Elbert is a charming terrier/Chihuahua mix with long legs, a compact frame, and a big, lovable personality - all packed into about 20 pounds. His fosters have known Elbert since he was just a 5-week-old puppy, and while he was previously adopted, he’s now back and ready to find the right forever home.

Elbert loves other dogs and truly enjoys having canine friends to play with and learn from. He also absolutely loves cats and has done wonderfully living with them. Elbert would likely do best in a home with older, respectful kids, rather than young children, as he thrives with calm, predictable interactions.

He does best with supervised toy time and thoughtful management around high-value items, as he has shown some resource guarding behaviors with food and toys in the past. These moments have been easy to interrupt and manage with structure and clear boundaries.

Elbert is potty trained and bell trained, knows sit, wait, and shake, and is crate trained. He sleeps well in his crate overnight, but he will bark or howl if crated when left home alone, so he’d be happiest in a home with no shared walls or with someone who works from home or can provide alternatives to crating during the day.

Elbert is medium-to-high energy and is still learning how to navigate the world on leash. He’s a smart, curious boy who didn’t get a lot of structured walks early on, so he can become overstimulated - but with consistency and positive-reinforcement training, he’s already making progress.

Elbert would thrive in a home that can offer regular exercise, clear routines, and continued training. He’s affectionate, eager to learn, and full of potential for someone ready to invest in him and help him continue growing into a confident, happy companion.

If you’re looking for a fun, loyal dog who loves cats, enjoys canine friends, and will shine with the right guidance, Elbert could be your perfect match.

If interested, please  complete the  Adoption Application  on our website at  www.NeedyPaws.org  and we will contact you.  Adopters must live within an hour’s drive of St. Louis, MO.

Our $275 adoption fee includes up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spay/neuter and microchip.

We are a 100% foster-based rescue and all of our dogs live in approved foster homes. We are dedicated to finding the best Forever Homes, and will perform home visits and conduct veterinarian and reference checks for each potential adopter.