Making this decision has been incredibly difficult for our family, but we are looking for a very special home for our 7-year-old Australian Cattle Dog because we truly want what is best for him.
Tofu came to us after experiencing neglect and abuse early in life, and because he missed important early socialization, he can be cautious and anxious around new people. Once he trusts someone, though, he is deeply loyal, affectionate, and incredibly bonded to his person. He loves being close to his people, soaking up attention, going on adventures, and relaxing together at home.
Since welcoming a new baby into our family, we’ve seen an increase in his anxiety. The unpredictability and activity that naturally come with young children have been stressful for him, and we know he would thrive in a calmer, more predictable environment where he can feel secure.
Tofu’s favorite things:
• Hiking, walks, and outdoor adventures
• Lounging on the couch with his person
• Learning and working, he’s extremely intelligent and responsive to commands
• Being involved in daily life and close to his people
Tofu will do best with:
• A calm, adult-only home
• Someone experienced with herding breeds or reactive/anxious dogs
• A home with minimal chaos and patient, structured introductions to new people
• Although he is our only dog, he loves wrestling and playing with most other dogs
He does have a bite history related to fear and anxiety, so he will need an experienced owner who understands canine boundaries and management. We have successfully managed his environment and introductions, and when he feels safe and respected, he is loving, devoted, and deeply connected to his people.
This is not a decision we are making lightly. We love him very much and are committed to finding the right home where he can feel safe, understood, and happy.
Pet's Name:
Tofu
Dog: Primary Breed:
Australian Cattle Dog
Birthdate (an estimate is okay):
O5/05/2019
Age Category:
Adult
Where did you get your pet?:
Rescued from an abusive and neglectful home, sister of owner worked to get him rehoused.
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.):
April 2021
Gender:
Male
Size (at full-grown):
Medium
Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only):
49
Primary Color:
White (Mostly)
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
He loves all chew toys! He loves chewing them, throwing them around, tossing them in the air and entertaining himself with whatever toys are around. He is a great hiking and running companion. He loves to be outside right alongside his owner for adventures, or simply hanging around the garden!
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
Yes
What commands does your dog know?:
Sit, down, place, roll, heel, come (for off leash), shake, and High Five!
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
Initially with us he had separation anxiety, but now he sleeps while we are out of the house. Sometimes he even goes to lay down before we have hit the door once he realizes we are leaving!
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
Yes, he is triggered by strangers attempting to interact with him, either by petting him or making eye contact with him if he does not know them. This does not happen every time but even if it is occasional it is best to be prepared. His triggers can be avoided by having him "place" on his bed, or in the yard when people he is not yet comfortable with come into the home. We give guests simple instructions on how to interact and Tofu will sniff but mostly ignore strangers if they do not try to interact with him.
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?:
He is a pretty flexible dog, he is happy to go on a long hike/run or simply lounge around the house all day and go out back for bathroom breaks. We currently feed him at night only, and occasionally he saves half of his food for the morning. He can go a surprising long time without being let out to go to the bathroom if needed.
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?:
No
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.):
Allergies (environmental or food-related)
Anaplasmosis (tick-borne)
Anxiety Issues
Arthritis or Joint Pain
Canine Distemper
Chronic Ear Infections
Dental Disease
Ehrlichiosis (tick-borne)
Heartworm
Influenza
Kennel Cough
Leptospirosis
Lipomas, Cysts, or Other Lumps/Bumps
Lyme Disease
Parvovirus
Seizures
Skin Conditions
Vaccine Reactions
Other
Additional notes about your dog’s health history::
Tofu tested positive for anaplasmosis on a routine vet screening and completed treatment. He has completed treatment twice but was likely negative after the first treatment. Our vet now omits the test since they state he will likely continue to test positive.
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.:
Yes, Tofu does have a bite history. These have all occurred when someone has attempted to make eye contact and/or pet Tofu before he is comfortable with him. He does best being ignored and approaching new people when he is comfortable. We have avoided situations by having him in the yard when new people come over or if someone needs to work on the house. Once the new person is settled in he can come into the house, but if there is someone working on the house or in the yard he does best removed from the situation all together. He shows anxiety that can lead to aggression with children as well. He has lightly broken skin, but no one has ever needed medical care, and the areas have been superficial. I would say this has happened 4-5 times, and each time the situation could have been avoided with proper setup for the dog by having the person respect his need for a slow introduction and calm energy around him while he is getting comfortable. He also shows more protective behavior of the female in the house.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
Minimal bathing and trimming, we brush him more often when he sheds to help with his coat thinning out
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?:
chews and occasional brushing (tolerates it well)
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Timid
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Cats
Good with Young Children
Bonded Pair
Purebred
Crate Trained
Comes When Called
Needs Training
Likes Car Rides
Likes to Swim
Requires A Fenced Yard
Jumps Fences
Growls at Strangers
Is Afraid of Storms
Digs
How is your dog with children?:
Best in a home without children: Has reacted to children and should live in a home without them.
How is your dog with other dogs?:
Friendly: Generally gets along well with other dogs.
How is your dog with cats?:
Neutral: Doesn't mind cats but doesn't interact much with them.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
He is so sweet and loving to his people! He is so loyal, and a great companion to be by your side. He is flexible, he can hike, run, walk or simply be happy laying at your feet or next to you on the couch all day. All he wants, is to simply be by the side of the people he adores.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
Ideally a home without a lot of new people coming into the home, since he does not do great with strangers who attempt to interact with him (again if his boundaries are honored he will typically ignore people in the home). We would love someone who can respect Tofu's needs and set him up for success so he can avoid a reactive situation.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?:
He is such a good dog when hanging around the home, he just wants to be by your side. He is an incredibly smart dog! Which is great because he listens, but needs someone to be confident in their commands with him and hold boundaries so he can relax, knowing you are in control helps with his anxiety.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Baby/Child Safety
Details about rehoming reason (if needed):
He has shown a significant increase in his anxiety since welcoming home a baby, and has attempted to nip baby (possibly a herding instinct) but given anxiety this is not a risk we can take for either of their safety.
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?:
Boulevard Animal Hosptila in Richmond VA
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?:
Nature's Balance Limited Ingredient healthy grains. When somewhere new, he may not eat for the first day or two if he is anxious. He also may drink limited water throughout the day, but will drink a ton of water at night (we call him the spotted camel!). We were very particular with his food at first thinking that licking and itching behavior may be allergies but that was likely just anxiety and he has tolerated many brands and types of food.
Do you currently have pet insurance?:
No
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State:
Richmod, VA
Zip Code:
23225
How did you hear about us?:
Google Search
Service Level:
Tailored Placement: Full Support for Behavioral or Medical Needs