ADOPTED! Knuckles, The Olde English Bulldogge Lapdog!

Olde English Bulldogge
 6 1/2 Years Young
Neutered and Vaccinated

Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me! I got a family for my 6th birthday!! Happy birthday to me!

English Bulldogs are among the gentlest of breeds when it comes to their people, and Knuckles is no exception. At roughly 50 pounds, this 6 1/2 year Olde English Bulldogge will nuzzle his way into your lap, lean his head way back and kiss your whole face.

Impeccably clean and impeccably lazy, as described by Cassie, his handler, Knuckles wants nothing more than a quiet household to laze around in. Not even demanding in the play arena, toys don’t offer enough love for this love sponge. And love sponge he is. He crawls in your lap, licks your face, is a lover of treats and wants to be touched.

About the only thing Knuckles might demand is a belly rub, for which he knows how to roll over on command, but only half way. (Don’t tell Knuckles, but it’s his belly, not his lack of will, that impedes a full-on roll.) If you do as he asks, he’ll shake your paw on command too. Oh heck, he’ll shake even if you don’t give him a belly rub, but he’d really like that belly rub.

Oh, and Knuckles is incredibly photogenic, which is why we feature 50,000 photographs of him below.

.

Knuckle’s Early Years

Knuckle’s (originally named Freckles) had an easy-going 5 years of life with an easy-going owner and was the adored king of his household. Knuckles frolicked in the back yard, lounged where he liked, and had his pictures taken non-stop, before his owner died of cancer.

Knuckles was then placed into a busy household by another rescue for a short while. He didn’t do well with all the hustle and bustle, hiding from it most of the time. He came into the care of our Cassie Hayden next, living kennel life until Dog House Adoptions brought him into our program.

Knuckle’s Recent Journey

In April, we thought we had found Knuckles a family who would love him for who he is. We screened out busy households, party people, and explained that Knuckles just wants to lay down and be loved. We recommended providing the safety of a crate for at least 30 to 60 days so Knuckles could duck out when things got too busy for him. And we told his people that he was a sensitive dog, receptive to warmth in a voice over stern correction. He also adores food so training with positive reinforcement’s works best. Everything was understood, or so we thought.

Within just a few days of his adoption, Knuckles was expected to heal perfectly by training with a choke collar. His security crate, which should have been a semi-permanent household fixture, was broken down because it was an eyesore. Within a week, Knuckles’ people brought their nervous new dog out during a large family Easter gathering. A toddler waddled toward Knuckles’ face with body language that Knuckles had never before seen and could not understand. Knuckles felt cornered. He let out an unhappy hum to say he wasn’t comfortable — and his people were surprised.

A week later, the family’s teenager tried to scoot a peacefully sleeping Knuckles over to climb into his dog bed. Startled suddenly from sleep, Knuckles growled. (Wouldn’t you?) Rather than listen to Knuckles’ attempt at communication and protecting their dog from that which he feared, Knuckles was thought to need correction, and back he came.

And so, after he recovered from all that anxiety and cheered up enough to eat once more, we begin again.

ADOPTED!

Knuckle’s sensitive soul just needs a life of peaceful downtime – and he’s found it. He needs to feel a loving hand stroking his side, or gently patting the top of his head – and he now has that. He needs to be the king of his household again – and he has a house to be king of once more. He needs – and now has – a low, soft bed, treats, and the invitation (not expectation) to engage.

Amanda and Reinaldo offer Knuckles a soft, safe haven, and they will be rewarded with the most beautiful affection and long-lasting love this dog has to give. Thank you both for giving this incredible guy just one lucky chance to be accepted. Many of us in this rescue world are in love with Knuckles for exactly who he is, as he is, and we’re thrilled that you are too!