This cuddly pup is looking for some love and affection.

Deputy Dog Warden Mason Gates, who has been with the Muskingum County Dog Warden and Adoption Center since July, started fostering Hillis about a week ago. 

Prior to his foster home, volunteer Doug McQuaid spent a significant time with Hillis. McQuaid said Hillis seems like a brand new dog ever since he got a taste of what home-life is like.

Hillis is a little bit skittish. He shows some signs of previous abuse, although the wardens cannot confirm that he was abused. 

Gates said when he took Hillis home, the dog would jump if Gates began petting him from behind where Hillis couldn’t see him first. The deputy dog warden has also been working on housing-training Hillis, who has only had one accident inside all week long.

After Hillis’ accident, Gates said he put his leash on to take him outside and Hillis curled up as if he was preparing to be hit.

Despite a previous life Hillis may have lived, Gates said he would love to see the friendly pup go to a great home.

Hillis is about three years-old and mainly a Red-nose Pitbull. He likes to avoid confrontation at all costs, Gates said. He is not food aggressive.

While Hillis has a lot of energy when it’s time to play, Gates said he settles down quickly when playtime is over.

“He likes to play with just about everything,” Gates said.

The squiggly-tailed dog enjoys going for walks but will play tug-of-war with his leash if it’s on when he’s not walking.

He is a quick learner and is “highly treat-motivated,” McQuaid said.

Hillis is available for adoption at the Muskingum County Dog Warden and Adoption Center. Anyone interested in adopting him can call the center to set up an appointment for a meet-and-greet at 740.453.0273.