02/26/2026
Hi friends, we are reaching out to ask for help in finding a new home for one of our favorite Pleasant Pups. Penelope is a 5 1/2 year old Portugese Water Dog. Penny has been a deeply loved pet. But as their family has grown, it has become apparent that Penny will do better in a less active household. Per her parents, “After careful reflection, it has become clear that she now needs a quiet, adult-only environment with experienced owners who are comfortable providing ongoing medical and behavioral management. Penny has diagnosed hip dysplasia and is under appropriate veterinary care for pain management. Despite this, she appears to be living with persistent low-to-moderate chronic pain, which has contributed to increasing defensiveness and reactivity. This recently culminated in her biting our four-year-old daughter on the hand.”
We at Pleasant Paws have had the pleasure of getting to know Penny over the last few years. She does well in the supervised social environment of our shop. She also is great with our staff and tolerates the grooming process very well. Penny has a fun and social personality and we really look forward to her visits. She does require an experienced, firm hand. But she also responds well to verbal cues and correction. This is an unbelievably difficult decision for a family to make. But, they are making it for the right reasons and to protect everyone involved, including Penny.
Penny’s family is hoping to find her a home with someone local so they can “ensure that all goes well and she could have some continuity with her community (with our family, Pleasant Paws, Recurve K9, Shipyard Dog Co., etc.)”. They welcome the opportunity to talk to anyone interested to answer your questions.
We truly love Penny and know she will be the right companion for the right person. Please help us spread the word to find Penny’s next home!!
A little more about Penelope:
Smart and well trained in basic commands. Penny learns new skills quickly, and generally listens well. Like many Portuguese Water Dogs, she has a playful, mischievous streak and can be a bit stubborn at times — especially when she’s bored or testing boundaries.
Great on leash and outdoors. She walks easily on a loose leash and is a wonderful companion for outdoor adventures. She enjoys getting out and exploring and does best with regular movement and mental stimulation.
Affectionate, with clear preferences. Penny is a loving dog who enjoys being pet and scratched, particularly by people she knows well. As she’s gotten older and dealt with chronic pain, she’s become more particular about physical contact and does best when affection is offered on her terms.
Communicates clearly (for those who understand dogs). She gives recognizable body-language cues when she’s uncomfortable or needs space. An owner who is attentive and comfortable reading canine signals will find her communication clear and manageable.
Thrives with structure and predictability. Penny does best with consistent routines, clear expectations, and a calm environment. Structure helps her feel secure and reduces stress.
Deeply bonded and loyal. She has been a cherished member of our family and forms strong attachments to the people she trusts. In the right adult-only home, we believe she would bond deeply again.
Has established support in local dog community. She is well liked by the staff and trainers at Recurve K9 at both their Scituate and Norwell locations, and does well with them at doggy daycare and in training. She has been going to Norwell Veterinary Hospital since she was a puppy and they know her well. She also does well with her groomer at Pleasant Paws in Weymouth ;)
Please call, text, or message us with any questions you may have. Or, to set up a meet and greet with the fabulous Penny!
