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My basic info
Breed
Pomeranian/Australian Shepherd
Color
Black
Age
4 years 9 months old, Young
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Weight
20 lbs (current)
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Good with cats
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Soame dogs are made to be heart dogs, and that's who Onyx is. This little sweetheart just wants to love and be loved - pet him, and he melts, gazing into your eyes with a look of infinite trust and love.
HISTORY
Onyx is one of about 30 dogs that we're taking over from a private rescuer who has been overwhelmed by the number of dogs in her care, that she has taken in because the alternative was to leave them for coyotes to eat or neighboring farmers to shoot. Onyx and his full sibling Midnight (also available for adoption) were the result of two accidental litters produced by a Pomeranian mama and Mini Aussie papa. Both parents had been dumped, and were rescued but not sterilized.
He has spent most of his young life in a run, but has adapted very well to life in a foster home. He has been in foster care since late July 2023.
SOCIALIZATION
This gentle, sweet boy will fold into pretty much any kind of family without difficulty. However, he has never been completely alone, so although he can cope with being home without the humans, he would probably need a friendly dog or cat for company if you're routinely away from home for work or school.
Despite having minimal interaction with people during the first few years of his life, this little dog LOVES people. He may be a little shy and anxious when he meets new people in an unfamiliar environment, but when visitors come to his foster home he's quick to greet them. And, of course, he LOVES his foster family - and the 10-year-old daughter is his favorite human in the whole world.
There are several dogs in his foster home. He was initially a little timid with them, but he has learned to play and now has no hesitation in hurling himself into the middle of any game of tug or tag. He's comfortable meeting new dogs out and about as well, and would be an excellent candidate for a dog park.
Onyx lived briefly with a couple of cats. They didn't like him, but he treated them with friendly respect for as long as he was with them.
GENERAL TEMPERAMENT & BEHAVIOR
He loves strolls around the neighborhood and to the park, and would probably enjoy casual hikes, but he's a moderate energy guy - neither an athlete nor a couch potato. A few quick zoomies or an easy walk is all he really needs to burn off the tingle in his feet - provided he's also getting loves, playtime, snuggles, more loves, and maybe a belly rub or two. Oh - and car rides. He LOVES car rides!
Onyx quickly learned to play after moving into his foster home. He especially likes stuffies - and the ones that squeak are the BEST. Fetch with a stuffy is great fun - toss it and he'll happily fetch it and invite you to a game of tug. Play: likes toys - stuffies: tug with other dogs.
With his thick, fairly long coat, Onyx needs a lot of grooming. He's just fine with that! Being bathed is no problem, and he loves to be brushed. And since he has the softest, silkiest coat, you're guaranteed to enjoy his grooming sessions too..
TRAINING
Onyx is generally just a good boy. He doesn't know many obedience commands, but he's exceptionally aware of what the humans want of him, and very quick to respond. He walks well on a loose leash, responds to "off" when he gets up on something where he's not allowed or gets excited and jumps up (he's a pretty good little guy, so these behaviors don't happen often).
His recall is only so-so - he knows he's supposed to come, but he'll take his time if he's busy smelling something extra interesting. However, when out with his foster family off-leash, he tends to stay close and will come promptly when he realizes it's time to go home.
He is reliably house-trained; he's never relieved himself indoors at his foster home - he takes himself out through the dog door. However, he does occasionally mark. His foster mom says there are three or four spots in the house where he'll sprinkle if not watched. We believe some other dog may have marked there before him. He doesn't mark anywhere else, so we believe this behavior can be prevented in his adoptive home provided other dogs haven't marked before, and provided he's carefully watched for the first few weeks after his adoption.
He is crate trained, and will put himself away in his crate when he needs some quiet time with a stuffy. He doesn't love the crate, however, and when confined while his foster family is away for a few hours he may cry for a while. When left loose without access to the areas he marks, he's a good boy and stays out of trouble.
HEALTH STATUS
Onyx has been neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and treated for parasites. He appears to be in good health.
Onyx weighs 20 lbs. Based on information provided by his previous owner we believe he was born around January of 2020. We have assigned him 1/14/2020 as his birthday.
ADOPTION
Onyx is living in a private foster home in Kennewick, Eastern Washington. He will be available to meet you after your adoption application has been approved. To apply to adopt him, please email HearthfireART@gmail.com and request an adoption application form.
For more pictures of Onyx, please see his Facebook album at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.594709989476761&type=3
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