Sullivan

Meet Sullivan, a bold and brainy five-and-a-half-year-old Australian Cattle Dog from Wyoming, MI, whose high-energy is matched only by his devotion to being your most loyal sidekick!

Wrapped in a sleek black coat, Sullivan is the kind of pup who thrives when there’s room to run and a family who understands that his mind needs as much activity as his muscles. True to his Blue Heeler heritage, he’s a working dog through and through—highly intelligent, eager to learn, and always ready for action! Whether he’s proudly trotting with his plush alligator in his mouth or chasing down a tossed tennis ball with laser focus, Sullivan is happiest when he’s got a job (or a game) to do.

Sullivan comes with a solid obedience foundation—he knows commands like sit, lay down, wait, stay, drop it, and even the very handy “find your toy!” He’s food-motivated and quick to learn, which makes him a fantastic candidate for continued positive reinforcement training or even advanced agility or scent work. But let’s be real: what he really wants is you. This sweet boy is a shadow dog—he’ll follow you from room to room, just to be near his person.

Sullivan needs a patient and experienced caregiver—one who understands dog body language and can provide him with calm guidance. While Sullivan is typically gentle and affectionate, he did have a bite incident when a young child cornered him during an energetic play session. Feeling overwhelmed and without an escape, Sullivan reacted defensively and bit. Since then, it’s been clear that busy homes with small children aren’t the right environment for him. He’s also leash-reactive with unfamiliar dogs, so ongoing training and mindful management during walks will help him feel more secure.

Despite these challenges, Sullivan currently lives peacefully with three cats and another dog. With proper introductions and boundaries, he has shown he can coexist well with familiar furry companions. A home with a fenced yard and older teens or adults will give him the space and routine he needs to thrive. Sullivan is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and while he’s crate trained and house-trained, he does have a knack for sneaky snacking—he’s been known to swipe socks, one even led to a surgery! With consistency, stimulation, and affection, this devoted boy is bound to flourish.

Could your home be the new environment where Sullivan can shine? Reach out today and discover the loyal adventure buddy waiting to meet you.

Pet's Name: Sullivan
Dog: Primary Breed: Australian Cattle Dog
Birthdate (an estimate is okay): October 2019
Age Category: Adult
Where did you get your pet?: Family Friend
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.): November 2019
Gender: Male
Size (at full-grown): Medium
Weight (in pounds, at full-grown size): 55
Primary Color: Black (Mostly)
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: He has a plush alligator that he loves, along with any ball or toy you'll throw for him. He loves walks (and would love runs, as well as off leash time to explore when possible).
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: Yes
What commands does your dog know?: Sit, lay down, wait/stay, find your toy (or treat), drop it.
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: He's good with being alone, assuming there's no food or socks/underwear he can try to get to. He's been known to eat whatever food he can, even if it means getting into counters or tables for it, and recently had to have surgery to remove a sock he couldn't pass. Something about sweaty garments.
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: Unfamiliar dogs and young children are his biggest stressors. He is leash aggressive towards other dogs. He also gets a little anxious if he isn't with one of us, he wants to be our shadow.
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?: He's very flexible. Tends to want to go potty right after eating, and will go on a walk as often as you're willing to take him. He loves the outdoors.
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 ate a sock six months ago and had abdominal surgery to help remove the sock.
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.: Yes, this incident is the catalyst for us rehoming him. We left our son alone in a room with Sullivan after all of us had been playing (so everyone was a little energetic) and our son cornered Sullivan. Being cornered, Sullivan lashed out defensively and bit our sons face. He also tends to be leash aggressive towards other dogs.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : We trim his nails every month or so. We typically brush him every spring and fall, but don't have much more of a grooming routine.
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?: We've never regularly brushed, nor taken him in for professional cleaning. We have several nylabones he'll chew on.
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?: Selective: Gets along with some dogs but not others.
How is your dog with cats?: Selective: Gets along with some cats but not others.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?: He thinks he's a lap dog, and will be if you let him. He's generally very patient, and will be by your side all the time if you let him.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: We hope to find an environment with the time, space, and energy (all things we lack) that can tire Sullivan out.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: Sullivan is a great, incredibly intelligent dog. He is very food motivated as well so training is easy if you have the time and knowledge. He currently lives with three cats and another dog, and almost always does well with them. When he has too much pent up energy is when he may behave more aggressively.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Personal Problems
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?: Not an option, my pet will stay with me for as long as it takes
Who is your veterinarian?: Clyde Park Veterinary, and
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: Blue Buffalo dog food. He eats from a slow feed bowl because he eats too fast then pukes if he doesn't.
Do you currently have pet insurance?: No
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State: Wyoming, MI
Zip Code: 49519
How did you hear about us?: Rescue/Shelter
Service Level: Courtesy Listing: Self-Managed (Free)