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My basic info
Breed
Australian Shepherd
Color
Tricolor (Tan/Brown & Black & White)
Age
Adult
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
ASRM 0262
My details
Good with dogs
Purebred
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Bourbon is a playful, sweet boy. He has a youthful exuberance that one can't help but smile at and admire. Bourbon is one of 23 dogs ASRM took in from the Humane Society of Missouri. It took him a week to begin opening up to people in his foster home who were not feeding/walking him regularly. During that first week, Bourbon chose to spend most the time in his crate, which quickly became his safe zone. From the crate he got the chance to observe routines and process all the changes. He is making enormous strides putting all of that behind him.
He shares his foster home with an alpha ten-year-old female Shiba Inu named Kami. Bourban does whatever he can to entice her to play. At first, Kami was not very receptive to his puppy-like energy, but after three weeks she has found her inner puppy and wants to play much more with him.
Out on walks is where Bourbon really began discovering what it means to be a dog. He has good leash manners and has learned that he can walk (more or less) in a straight line, and pulling doesn't get him very far. Bourbon has yet to meet a dog he doesn’t like and play well with other dogs. People approaching with a dog are not an issue but people without a dog causes him a bit of concern but he warms up and is learning that people are good and bring treats.
Bourbon has progressed very quickly on his basic commands. He knows his name, sit, stay, come, lie down, and shake. His recall has been so impressive while on a long lead-line that he has graduated to being off leash in secure enclosed areas. , He enjoys the freedom to go sniff whatever he'd like. He responds immediately to his name being called and will bolt back with a happy grin on his face. He sometimes gets startled by loud noises and/or quick movements so it's imperative that he's in a safe secure area while off leash.
During work-days he has been left at home for up to nine hours in a extra large crate and does well. There were originally a handful of accidents inside but not lately. He's an opportunist with food, so anything tasty will be discovered if not put away. He doesn't jump up to get food on the counter, nor does he jump up on the furniture. He doesn't play fetch, but may in time.
We've learned that Bourbon is always open to receiving attention, but does not demand it. When everyone is preoccupied or someone tells him to "go lie down", such as when eating, he finds a spot and settles. Often he'll grab a chew toy and occupy himself. Recently he's spent full days laying in the grass contently, observing as we tended the garden.
Bourbon is learning how to be a real dog, and needs a family willing to respect his difficult past. His future home should be willing to demonstrate patience and tolerance with his puppy-like energy and provide him ample time outside to exhaust his youthful energy. He'll make for a wonderful, loving companion.
Bourbon is micro chipped, current on vaccinations, Frontline and Heartworm preventative. He is a tri-color boy weighing in about 35 lbs. He is estimated to be about 3 years old but still has that puppy energy. He's being fostered near Madison, WI.
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