Cruz

Looking for the right home for our sweet 1-year-old dog!

He is incredibly friendly, smart, playful, affectionate, and loves people. He enjoys walks, running, sniffing, fetch, tug-of-war—and he’s also happy just hanging out with his people.

We live on a farm, and unfortunately he has a strong instinct to chase our calves and the neighbor’s chickens. We hoped a GPS collar would solve the problem, but he hasn’t responded well to the boundaries. He now has to be confined much more than we feel is fair to him, so we’re looking for a home where he can have more freedom, exercise, and training.

He knows sit, stay, come, and leave it, is very food-motivated, and seems highly trainable with someone willing to put in the time. He is not aggressive or destructive and is great with people. He currently gets along well with our cat.

He has been an outdoor dog but is very connected to the family and gets multiple walks each day. He is potty trained for the porch, up to date on vet care and preventatives, and well cared for.

This is a difficult decision because he is such a sweet dog. We just want to find someone who can give him the life and freedom he deserves.

Pet's Name: Cruz
Dog: Primary Breed: Australian Shepherd Dog
Primary Breed (if not in list): Heeler mix
Birthdate (an estimate is okay): 09/13/25
Age Category: Young
Where did you get your pet?: Shelter
Was this pet ever in a shelter, rescue, or foster program? If yes, please provide details.: Yes as a puppy. We got him at 8 weeks
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.): 11/7/25
Gender: Male
Size (at full-grown): Large
Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only): 68
Primary Color: Black
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: Long walks
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: No
What commands does your dog know?: Sri, stay, leave it, come
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: He’s fine left alone.
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: No triggers
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?: He’s fed at regular times. And has several short walks and usually one long walk per 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?: None
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.: No
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : We usually bathe and trim nails every 6 weeks
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?: Just chews
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?: Great with kids: Comfortable and gentle with children of all ages.
How is your dog with other dogs?: Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.
How is your dog with cats?: Very friendly: Loves being around cats and plays nicely with them.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?: He’s just sweet tempered. He enjoys everything. Loves being with people.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: Treat him well.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Schedule, No Time
Details about rehoming reason (if needed): We live on a farm and he is going after our calves and the neighbor’s chickens. We had hoped a GPS collar would be the answer for boundaries. But he is not training to it. And we do not have the time needed to make it work. He is needing to he confined too much for the safety of our other animals. And we don’t think it’s right to keep him this way. We hoped having a dog would be emotional support for one of our children, but it is causing more stress in the family. He is also larger than expected, and he is hard for me to manage.
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?: Poetry Animal Hospital
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: Kirkland brand food
Do you currently have pet insurance?: No
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State: Terrell, TX
Zip Code: 75160
How did you hear about us?: Not Sure
Service Level: Courtesy Listing: Self-Managed (Free)