Hello ! This is Stark !

Stark is a very special boy who will need a patient, special family. He has a laundry list of medical problems, the least of which is a need to put some meat on his bones. This is due to the fact he has ""mega esophagus"", meaning the tube that carries food and liquid between the mouth and stomach gets larger and loses its ability to move food into the stomach. Thankfully, Stark is not showing any clinical signs of this issue, meaning he does not regurgitate his food at this point. We do however used raised bowls to feed him and have him on a low fat, prescription diet that is good for dogs with this condition. While Stark is only 2 and a half years old... and he also has what is called ""myasthenia gravis"", his legs are showing a lot of improvement! He has slowly been able to start walking and even running without too many problems from his back legs. Stark is a wonderful boy who has a lot to give to a family who is willing to help him learn how to best enjoy life, despite the medical issues he has. The vet would like to set the goal of being able to eventually taper off his meds, however at this point in time, we cannot say for certain whether this will happen. The vet is extremely pleased with how well he responded to the medicine and does have high hopes that he will eventually be able to be weaned off it. Stark is going to be a lot of work for his family, but promises he will do his best to make it all worth it! Once Stark is comfortable with his people he is extremely loving, yet still independent enough to not need constant attention, while preferring to be near his people. He is pretty much house trained, despite the fact that none of his legs are working wonderfully. While with his foster, he has not needed crated and has not shown destructive tendencies. Frankly, Stark sleeps on the couch at night like a lump! He's a smart boy who has become a sit and shake pro! Stark loves other dogs and has been able to begin playing with his foster brother while his legs are learning to keep up with him! Stark gets a little too excited when getting treats sometimes (don't we all?), but once he is told ""easy"" remembers that he should still have some manners. Stark doesn't get too excited over toys, but he is starting to occasionally enjoy a good tennis ball. Stark is learning to walk on a leash, and while not animal or person reactive, is still learning basic leash manners. He is definitely a very special boy with some special needs that are totally worth the trouble. Stark is microchipped, up to date on vaccines, and heartworm negative. Because of his condition, we are going to wait until he is more stable to neuter him. Stark's adoption fee is $150 and it will be in the contract that you must take him to be neutered at our vet in approximately 6 months to a year when he is ready. This will be schedule by us and paid for at our expense. If you think you could be the special family that Stark needs, you can submit an application for him at www.pawpatroldayton.com/adopt. **Please research both myasthenia gravis and mega esophagus prior to applying for this sweet boy to ensure you understand the care he will require.** All of our animals are vaccinated, micro-chipped and spayed/neutered before being adopted.