicants on our existing waitlist, before applications are opened to the public.
If you are an approved applicant interested in Solo, please reach out to us so we can discuss whether he may be a good match for your family. New applicants can follow our adoption process through Tarheel Weimaraner Rescue.
This handsome boy has already shown us how much a little patience, consistency, and love can accomplish. He went from a nervous boy who didn’t want to approach anyone to a happy, affectionate Weimaraner who loves his foster family, enjoys his dog friends, and has absolutely no intention of sleeping alone ever again.
Solo isn’t looking for perfection. He’s looking for his people, a comfortable bed, and a forever home where he can spend the rest of his years being somebody’s very best friend.
Comments