Adopter Match Suggestions

MATCH REPORT: Aaliyah Abara

Applicant snapshot

• Household: Aaliyah (works from home), Abel (out 8 to 5), and two children, ages 6 and 9
• Home: rented townhouse, small fenced patio, shared walls. Aaliyah says the landlord allows pets up to 50 lbs. We have not verified this, so any dog over 50 lbs is marked pending verification below.
• Activity: about 30 minutes of walking a day
• Experience: first-time dog owners, Aaliyah had a cat growing up
• Wants: a friendly dog who is good with kids and is not a big barker

Top matches

1. Pearl (5 yr beagle mix, 28 lbs)
   Why she fits: Our notes say she is mellow, good with kids, and good with other dogs. Her size is under the weight limit Aaliyah mentioned. Aaliyah is home most of the day, which may help with her howling when left alone.
   Possible concerns: We noted howling when she is left alone in the kennel office. With shared walls, this matters. Her nose stays down on walks, so she may need patience and a secure leash or harness.
   Confirm: Ask how often the home would be empty and talk through a gradual alone-time plan. Ask a trainer or staff member for tips on howling.

2. Juniper (1 yr shepherd mix, 41 lbs)
   Why she fits: Our notes say she is sweet, smart, and quiet in the kennel, which helps with shared walls. She is under the weight limit Aaliyah mentioned.
   Possible concerns: She is shy at first and mouthy when excited. She has not been tested with kids under 8, and the family has a 6 year old. She is young and still learning basics, and a first-time household with 30 minutes of walking a day may find her a stretch.
   Confirm: Hold a supervised meeting with both children before deciding. Ask whether the family can commit to training classes.

3. Walt (8 yr basset mix, 55 lbs), pending verification
   Why he fits: Our notes say he is a couch potato and good with everyone, which suits a first-time household with kids and a 30 minute daily walk. No barking issues are noted.
   Possible concerns: At 55 lbs he is over the 50 lb limit Aaliyah mentioned, so he stays pending verification of the landlord's rule. We should not go further with him until that is confirmed. He has mild arthritis and needs ear cleaning and medication per his vet. The family would need to be comfortable with ongoing care and its cost.
   Confirm: Verify the landlord's weight limit in writing. Have our vet or staff go over his care needs with the family.

Not recommended for this applicant

• Biscuit (62 lbs), pending verification: Friendly and good with kids at the meet, but he is over the 50 lb limit Aaliyah mentioned, the same as Walt, so he would only be reconsidered if the landlord confirms a higher limit. We also do not recommend him for this home even if the limit allows it, because our notes say he jumps up, pulls on leash, and is loud when kenneled, which is hard with shared walls and a 6 year old.
• Rocco: Our notes include a snap toward a child at a vet visit, nervousness with strangers, and a need for an experienced home. We do not suggest him for a first-time household with young children. We suggest staff review his case with a qualified behavior professional before any placement with children.

Questions to ask Aaliyah

• How long would the dog be alone on a typical day, and is the patio the only outdoor space?
• Are the children used to gentle, calm handling of animals?
• Is the family open to training classes?
• Can you get written proof of the landlord's pet policy and weight limit?
• Is the family comfortable with the ongoing medical costs of a senior dog?

Next steps

• Verify the landlord's rules before any meeting involving Walt or Biscuit, and confirm any local pet or housing rules locally.
• Suggest a meet-and-greet with Pearl first, with both children present.
• Have staff or our vet explain Walt's care needs if the family wants to consider him.
• Any decision is up to our adoption staff.