Small Dog Rescue of Minnesota (SDR) is an all-volunteer group committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of dogs 20 pounds and under.

Beanz is a good example of why rescue is important, and how crucial foster care is. He came into rescue because his people had a baby and that brought with it way more commotion than he could handle. He was protective of his kennel, of his food, and would snap at people he didn't know, or even people he did know if there was just too much going on. Classic fear aggression. The world was just too big of a place for this little guy, and the only way he knew to deal with it was by going on the offensive.

His behavior required more work than a traditional rescue or pound situation could handle, and this is one of many reasons why boutique rescues are so important. Beanz received some very special training with his foster, which taught him that even though he's so little and the world's so big, it doesn't mean he has to always be scared. The training and commitment of his foster allowed him to overcome aggression towards strangers - he will never be a leap-for-joy type of dog whenever someone new enters the picture, but now he's cautious as opposed to aggressive. He may bark a bit (especially towards men), but that is easily overcome. He's gotten past the need to guard his kennel and his food, which is a huge accomplishment! When all you have is your den and your bowl, it's hard not to protect them. But Beanz learned that he didn't need to, and so now he doesn't.

Beanz is pretty good with other dogs, but prefers dogs that are perhaps older and very calm. He is a follower and he needs a strong human leader that can show him the way, and be aware of when things are becoming too much for him.   He's smart; he enjoys learning and loves fetch! He likes attention and cuddles and all the love he can get! He's able to go into the pet store now, and even be petted by little kids he doesn't know. He will be cautious at first, but it won't be long before he's offering kisses to whoever's within reach. And maybe that's the most important lesson fostering has taught Beanz - give a little love, and receive a lot of love in return! It will take more training and more time before he's up for an art festival or something of that magnitude, and maybe he'll never really be able to take in that much stimulation at once. But would that be such a bad thing? The world needs homebodys, too!

Beanz is still waiting for his furrever home, but when those special people appear, it will truly be a magical day that he has worked extemely hard to attain! He's fully potty trained, sleeps in his kennel at night when asked to, and really loves to learn. An adult only home is best, with perhaps an older, calm dog and no cats, please. Continued training is highly recommended, since it will give Beanz and his new family a chance to learn more about each other and will give them common goals to work towards. He is neutered, house trained, up to date on shots, de-wormed, frontlined, on heart worm prevention, and micro-chipped. His adoption fee is $325.