Big Boy 'Oliver' is a Charmer: Billings Adoptable Pet of the Week

Wet Nose Wednesday Pet of the Week is Oliver.

Oliver came to the shelter as a surrender, said Derek Wulf, Humane Outreach Coordinator at Yellowstone Valley Animal Shetler. The loveable big dog has been there for a couple of weeks now, and he seems like the perfect large-breed companion.

Wet Nose Wednesday dog 'Oliver'. Credit Jaci Bjorne, TSM

A large personality to match his size.

A four-year-old Mastiff mix, Oliver is a solid 80+ pounds and appears healthy, if not a smidge on the slender slide. With expressive dark eyes and that charming Mastiff face, he's a good-looking dog, with a personality to match. He's remarkedly slobber-free (a common trait for Mastiffs).

The American Kennel Club says Mastiffs are generally lovey-dovey dogs, they're great with families and have medium energy and ease of trainability levels. Oliver knows some basic commands, like sit. The breed isn't typically an excessive barker. The AKC writes,

Mastiffs are patient, lovable companions and guardians who take best to gentle training. Eternally loyal Mastiffs are protective of family, and a natural wariness of strangers makes early training and socialization essential. Mastiffs are magnificent pets, but acquiring a powerful giant-breed dog is commitment not to be taken lightly.

Wulf said Oliver does fairly well on a leash, despite his strength and power. The dog would do best with regular exercise or playtime with his owner(s).

Oliver. Credit Jaci Bjorne, TSM

Give a shelter pet a Christmas at home.

If you can't permanently adopt a dog or cat at the moment, you can still share the joy of the holidays with a dog or cat from the shelter with their foster program. At this time, they're specifically interested in people looking to host a pet for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas, as the shelter is closed on those dates. Reach out to Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter for more details.

Browse all of the animals currently available for adoption at the shelter HERE, including a bearded dragon, two rabbits, and plenty of adorable cats and dogs.