St. Patrick weighed only 35 pounds, basically skin and bones, but is now being fattened up. He is a black mixed Retriever, with a feathered coat, approximately 1 1/2 to 2 years old, so if you know retrievers, that makes him a full grown puppy. He is now playful and active, and is regaining his confidence. His tail is no longer constantly between his legs, although he is still a little shy with strangers.

He has received his initial vaccinations and will soon be neutered and complete his shots. He has a wonderful, friendly personality and is good with children, although would be best with older children because of his size and energy. St. Patrick is afraid of cats, but is good with other dogs.

When he is at normal weight, we guess he will weigh somewhere closer to 50 pounds. He needs some training but has a naturally calm manner. By this we mean, he is happy to lie down nearby, sleep in a crate, or sit in the grass outside between playing.

Saint Patrick will make a wonderful companion for a family or individual. They will have to be patient and loving and use only positive reinforcement in training. St. Patrick has seen the horrors of New Orleans, but will never be able to tell us what it was like, so he needs all the compassion and understanding you can give to readjust and forget his desperate times alone.

UPDATE: St. Patrick is ready for a permanent home! He has been neutered, and did remarkably well. Didn't stop him from fetching his toys in the yard. We learned that he may have a touch of hound dog mixed in somewhere, because when he barks it turns into a howl. He has also been playful with the neighbor's male German Shepherd, so we think he would be a great companion for another young dog who may need a romping partner. Let's hope he finds a forever home before St. Patrick's Day!