Copper the dog could be a diamond in the ruff but only to the right owner

The P.E.I. Humane Society in Charlottetown says there isan increasingnumber of dogs coming through the doors that are difficult to re-home.

Copper the seven-month-old puppy is part of thattrend.

MarysePerreault,the adoption intake co-ordinator at the society, said"dogs that are really family-oriented, easy-going dogs," often don't need help finding new homes.

"Those, people tend to re-home them by themselves.... So the difficult ones tend to come our way."

Some animals may have particular behaviours,have special training needs or have problems around other animalsor children.

Copper is a foxhound mix which means he'svery energetic and intelligent. That also means, he needs an owner to keep up with his frantic pace.

"He is highly trainable because he's highly intelligent but he is also able to get in a lot of trouble because he is highly intelligent," she said.

He has been at thesociety for a month, adopted out twice and returned both times within24 hours.

Be prepared for the animal's needs

Perreaultsaid it is important that owners read the animal's full description so they are ready for the type of animal they choose fromthe shelter.

"When they come and meet him, don't let those beautiful eyes fool you," she said.

"He's two steps ahead of you ...do your research and you have to know, it's not just 'I like a dog, I want a dog.' It is way more than that."

Perreault said they are tryingto get Copper the mental stimulation and physical activity he needs.

"We have play groups, we have toys, we have mental stimulation as much as we can," she said. "And even that, for a dog like Copper, sometimes it's not even enough."

Copper's month-long stay with the society is the longest Perreaulthas seen in her time there.

She said they are exploring all options to make sure they give Copper the best chance at getting adopted even if it is into a foster home on a temporary basis.

Looking for more foster families for dogs

Perreaultsaidpeople are oftenwilling to foster catsbut the society could use more people able to take dogs temporarily.

Copper was still available at the P.E.I. Humane Society as of Monday.

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