Otto is a 2 year, 8 month old shepherd mix weighing about 55 pounds — a big-hearted boy who loves nothing more than being close to his humans. He’s a total cuddle bug who enjoys curling up on the couch or snuggling in bed, and he’ll never say no to a good belly rub!
This sweet boy has had some formal training and picked things up quickly — he’s smart, eager to please, and would thrive with continued training or activities like agility, running, or retrieving. He’s house-trained, communicates when he needs to go out, and always keeps you on your toes when it’s mealtime (he’ll remind you if you’re running late!).
Otto has a playful, protective nature. He takes his job as “house guardian” seriously — he’ll alert you to visitors or anyone approaching the home. Because of this, he’d do best in a calm home without small children. He should be the only pet in the house, or could possibly live with an older, calm female dog (no puppies or male dogs). Otto tends to warm up faster to female humans and may need a little patience and reassurance when meeting men.
He loves to chase squirrels and needs a secure, fenced yard (he’s been known to jump fences when he’s in hot pursuit!).
Otto is looking for a loving, experienced home that can give him plenty of exercise, affection, and structure. In return, he’ll be your most loyal protector, best cuddle partner, and forever friend.
Dog: Primary Breed:
Australian Shepherd Dog
Primary Breed (if not in list):
Other shepherd mixes, some lab
Birthdate (an estimate is okay):
3/10/23
Where did you get your pet?:
From a rescue in GA
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.):
Memorial day 2023
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?:
tennis balls, chew toys, chasing squirrels, retrieving balls and other toys
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
Yes
What commands does your dog know?:
Sit, down, stay, wait, stop, shake, twirl, place, 'yours', 'leave it',
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
Has some separation anxiety; just wants to be with us all the time!
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
The other male dog in the house, delivery vehicles, strange people
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?:
wakes up when I do, eats around 7:30, takes a mid morning nap, plays outside during our lunch, , eats dinner between 4:30 and 5:00, would love to play more and go on more walks
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.:
Yes, he is prone to attack the other male dog in the house. They have had three severe incidents with injuries. Very protective of his humans, and also jealous of the other male playing with the female dog.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
We get his nails trimmed when he goes to the vet because he has to be 'under'. He definitely SHEDS but we haven't really had to bathe him a lot, he likes playing in the river!
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?:
Chews on hard toys, bones, sticks and dental treats.
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?:
Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
His LOVE and affection toward me, his mom. He cuddles and kisses, and is genuinely a lovebug.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
Female that works from home may be better; NO other male dogs; probably not good with small children, likes females better than males, will take considerable interaction up front.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?:
How much I love him and how hard this is for me. But it's also not fair to either of the male dogs to have to remain separated and living in different parts of house and the anxiety of knowing about the other dog. They both need to be free to be dogs and not confined to alternating trips outside. My husband and I are older and have basically lived apart for a year and a half (different parts of house) and therefore it's not really fair to us either. It is breaking my heart.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Incompatible with Other Pets
Details about rehoming reason (if needed):
incompatible with the other male dog in the house.
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?:
Dr. Blair at Hendersonville veterinary hospital
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?:
Blue Buffalo or equivalent from Sam's; some soft food as a special treat, he is a FAST eater and we still use a maze bowl to try to get him to slow down (doesn't really help)
Do you currently have pet insurance?:
No
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
City, State:
Hendersonville, NC
How did you hear about us?:
Veterinarian
Referring Name (person, page, or organization, if applicable):
CJ at Western Carolina Emergency Vet Hospital
Service Level:
Assistance Needed: Help Me Choose
