Meet Hope: The Gentle Giant

Hi! My name is Hope, Hopey Dopey or just Dopey, as I'm affectionately called by my foster mom and dad. I'm about one-and-a-half to two years old, 90lbs and I am a gorgeous, regal looking Mastiff with a heart of gold. I didn't have an easy start in life, so I'm still learning to trust people and how to act like a normal dog.

I spent the first year of my life living outside, cut off from the world and being used by a back-yard breeder who didn't treat me well. Mutts Matter rescued me from that horrible place, and my "owner" was prosecuted for animal cruelty. I was one of the lucky pups who was saved and am getting my second chance to have a great life. Things are looking up!

I live with an awesome foster family who has spent the past 7+ months really working with me on socialization and helping to bring me out of my shell.

I've discovered that there are good people in this world who will share their peanut butter sandwiches with me, let me crawl into their bed at night for belly rubs, and love me.

I've also had trainers coming in on a regular basis; I'm potty-trained, crate-trained, will come when you call me and I know the “down” command, too. I've learned how to walk on a leash and love to go on long walks with my family. My favorite thing is to go to the dog park and play with my fellow canine buddies or just gallop around the park like a big goofball. I love other dogs and have two foster siblings that I follow around and learn from.

Watch me run around in my back yard with my pup siblings.

After all that I've been through, I'm still a good-natured, sweet pup and don't have an aggressive bone in my body. I'm going to need a special family who will have patience, work with me, and allow me time to settle in to my new surroundings. Mutts Matter thinks I would do best in a home with an experienced dog owner who feels comfortable with large breeds. I'd also benefit from a canine sibling to show me the ropes and help me build my confidence. I know I'm a little more high maintenance than some, but in this case, high maintenance just means high quality!

To learn more about me, go to the Mutts Matter website and fill out an application, or you can contact my friend Suzanne at suzanne@muttsmatterrescue.com.

How you can help fight animal cruelty

Sadly, the mistreatment of animals is far too common. As members of the community, we have a responsibility to report injustices and protect our furry friends.

To report animal abuse, the FIRST thing to do is call your local law enforcement. In some cities, this may be Animal Control or a Department of Humane Law Enforcement, or the Police or Sheriff’s Department in other areas. You can locate your local animal advocacy group by going to http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/report-animal-cruelty.aspx

Animal cruelty is illegal, and 47 states and the District of Columbia now have felony animal abuse provisions.