Fletcher is an affectionate and silly pup who struggled to engage with potential adopters at the shelter. During kennel breaks, he soaked up moments of happiness where he could… by offering quick kisses to his volunteer friends, playing fetch in the play yard, and romping around in the occasional dog playgroup. His bubbly personality shined brightest during off campus outings where he showed off his passion for pets, cuddles, treats, and zoomies!

As a black pitbull, Fletcher entered the shelter system with the odds stacked against him. Breed restrictions and stigma are endemic in our community... and human shortcomings can cost dogs their lives. The shelter is supposed to be a temporary stopgap – not a permanent residence. For dogs who crave routine, kennel life is anything but… animals spend their days in concrete isolation, waiting for their turn to engage with the outer world.

As this young pup passed his one-year mark in a kennel, he began to fixate on small things that once brought him joy… like chasing lizards and running the fence line with other dogs… and it became harder for him to engage with the people around him. Fletcher was added to the roster of the Orange Dot Crew, a group of volunteers at the shelter dedicated to helping those dogs who struggle the most with kennel life. They knew getting into a foster home was a priority and after 14 months at the shelter, he landed in an experienced foster home to decompress!

His foster family had the indescribable pleasure of watching months of accumulated shelter stress melt out of Fletcher’s young body, revealing his bubbly and engaging personality. They've discovered that he’s a wonderful house-guest… house-trained and crate-trained, quiet and respectful, and he pays close attention to cues. Fletcher adores meeting new people and could live with well-matched dog siblings – shelter staff will help with intros for any household dogs.

While Fletcher would love to have a yard in his forever home (to show off his “turbo-butt zoomies”), an active apartment goer would do too! This guy is always up for a new adventure and would be a great running companion... if his forever folks are into that sort of thing. Fletcher cherishes his daily walkies and passes other pups easily out and about. When the humans are busy with their devices or away from home, Fletcher cuddles up quietly with a toy or tucks in for a good snoozle… he has even discovered the healing power of couch cuddles and belly rubs.

Click the “Adopt Me” button to start the conversation and see if Fletcher is a fit for you! His foster family will answer all of your questions and plan a time for you to meet Fletcher.

For more information about this animal, visit:
Austin Animal Center
Ask for information about animal ID number: A852953