Pet of the Week: Norman, the Cattle Dog/Pit Bull Mix

Meet Norman, a 1-and-a-half-year-old Cattle Dog/lab/pit bull mix currently up for adoption through Redmond-based Motley Zoo Animal Rescue.

This loving pup has a lot of energy and loves to play with people, toys and other dogs. He would do best in a home without cats or small children. 

Norman is healthy and has been neutered, microchipped, flea treated, dewormed, and is current on vaccines.

Notes from Norman's foster home: Norman's foster has nicknamed him the Class Clown! She says he is a sweet, playful boy who's just a big, goofy puppy. He has a lot of energy and absolutely loves toys.

If there is anything Norman loves as much or more than his people and his toys, it would be other dogs! He can get a little rambunctious in big groups, so he will do best in smaller play groups in general—as is true for many dogs his age. His best buddy used to be another male his age, but in a larger setting the dynamics can change for all dogs, so you will need to be aware of this, especially at dog parks where not everyone is truly in charge of their own dogs. He has been graciously given some vacation time at Happy Hound Hotel and Kozy Kennels for play and exercise, and he has done well there and they love him! He enjoys one on one fetch time, too, just as much as play with other dogs.

As Norman doesn't always know his own strength, and is very enthusiastic with his play, he would be best with a rough and tumble companion. His time at the free range boarding kennels has helped him learn better techniques with smaller dogs, but in general we find he can be overwhelming to them if they are not very playful—and they usually tire before him! We really hope that he can go to a home that will have another playmate for him, and a park or yard to play in.

Norman's foster mom is working on his basic obedience, and boy is he a FAST LEARNER. He wants nothing more than to please his people and will do anything for a treat. Already, he has learned how to heel while on leash (though he needs some work still) and has learned the commands for "sit," "down," "off," "sit-up," and "roll-over." Next his foster is thinking of teaching him to make her coffee in the morning!

Because Norman is so smart and loves the learning process, we are looking for an adopter who is equally excited about continuing Norman's training. He would make an amazing partner for someone who wanted to get into competition obedience, or even agility! This boy will make you look like a top-notch trainer! To work his beautiful mind, his foster mom feeds Norman 100 percent via interactive treat toys such as the Kong Wobbler. She feeds half of his kibble in the Kong Wobbler, morning and night, and gives the rest of his kibble to him via other interactive treat toys that she leaves in his crate for him to work on while she is away. He earns additional treats during their short 5-minute training sessions. No food bowl for this guy! Norman absolutely loves figuring out the puzzles!

Norman is also a big lover. His foster mom says after his walks and some playtime, he will quickly settle in for some loves and kisses. He will snuggle right up to his people and canine friends to give them lots of love, snuggles and kisses. He became very concerned when his foster mom shed some tears the other morning and made it his mission to kiss those tears away and put a big smile on her face with his silly antics. Needless to say, he wants his people to be as happy as he is!

Norman came from a Spokane shelter where he passed the SAFER behavior test with all 1's (and only one 2), with 1's being the best score possible! He is just a goofy guy with so much zest for life. He is an amazing dog who will make his forever family so happy! 

How to adopt: Email adopt@motleyzoo.org to request an adoption application. For more information about Norman, check out his Petfinder profile or visit www.motleyzoo.org.