This week’s featured pupper, Melinda, is available for adoption from Muddy Paws NYC. If you are interested in adopting Melinda, we encourage you to first fill out a Muddy Paws adoption application and then reach out to the team with further questions by clicking here.

Name: Melinda

Age: Hmmm, good question. My friends at Muddy Paws estimate that I’m somewhere between 5 and 7 years old. They say you’re only as old as you feel though, and since I’ve got lots of energy for the outdoors, let’s call it 5!

Breed: Occasionally people confuse me with the mystical urban hippopotamus. When I pull my ears back the resemblance is uncanny. Ahem…also I’ve been known to make snorty, snarfy hippopotamus noises when I’m dreaming…But I’m here to set the record straight that I am, in fact, not a hippo, but rather a pittie mix with a beautiful brindle coat. My foster mom thinks I’m part American Bulldog based on my squatty body.

Background: I was picked up by the Animal Care Centers of NYC and then pulled by Muddy Paws for adoption. I’ve been living on the Upper West Side with my foster mom for about a month. You can follow all of our adventures together on Instagram at @fosterdawgsofnyc. I was brought in to the ACC as a stray, but my foster mom thinks that I likely was given up by an individual or family who no longer had the ability to take care of me. I’ve always been well-fed and since I’m also completely house-trained, she’s confident that I understand what being inside “the house” represents. I’m always on my best behavior at home!

Needs: I love going on walks but I’m still learning about the “loose leash walking” theory, so I need someone who will be patient with me and help me learn not to pull too much. My foster mom and I are working on some basic commands, and she’s really focused on helping me with “leave it.” Particularly around squirrels. Oh gosh, it’s SO DIFFICULT to not focus on them. They’re mesmerizing and I’m convinced they’re taunting me AND I’m hypnotized by their fluffy tails! Gah!

Loves: I love sitting in laps. Even at 55 lbs., my foster mom still lets me crawl in her lap and snuggle like a tiny teacup pupper. I adore belly rubs, playing tug o’ war, squeaky toys, and frolicking with other pups in the park. It’s been such a treat to spend time in Central Park and Riverside Park these past few weeks, romping around in all the colorful leaves. Upper West Side neighbors, keep an eye out for me and come say hello!

Read all our Pupper West Side interviews here!

If West Side Rag readers are interested in becoming pet owners, we encourage you to consider adopting or volunteering to be a foster parent with one of the many shelters and nonprofits based in and around New York City. These include but aren’t limited to: Muddy Paws Rescue; Animal Lighthouse Rescue; Animal Care Centers of NYC; NYC ASPCA; Humane Society of New York; Bideawee; Social Tees; Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue and Animal Haven.