PONDERAY — "Hello, my name is Butters."

Thus begins the tale of Butters, a 9-year-old pup who's just looking for his forever home.

At more than 340 days, Butters is the longest resident at Ponderay-based Better Together Animal Alliance. 

"Butters is a sweet and happy guy," Andrea Nagel, BTAA director of storytelling and partnerships, said.

He is also looking for his people, a forever home where he can hang out, go for walk and swims in the lake, and maybe a car ride or two. He is active and spry and knows several tricks, including sit, down and speak.

"I always knew I was a dog, but I never knew what breed," Butters said in a letter to friends Dave and Christina Kosiba that was shared during on a recent "Morning Show" visit by the pair in an effort to share Butters' story. "It turns out I do not care. I am Butters. That about sums it up. That’s who I am."

The pair adopted both their dogs from the Ponderay animal alliance and fell in love with Butters' charm and friendly spirit. However, with two dogs, Butters' need to be an only dog means their home isn't a good fit.

The pair, who own Utara Brewing, first met Butters after having their adopted dogs DNA tested and had people guess their breeds as part of a contest and fundraiser for the shelter. Wanting to do something similar this year, the pair reached out to BTAA and asked if they had a dog who had been there for a long period so they could have its DNA tested to determine its breed, raising money the shelter and interest in the dog at the same time.

While the pair take Butters out for walks every Saturday, they know that is not substitute for a forever home and are determined to connect the pup with his people.

"We've been plugging him on social meeting and taking him for walks every Saturday but there still has been no adoption," Dave Kosiba said in an email to the Daily Bee. "… He is a very sweet boy."

While Butters has attracted some interest, Nagel said the friendly pup needs to be an only dog due to several incidents in his past. That challenge has made it difficult for Butters to find a permanent home.

"We're confident he would make an excellent companion for a person or family that doesn't have other dogs around," Nagel said.

In his letter, Butters shares that he gets "a little anxious" around other dogs when left alone but notes he does great on a leash or in a social setting. He loves kids, and doesn't mind when they grab his ears or pet him.

"I especially like it when they have food on their faces that they let me clean off," Butters said in his letter.

He does well in social settings, minding his handler and paying attention to both the people around him and the many wonderful things he finds during walks, Butters said.

"I love to people watch. I like butt scratches and belly rubs (who doesn’t)," wrote Butters. "Treats are great, but I love companionship the most."

He loves to ride in the car, especially if the window is rolled down so he can smell the many sniffs in the air.

"I am looking for my forever family," Butters wrote. "Would you please let your friends know that my adoption fees are paid for by a generous donor and that Dave and Christina take me for walks most Saturdays so I can get out in the world and try to find my forever home."

For information on Butters or on how to adopt him, contact BTAA at 208-265-7297.

    Butters is pictured in a photo shared by the Better Together Animal Alliance.
  

    Dave Kosiba and Betters get ready to head out on a walk. Butters, 9, is seeking his forever home.