People ask us all of the time if we are keeping Stanley.  As his foster home, we've watched Stan morph from a skinny, weak, blind dog into a happy go lucky dog.  He's fit in perfectly with our resident dogs and loves my son.  We went into this thinking that we'd love to keep him and I spend a considerable amount of time everyday weighing out the pros and cons.  

We love him.  Love him like he's our own.  But watching Stanley navigate through his new life as a Family Dog it is clear that he needs more than our love can provide.  He needs obedience training, at 2 years old, he's just learning the basics like "sit" and "come".  He's learning stairs for the first time, leash walking and he's fine tuning his potty skills.  While we juggle life with 1 kid and 4 dogs, jobs and the rest of it, we realize that Stanley deserves so much more.  He's come to far to fall onto the back burner.  He's such a warm, loving, wonderful dog who deserves to have all of the attention and love that one person can provide.

It is also very important to me that we keep space open for another foster who might need it.  If Stanley stays, we are at full (or, as some would argue, over) capacity.  This takes another foster home out of the loop, and another dog is able to fall through the cracks. 

It is not an easy decision.  I love this dog, with his big head, goofy eyes and polka dot ears.  I love his kisses and the way he learns in for a scratch.  I love his squeaky bark and how he plays with his eyes closed.  I love that he sleeps on our bed while we are out and I don't care, even though I hate dogs on the bed.  I love how grateful he is for a bowl of food.  I love that for all he's been through, his past is truly behind him and he's in the NOW.  He's over it, he's loved now and he knows it.  He forgave humans for what happened long before his body was even healed.  I love him enough to know that it's better for him to go elsewhere.  

SO, we are now accepting applications from those wishing to adopt Stanley.  This does NOT mean that Stanley is healed up and ready to go tomorrow.  Stanley still needs eye surgery and will not be placed until that is complete and healed.  He will also be needing care and treatment for his mange for a time yet, so if he is adopted before that, his new home must be willing to work with that.

What sort of home is right for Stanley?  At Respect-A-Bull, we struggle with that question on a regular basis.  What makes a GOOD home?  Is it a house?  No.  We've adopted to dogs in apartments and condos, cottages and boats.  What type of dwelling is no indication on how good a home can be for a dog.  Is it a fenced yard?  No, not that either.  While yards are great, they are not the only way to provide exercise to a dog.  So what does make a good home?

A good home is a place where it is warm and safe.  A place free from abuse and neglect.  Where the dog is nurtured both in mind and body.  Where the dog is able to coexist with it's people without being tethered in the rain or left in a leaky dog house.  A home should provide clean water and a good food.  Vet care if needed.  But above all else, a good home should provide the same love and respect that the dog will give back. 

So, if you are thinking of applying for Stanley, please know that we are not looking for a specific home for him.  We will look at ALL applicants and choose the best home for Stanley. 

Applicants for Stanley must meet the following guidelines:

• You must be willing to provide him with proper diet and supplements to treat and prevent his mange
• You must be willing to give us updates that we can share with his fans.
• You must be willing to provide him with quality food or a raw diet to help his skin and deal with allergies
• As with ALL applicants for any of our dogs, you must fill out an application, have a phone interview, meet the dog AND pass a home inspection. 
  

To apply for Stanley you MUST fill out an application form found on this site.  We will NOT respond to emails asking to adopt him.  You may NOT meet him prior to filling out an application.  This is not "first come, first served".  He will be adopted to the BEST home we can find for him and everyone involved. 

Stanley is in foster care with us as long as he needs it. Please remember that Stanley is a real dog with real needs, regardless of his fame.