Dunebug

Meet Dunebug, a lively and affectionate two-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix from Weaverville, NC, whose playful energy and love for adventure make him the perfect companion for an active household! With his striking white-and-black coat and boundless enthusiasm, Dunebug is always ready for fun—whether it's romping outside, cuddling up in your lap (until he gets too wiggly!), or chewing on his favorite toys.

Dunebug thrives in the great outdoors and would love a home with plenty of space to explore. He’s a natural jumper, so a securely fenced yard would be ideal for him to safely stretch his legs and play. He enjoys car rides and would happily tag along for any adventure, whether it’s a hike, a trip to the park, or just a drive around town! He’s a social pup who gets along well with other dogs, enjoys the company of cats, and would likely do well with older children who understand how to interact with dogs.

Though he’s still learning the ropes when it comes to training, Dunebug is eager to please. He’s working on commands like sit and shake, as well as house training and leash manners. Since he’s still figuring out the purpose of outdoor potty breaks, he’ll need a patient adopter who can provide consistent guidance. He’s also learning that shoes and pillows aren’t chew toys—though he’s always happy to be redirected to something more appropriate!

Dunebug is up to date on vaccinations and adjusts well to being left alone for short periods, usually whining briefly before settling down. He sleeps in his own little space at night, where he quickly calms down once the lights go off. While he hasn’t been off-leash due to the risk of wandering, he would benefit from a safe, enclosed area where he can enjoy some freedom.

Dunebug is looking for his next loving home with an active family or individual who can provide structure, plenty of outdoor exercise, and continued training. If you’re searching for a loyal, fun-loving companion who’s ready to grow with you, Dunebug might be the perfect match!

Ready to meet this adventurous pup? Reach out today to learn more about Dunebug!

Pet's Name: Dunebug
Dog: Primary Breed: Australian Cattle Dog
Birthdate (an estimate is okay): March 2023?
Age Category: Young
Where did you get your pet?: Friend asked me to help find him a home.
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.): I got him a week ago 2-9-25.
Gender: Male
Size (at full-grown): Medium
Weight (in pounds, at full-grown size): 30
Primary Color: White (Mostly)
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: Loves be be outside, good jumper, likes chewy toys, likes sit on lap and cuddle until he gets wiggly
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: No
What commands does your dog know?: working on sit and shake for now
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: He usually whines for a couple of minutes, then settles down and occupies himself.
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: Not aware of any
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?: Still working on figuring this out. If he sees it, he will eat it, so he needs to be separated from other animals when they eat. He is still learning that one purpose of being outside is to go potty, so he needs a good walk or frequent walks. Has a tendency to pull leash-still working on that. I have a separate little room where I put him to bed. He goes in there and he whines for a minute or two, but I turn the light off and he goes and lays down.
Medical History and Care:
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed or Neutered
House/Litter-Trained
Microchipped
Special Diet
Special Needs
Never Vetted
Unknown
Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?: He has an appointment this week on 2/21 at the vet where he will receive shots and be checked out.
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.: Dunebug tends to jump up and on people to greet them. Dunebug did bite a 3 yo boy who had pushed him down. No adult saw the incident and it's believed that the dog was playing. The child had a minor scratch. Afterward the child played with him fine, did not seem afraid and he has not displayed any aggression. Parents were leery about keeping him for this reason.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : Not often-although he has no qualms about walking through mud puddles. I usually just towel off his legs when he comes in for a walk. Still have not bathed him. I have used a dog comb on him and he seemed to like that.
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?: He just likes to chew everything-so i keep trying to get him to chew on toys-not pillows or shoes.
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Stubborn
Timid
Needs Training
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Young Children
Good with Cats
Bonded Pair
Requires A Fenced Yard
Crate Trained
Purebred
How is your dog with other dogs?: Friendly: Generally gets along well with other dogs.
How is your dog with cats?: Friendly: Generally gets along well with cats.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?: He is very friendly and enthusiastic. He loves to sit on my lap and will sometimes put his head on my shoulder.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: Someone who has a plan/routine that allows him plenty of outdoor exercise. I think he misses being able to be off leash. I have not tried him off leash because I don't have a fenced in area and I'm nervous he might just go on a little trip. Also it will need to be someone who is patient and willing to work with him on learning leash walking and potty training, I think he would enjoy having kids around, but it would need to be older kids who know how to treat dog properly.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: He is really fun and likes car rides.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Housing is Inadequate for Pet
Details about rehoming reason (if needed): Dunebug left his original home a week ago because the parents were worried about the situation with their son getting bit. I agreed to help find him an appropriate home. I have some handicaps in terms of walking that make it hard for me to care for him-can't walk very far and have trouble managing him pulling. I do not have a fenced in yard which I think would be best for him.
If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :
Not Applicable
Yes
How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?: One month
Who is your veterinarian?: Appalachian Animal Hospital
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: Purina Dog Chow Complete adult chicken flavor. I don't think he likes it all that much, so I have been putting in those Moist and Meaty things on top. There is a treat he especially likes from K9Granola Factory called Pumpkin Crunchers. He doesn't seem interested in chewing bones.
Do you currently have pet insurance?: No
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State: Weaverville, NC
Zip Code: 28787
How did you hear about us?: Rescue/Shelter
Service Level: Courtesy Listing: Self-Managed (Free)