Posted over 10 years ago
Luke is being fostered in the Tampa area. Meet Luke. Luke was found as a stray when he was about 4 months old. The woman who found him was not able to properly care for him, so after a few months, she turned him over to us to find a permanent, forever home. Luke is now about 9 months old. Luke will probably be the most rewarding dog for the person who adopts him. His transformation will be quick and heartwarming. He so badly wants to be loved. When Luke was with the woman who found him as a stray, he missed out on some important early socialization, so he is reserved when meeting new people, but once he meets someone new, he is their friend for life and he thinks there is nothing better than his new friend. Bribing him with food also helps break the ice, as Luke loves food.
Luke is exuberant and playful. He is very focused and always watching to be sure his foster mom is not too far away from him. He is extremely food motivated and loves toys. He truly has a need to be with his person at all times. He is a perfect backseat passenger in the car. He still has some puppy in him, so we wouldn’t trust him home outside a crate without someone there to supervise him - he just may decide some shoes are a great chew toy. He has never done anything at his foster home because he hasn’t had the opportunity; but, his foster mom has a feeling that he would, if given the chance.
Luke is housebroken. He pulls on the leash and he’s very strong, but with a harness, he’s pretty manageable. His new person will need to continue to work on his basic obedience and manners. He knows 'sit' and he is very clear about what happens with things that come out of the fridge. He sits like a statue when his foster mom's hand touches the refrigerator door.
Luke is good with other dog-friendly dogs, but if challenged by another dog with attitude, Luke will stand up for himself. Luke wants to do the right thing and he already knows when his foster mom is disappointed, and he very quickly adjusts his behavior. Luke would do best in a sport or active home, as he has energy and is very athletic. He would be a great walking/running partner. With moderate exercise, he should settle down nicely during 'off' time.
It would make Luke's world if he could sleep with person, as he wants to be with his person at all times. Luke seems to be more comfortable with women than men, but he does warm up to men with time (and bribes). He just takes a little longer to feel he can trust them. But, as Luke gets more and more positive experiences under his belt, we predict this will this fear will become less and less. Luke is still learning that there's a big old world out there, but we know he will learn to love it with the help of his new person.
Luke is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and heartworm preventative, and microchipped. If you are interested in adopting Luke, please fill out an application from our 'Adoption Process' page at www.starfishbcrescue.com, or email us at mary@starfishbcrescue.com and we'll send you one. There will be a $200 adoption fee and you will be required to sign an adoption contract. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us.