Katie -- Loving and Active American Staffordshire Terrier
Katie is an energetic and loving 5-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier. We adopted Katie from our local shelter nearly 2 years ago. I have recently accepted a job offer that requires my family and I to relocate out of state. Unfortunately, the area that we are moving to does not have a large selection of pet-friendly rentals, and the ones that do allow pets are too expensive for us to afford. We love Katie, and we want nothing more than to see her in a household that provides her with the love and attention that she deserves.
Shortly after adopting Katie, we had her trained at the local kennel that handles police K9s in the central Florida area. Katie picked up commands quickly and is extremely motivated to learn. She is still young, so she loves to go on long walks, sometimes I ride my bike through the neighborhood while she runs beside me. Katie is very gentle with our two children (7 years & 18 months). She loves to play fetch with our son in the backyard. Katie is an excellent snuggle dog, she is perfectly content curling up on the couch next to you for hours and hours. Katie has not been around farm animals or cats, so I'm not sure how she would handle that kind of environment.
Katie DOES NOT like other dogs. Shortly after we adopted her, while on a walk, another dog of similar size broke free of its leash and attacked Katie, while neither of the dogs were seriously injured, Katie has never been the same around other dogs. She is very reactive and will become aggressive toward other dogs even if they are far away during our walks. We have spent a lot of time and money trying to train this behavior out of her, with liberal use of treats and encouragement, Katie can tolerate dogs until they get within about 1`5 feet of her. Despite her dislike of dogs, I take Katie everywhere I can. She loves car rides (and doggie ice-cream from McDonalds), and she loves meeting new people.
Katie has become part of our family, and while it is extremely difficult to separate from her, we have exhausted all other options. We love her very much, and I know you will too!
Dog: Primary Breed:
American Staffordshire Terrier
Birthdate (an estimate is okay):
2020
Where did you get your pet?:
Lake County Animal Shelter
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.):
08/24/2022
Size (at full-grown):
Large
Weight (in pounds, at full-grown size):
55
Primary Color:
Black (Mostly)
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
Bones and tough rubber toys are the only toys that survive long. Her favorite activities include frisbee, running, and tug-of-war, but Katie is happy participating in almost anything.
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
Yes
What commands does your dog know?:
Sit, stay, lay down, come, place, drop it/leave it (she is ok with heel, but if she gets too excited, she doesn't do it very well so that's still a work in progress)
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
Katie does not seem distressed when left alone. However, if she is left out of her crate, she will try to find something to chew and destroy
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
Other dogs
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?:
Katies routine is pretty standard, breakfast in the morning, dinner at night, go on walks as needed, and then kenneled for bed at the same time my wife and I go to sleep
Medical History and Care:
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed or Neutered
House/Litter-Trained
Microchipped
Special Diet
Special Needs
Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?:
No
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.:
Katie was attacked by a dog of similar size when she was very young, ever since, she has been untrusting of dogs and will become aggressive if other dogs get too close to her.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
Katie has short hair, but she loves to roll around in the dirt outside, I try to bath her at least once a week to prevent her from tracking too much dirt into the house. We brush her hair a couple times a week, and after bath. Her nails are typically trimmed once a month
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?:
We currently give Katie dentasticks
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?:
Aggressive: Does not get along with other dogs and may show aggressive behavior.
How is your dog with cats?:
Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
Katie is a loyal companion who wants to spend every second with you, she is high energy and is reactive towards dogs which can be a handful at times, but I take her everywhere with me
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
An active family that will keep Katie healthy and strong. A family that will maintain regular vet visits to make sure her needs are cared for
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Schedule, No Time
Details about rehoming reason (if needed):
Between work schedules, our kids' school, and extracurriculars. We are away from the house more and more, and Katie spends more and more time in the kennel alone. Additionally, I have accepted a new job out west and pet friendly rentals within our price range are extremely limited.
If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :
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?:
Mount Dora Veterinary Hospital
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?:
Purina Pro Plan Weight Management Blend
Do you currently have pet insurance?:
No
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
City, State:
Mount Dora, FL
How did you hear about us?:
Rescue/Shelter
Service Level:
Tailored Placement: Full Support for Behavioral or Medical Needs
