Hjerte

Pet's Name: Hjerte

Dog: Primary Breed: Other, not listed

Primary Breed (if not in list): Maremma

Birthdate (an estimate is okay): 2/13/2021

Age Category: Adult

Where did you get your pet?: My sister's farm dog's litter

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.): 4/10/2021

Gender: Female

Size (at full-grown): Large

Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only): 65

Primary Color: White (Mostly)

What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: Doing zoomies, chewing bones, receiving pets

Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: Yes

What commands does your dog know?: Sit, Stay, Lie Down, Come

How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: Just fine

Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: Prolonged absence of owners

Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?: Fed twice daily but tends to graze rather than eat all her food at once. Does well sleeping in crate.

Medical History and Care:

Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?: She is prone to UTIs due to a hooded vulva, but has only had 3 that we're aware of in her life.

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:: She had allergies when we lived in Texas, but is fine with the Massachusetts environmental triggers.

Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.: She has bitten her small dog brother, as well as becoming aggressive/resource guarding with her equal-sized littermate.

How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : Every few months- she has a thick double coat

Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?: Benefits from brushing to reduce shedding. Professional cleanings as recommended by vet.

Personality:

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?: Friendly: Generally gets along well with cats.

What's the most endearing thing about your dog?: She is extremely expressive in a sweet way.

What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: Loving only-pet home, hopefully one where she can have a "job", such as patrolling a fence perimeter or practicing commands or going on long walks.

Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: Hjerte did really well with her littermate brother- he was our neighbor for several years. They played often- her favorite thing was to wrestle with him- and they respected each other's limits. However, she did eventually develop aggressiveness toward her littermate sister, and most problematically, toward our chihuahua, causing him serious harm. When we go on walks, she is deferential to other dogs and does not react when they are reactive. She really has a sweet temperment, but because she is a mix of a livestock guardian breed (Maremma) and herding breeds (Kelpie/Catahoula), she has a conflicted need to guard but also exercise prey drive. She would do well in a home where she is "worked" and has a "purpose". She has never been aggressive toward people. She likes to be with people or patrol the yard more than play with toys. She does love to chew bones, though. She runs cute zoomies when excited. She does need a fenced-in yard and will go exploring if given the opportunity (but will always return or hop in the car when followed to catch her). Glad to share all her puppy photos, and any other details.

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

Details about rehoming reason (if needed): Hjerte has attacked our chihuahua on multiple occasions due to both resource guarding and stress (dogsitter). While she is friendly with our cat, we are concerned should she ever attack the cat.

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?: Ashland Animal Hospital

What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: Purina One Adult Large Breed

Do you currently have pet insurance?: Yes

Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:

City, State: Holliston, MA

Zip Code: 01746

How did you hear about us?: Rescue/Shelter

Referring Name (person, page, or organization, if applicable): Baypath Animal Shelter

Service Level: Assistance Needed: Help Me Choose