Marlo

Age: 5 months old Sex: Male Breed: Irish Wolfhound Mix   Weight: 40 pounds Good In Home With: Dogs, Kids

He started out as an Irish Wolfhound in Texas who, frankly, did not sign up for all the “y’all”s and the cowboy boots. At first, all the words around him sounded like warm wind and country songs, and he mostly focused on what he understood best: tone, touch, and the way people’s hearts felt when they were near him. But somewhere between the back porch sunsets, the car rides, and the sound of his name being called with a drawl, this lanky gentleman quietly started learning English—one “good boy,” one “sit,” one “you’re handsome, aren’t you?” at a time.

By the time he got to Chicago, he was practically bilingual. He understood that “Lemme grab my coat” meant a walk was coming, and “wanna go?” meant absolutely, yes, right now. He traded in dusty roads for city sidewalks and lakefront breezes, landing in a world of trains, sirens, and skyscrapers. Through it all, he carries himself like an old soul in a very handsome, very tall body—long legs, soft eyes, and this presence that somehow fills the room without ever trying.

He is wildly intelligent in that quiet, observant way: he watches, thinks, and then makes his move. He learns routines fast, figures out who needs comfort, and seems to always know where the best nap spot in the house is within minutes of arriving. He’s a dog who will remember which cabinet the treats live in, how to nudge open a door, and exactly where you left your slippers (especially if he gently relocated one to be closer to him).

But for all that brainpower, his heart might be his brightest feature. He is super loving, the kind of dog who leans his whole weight into you like he’s anchoring both of you to the moment. His hugs come in the form of soft nudges, long sighs, and that classic Wolfhound lean that says, You’re my person right now, and that’s enough for me. His humor is subtle but magical—those goofy stretches, the surprised look when a tiny dog tells him off, the way he trots through life like he’s composing poems in his head. It’s the kind of humor that softens the hard edges of a day, shapes the rainbows after the storms, and leaves the earth just a little better wherever his paws land.

In crowds, he shines. He’s a super social young gentleman, happy to greet new people, curious about other dogs, and always ready to join whatever is happening—as long as his humans are near. He’s the ideal café companion, park explorer, and “let’s go walk and talk about life” partner. He doesn’t just want a house; he wants a home—humans he can grow with, protect gently, and adore for all his days.

Right now, in this windy city that he’s learning to call home, he’s waiting. Waiting for the people who will look at this tall, handsome, soulful boy and say, “That’s him. That’s our dog.” And when they do, he’ll understand every word—not just in English, but in the language he learned first: love.