Well-loved 9-year-old cattle dog/shepherd/collie mix
Lady is intelligent, sweet, and loyal. She loves to play, especially if a ball is involved. She is patient and has an easygoing nature. Does best in a calm home where her boundaries are respected, as she may react if she feels trapped or overwhelmed. Not aggressive, and has never bitten an older child or adult. High tolerance for annoyance, usually just walks away. Has only reacted when cornered with no way to get away, or when another dog got in her face and wouldn't stop. She is great off leash at the park or beach, especially with a ball involved.
She deserves a home where she can relax and be the center of someone's world again. She will come with everything she needs: the remaining months of her Heartgard and NexGard, her crate, her bed, her balls and ball launchers, and her harness and leash. In a perfect world, she would go to someone we know so we could still see her, and we would happily dogsit anytime it helps. Most of all, we want her next home to be a good one, and her last.
Pet's Name:
Lady
Dog: Primary Breed:
Australian Cattle Dog
Primary Breed (if not in list):
Aussie Cattle Dog/Shepherd/Collie Mix
Birthdate (an estimate is okay):
10/24/16
Age Category:
Adult
Where did you get your pet?:
San Francisco SPCA
Was this pet ever in a shelter, rescue, or foster program? If yes, please provide details.:
yes, as a puppy, where we adopted her
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.):
4/30/17
Gender:
Female
Size (at full-grown):
Medium
Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only):
51
Primary Color:
Calico/Multi/Tricolor
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
ball, ball is life
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
Yes
What commands does your dog know?:
sit, touch, stay, circle, take a bow, back up, speak, under/over
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
she is fine, no barking or separation anxiety, no destruction
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
being cornered where she can't walk away if she's stressed
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?:
a little bit of playtime each or every other day
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
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.:
She's had a few scuffles with our smaller dog but ONLY because the little dog instigated. She does not food/toy guard. Another dog can come right up to her bowl or take her toy and she just walks away.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
Brushing in the warmer months when she sheds.
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?:
Brush 2-3x a week, dental chews daily.
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?:
Good with older kids: Does well with calm, respectful children, typically school-age and up.
How is your dog with other dogs?:
Neutral: Doesn't mind other dogs but doesn't seek them out.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
She is so gentle and loving. When I have anxiety attacks, she lays her head on me.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
Someone who will love, play with her and care for her.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?:
She was our world for the 6 years before we had kids. She is the BEST dog. It breaks our heart that our family is no longer a fit for her.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Baby/Child Safety
Details about rehoming reason (if needed):
She's good with our kids overall and has a high tolerance for annoyance (she usually just walks away), but recently, she went after our 3-year-old for the 2nd time. The first time (last year), he ran fast at her to hug her, she gave a warning lunge, and they collided, leaving a tiny scrape. Since then, we've been able to keep them separate/monitored when together. This week, he was chasing her, she tried to get away but got cornered in the kitchen and couldn't escape. Thankfully, no blood was drawn and he was okay. We know that the only way to keep the kids safe is 100% vigilance, and with a toddler testing boundaries and a baby about to crawl, we cannot keep them safely apart. It wouldn't be fair to her anyway, and it's not a risk we can take for our sons. Other than this, she has never bitten or been aggressive with humans. She's never been around cats, but she can be okay with other dogs as long as they don't get in her face or keep annoying her. If another dog comes up to her while she's eating or playing, she'll just drop what's in her mouth and walk away. The only scuffles she's been in with another dog were when the other dog instigated.
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?:
Wallingford Veterinary Hospital
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?:
A little spoiled. Eats Merrick Backcountry Grain Free kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces, and won't eat food without the raw bits. Sensitive stomach, so best to skip human food and stick to dog treats or a Kong with peanut butter.
Do you currently have pet insurance?:
No
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State:
Hamden, CT
Zip Code:
06517
How did you hear about us?:
Other Referral
Referring Name (person, page, or organization, if applicable):
friend
Service Level:
Courtesy Listing: Self-Managed (Free)