Dixon and his friend Buddy were surrendered to ARF on 10/16/18. The lady's elderly mother needed care and so she and her husband no longer had the time to care for them. From what she said, confirmed by vet records, they had started caring for Dixon and his friend Buddy in December of 2017. She said the owner was someone they knew who could not afford even nutritions food, let alone vet care. Both dogs were very thin, unneutered, had no flea protection, but did have skin issues when they took them in. In December of 2017, Dixon's record for vet care begins with neuter, rabies, and bordatella on 12/14/17 at Town and Country Vet Clinic in Ripley, WV. (Those shots were updated by ARF on 11/19/18 at Jackson Animal Clinic.) Dixon's continued vet care with his surrenderers was at Jackson Animal Clinic. Dixon will be three years old in December, 2018, and presently weighs 89 pounds. The folks who surrendered Dixon said that he loves to play fetch, to go outside when it is cool, and to play with his gray goose toy. They had a third dog that lived in the home, too, which they kept. ARF has not found Dixon to be accepting of other dogs, nor horses nor other animals. He might eventually warm up, but his initial response is not friendly. Recently, Dixon spent some time with a trainer. He already knew sit, stay, down, and come. They worked on heel and having him wait at the door. The trainer said that he sometimes gets "mouthy" when he is getting playful, but he listens to the human and responds to a "no." The trainer feels that at some time in his life, Dixon has been beaten, for a quick move of the hand makes him hit the ground and cower. Dixon has been diagnosed with pemphigus foliaceus, an autoimmune disease which affects the skin and feet. He was given oral prednisone and may always need to take it to keep the crustiness away from his face, ears, and feet. Dixon rides well in the car and likes most adults, but is not accepting of children. He needs an alpha master who is firm but kind, one who is consistent but who would never hit! He needs instruction and direction and praise when he gets it right and he will continue to learn, for he is a very smart boy who didn't get a good start in life! The right home is out there for Dixon, and he will blossom when the right placement is made.
November 3, 2024, 12:19 am
