DOWNTOWN — A pup who’s spent three years — most of his life — at a shelter is looking for his forever home.
Fido, a 4-year-old terrier mix, has been with Alive Rescue for longer than any other dog the shelter has taken in. Hoping to get him more attention and find him a family, Alive Rescue took Fido out for a “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”-esque romp around Chicago in October — but it still hasn’t been able to find him the right match.
“He is such a love,” said Mia Lindner, the director of operations for Alive Rescue. “There’s so much promise for him. He’s doing great in foster [care], and we want him to find his forever home.”
Fido’s “day off” — during which he donned Bueller’s famous vest — saw him visiting Wrigley Field, the Art Institute, Michigan Avenue and even a parking garage in tribute to the movie.
Alive Rescue posted photos and videos of Fido enjoying the adventure on social media.
Lindner said the rescue group hoped the posts would help Fido get more attention from potential families. It worked — sort of.
People did share photos of Fido and talked about his adventure, said Alive Rescue founder Kristen Gerali, but that didn’t translate into someone adopting the pup.
It’s not that there’s anything “wrong” with Fido.
Fido’s family surrendered him to the shelter when he was just a puppy; they loved him but were “overwhelmed by having a dog,” Lindner said.
Lindner was there when Fido was surrendered and remembers he was very timid at first, but as Lindner sat with him and gave him treats he started to open up.
Fido has had seizures in the past and, to prevent them, takes medication. But he hasn’t had a seizure in a year, and caring for him isn’t difficult — his medication just needs to be given to him on a schedule, Gerali and Lindner said.
The pooch is doing well with a foster family, where he’s been for about half a year.
“He loves to go for walks. He loves to be with people,” Lindner said. “He’ll look you in the eye and he’ll just stare into your soul and he’s just amazing.”
Gerali added: “He is just the most handsome dog ever.”
Fido gets along with other dogs and enjoys playing with one at a time. He does great at home with a few people; he just doesn’t like big, public events, Lindner said.
“Other than that, he is so sweet,” Lindner said.
Fido’s also food-motivated and has done very well with training, Lindner said.
“It gives us more motivation to get him adopted. … He’s such an amazing dog,” Lindner said. “It means everything to get him into a home.”
Those interested in adopting Fido can apply online. Alive Rescue will reach out to applicants for the next steps.
Fans of Fido can also follow him on Instagram.
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