Shuggie

Pet's Name: Shuggie

Dog: Primary Breed: Other, not listed

Primary Breed (if not in list): Catahoula Leopard Dog & Blue Heeler

Birthdate (an estimate is okay): 07/04/17

Age Category: Adult

Where did you get your pet?: Neighboring family farm

Was this pet ever in a shelter, rescue, or foster program? If yes, please provide details.: No

Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.): 09/2017

Gender: Male

Size (at full-grown): Large

Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only): 67

Primary Color: Gray or Blue (Mostly)

What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: Oh, where do I even START?! Tennis balls are my absolute religion. If you throw it, I will fetch it — every single time, with full commitment and zero chill. It's not just a game to me, it's a calling. Beyond fetch, I am a certified adventure dog. We're talking hiking trails, camping trips, boat rides, and swimming (I have my own lifejacket, obviously). I've even got booties for longer pavement runs because I take my athletic career seriously. Car rides? Love them. Hotel stays? Been there, handled it like a pro. New trails and new places? Yes please — I adapt like a champ and I love exploring somewhere I've never been before. When the adventure is over for the day, I'm equally happy just being close to my person. A good snuggle session, some belly rubs, and lots of pets are basically my version of a spa day.

Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: Yes

What commands does your dog know?: Oh, you want to see my resume? I completed a professional board and train program and I have been BUSY. Here's what I've got in my toolkit: Come · Sit · Stay · Place · Kiss · Leave It · Out · Lay Down · Up · Shake Right · Shake Left · Turn · Go to Your Bed · Free ·That's right — both paws. I've got excellent recall, I respond well to positive reinforcement, and honestly? I love a good training session. You had me at "treat." I'm food motivated to my core, which means I pick up new things quickly and I'm always ready to add more to my list.

How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: Does great, I love my crate cave!

Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: My biggest triggers are unfamiliar dogs and new people. When I encounter either without a proper structured introduction, I can become reactive — meaning I may bark, lunge, or escalate. It's not because I'm bad. It's just how I'm wired, and it's something my person and I work on every single day. Here's what helps me: Structured, slow introductions — no rushing, no forcing, no "let's just see what happens" Confident, calm handling — I take my cues from my person, so if you're calm, I can be calm My equipment — my prong collar, e-collar, and muzzle aren't punishments, they're tools that keep me and everyone around me safe and set me up to succeed Predictable routines — I thrive on structure and knowing what to expect Chaotic or unpredictable environments are hard for me. Loud, crowded, or overwhelming situations where I can't decompress are not my friend. The good news? I have made tremendous progress through consistent training and management. My triggers are known, my plan is in place, and I do best with someone who respects that plan and sticks to it. I'm not a dog who will ever be fully "cured" of my reactivity — but in the right hands, I am absolutely a dog who can live a full, happy, well-managed life.

Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?: I'm a routine guy through and through — structure is my love language, and a predictable day is a happy day for me. Here's what works best Morning: Start me off with a solid walk or run — I've got energy to burn and getting it out early sets the tone for the whole day. A tired Shuggie is a calm Shuggie. Midday: A good training session keeps my mind sharp and my skills fresh. I know over a dozen commands and I genuinely enjoy working through them — especially when good treats are involved. Mental stimulation is just as important to me as physical exercise, so don't skip this part. Afternoon/Evening: Another walk or outdoor activity is always welcome — fetch in the yard, a hike, a swim, whatever the day calls for. After that I'm happy to wind down. I'm a velcro dog at heart, so I'll want to be wherever you are while you decompress. Feeding: I do best on a consistent feeding schedule — same times every day, no free feeding. It keeps my routine predictable and supports the structure I need to feel settled. Can you work full days? Absolutely — I'm crate trained, I settle in without fuss, and I don't have separation anxiety. As long as my morning exercise needs are met before you head out and I get a good walk and some quality time when you're back, I'm perfectly content to hold down the fort while you're at work. I'm not going to tear your house apart — I promise. Bedtime: My crate is my safe space and I'm happy to use it at night too. A dog who's had his exercise and mental stimulation needs met is a dog who sleeps well, and I am no exception. The big picture: My ideal day has a beginning, a middle, and an end that all follow a recognizable pattern. The more consistent you are with me, the more consistent I will be with you. It's a pretty good deal if you ask me.

Medical History and Care:

Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?: No, he may have slight vision impairment in his blue eye

Has your dog ever been diagnosed with or treated for any of the following? (Please check all that apply, even if your dog has fully recovered. This helps us provide the best support for future families.):

Additional notes about your dog’s health history:: Ehrlichiosis positive, but no issues.

Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.: Yes, and I want to be upfront with you about this — because the right person for me will appreciate honesty over a polished sales pitch. I have a history of aggression toward unfamiliar dogs and people, and that history includes biting. I'm not going to pretend otherwise, and neither should anyone placing me. What I will tell you is the full picture, because context matters. What happened: My reactivity towards unnanounced people coming into my space has, in the past, escalated to biting when I felt threatened, overwhelmed, or was placed in situations without proper structure and introduction protocols in place. What's been done about it: I completed a professional board and train program specifically to address these behaviors. I have learned structured introduction protocols, I respond to management tools including an e-collar, slim prong collar, and custom muzzle, and I have made genuine, significant progress. My triggers are known and my management plan works — when it is followed consistently. Where I am today: I currently live peacefully with a 17-year-old male dog. I have learned to coexist calmly in a structured home environment. My reactivity is managed, not eliminated — and anyone adopting me needs to understand and respect that distinction. What this means for my next home: I need an owner who goes in with eyes wide open, follows my management plan every single day, and never puts me in a situation set up to fail. In the right hands, I am safe, loving, and thriving. In the wrong hands, my history could repeat itself — and that's not fair to me or anyone else.

How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : I brush him once a month - very low maintenance. He stays naturally clean.

Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?: Dental Chews & treats

Personality:

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?: Honestly? It's the contradiction of him. Here is a dog who requires a muzzle in certain situations, uses a prong collar on walks, and has a "experienced handlers only" label attached to his name — and yet, the moment he decides you are his person, he will follow you from room to room just to be near you. He will lean into you for belly rubs with the full weight of his body. He will look up at you with those eyes like you hung the moon and he cannot believe his luck that you belong to him. That's Shuggie. He is simultaneously one of the most complex dogs you will ever meet and one of the most purely loving. He sings along to sirens at full volume like it's his civic duty. He takes fetch so seriously you'd think his career depends on it. He wears booties for long runs and a lifejacket for swimming and somehow pulls both off with complete dignity. He will go anywhere you go — trails, boats, campsites, hotel rooms — and make every single one of those places feel like home as long as you're there. He has worked so hard. He has come so far. And at the end of every day, all he really wants is to be close to the person he loves. For the right person, that's not a challenge. That's everything.

What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: I have loved this dog with everything I have, and finding him the right home is the most important thing I will ever do for him. So yes, I have criteria. Experience is non-negotiable. Shuggie needs someone who has worked with reactive or complex dogs before — not just someone who loves dogs, but someone who truly understands them. The whole household has to be on board. His management plan only works if everyone follows it consistently. One weak link can undo months of progress. No children. This is a firm requirement, not a preference. Space to breathe. A large fenced yard or acreage is strongly preferred. He is not an apartment dog. Time and commitment. Daily exercise, regular training, and real quality time are not optional for Shuggie — they are the foundation of his wellbeing. Financial readiness. There's no adoption fee, but I want to know his next owner is prepared for ongoing costs — vet care, monthly Simparica Trio. And above all — patience. Shuggie will not trust you on day one. But the day he decides you are his person, you will know it. And it will be worth every bit of the wait.

Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: Here is what I know after years of loving him: He is worth it. He is worth the specialized equipment and the structured introductions and the extra planning that goes into every walk and every new situation. He is worth the investment and the learning curve and the moments where you have to stop, take a breath, and lead him through something hard. Because on the other side of all of that is a dog who will love you with his whole entire soul. A dog who will be at your side on every trail, every campsite, every adventure you're willing to take him on. A dog who will make you laugh every single time a siren goes by. A dog who will press his whole body against yours at the end of a long day like you are the safest place he has ever known. He has worked so hard to get to where he is. He has come so far. He just needs someone willing to meet him there and take it the rest of the way together. If that person is you — please reach out. He deserves his person, and I believe that person is out there.

Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Moving

Details about rehoming reason (if needed): Relocating internationally to care for mother-in-law and have run into pet import roadblocks

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?: Three months

Who is your veterinarian?: Corbin Animal Clinic

What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula (We use a slow feeder)

Do you currently have pet insurance?: No

Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:

City, State: Corbin, KY

Zip Code: 40701

How did you hear about us?: Rescue/Shelter

Service Level: Senior Placement: Full Support for Older Pets