He has that kind of coat that seems unable to decide whether it wants to be curly or straight, so it settled somewhere in between and became wavy. It also couldn't decide whether it wanted to be short or long, so it ended up medium length. He always looks slightly unkempt, but not really in a messy way. It's more as if his hair is intentionally styled like that: a little tousled, a little carefree, with a certain attitude, as though it's trying to say something about ancestors we know absolutely nothing about.
Marley was once an incredibly sweet, velvety, innocent puppy. Now that he's grown up, some of those puppy qualities remain exactly the same, while new ones are beginning to emerge. He is still happy, handsome, and a little insecure, and his coat remains just as delightfully untidy as ever.
Marley is now an adolescent dog, with everything that comes with that stage of life. He is at a point in his development where he is testing things. He is testing his strength, testing his own boundaries and those of others, trying to figure out where he belongs in the small world of the shelter.
He is not fearful, but his insecurities can sometimes get in the way of his happiness and his ability to connect with people. He has every opportunity to overcome them and mature into a healthy, well balanced dog, both physically and emotionally. We already see that when we give him the time and space he needs, Marley begins to open up and relax. Once he feels comfortable, his sweet nature and playful spirit quickly come to the surface.
Marley has all the potential to become a wonderful companion. What he needs most is stability, consistency, and routine, so that he can feel safe and secure. He does not need constant stimulation or frequent changes, neither in his environment nor in the people around him. Given the chance to grow up in a home, we are confident that Marley will blossom into a truly devoted companion.
