My name is Equinox!

Oh, hello! My name is Equinox! I am one of the sleddies Baladi & Sled Dog Rescue recently rescued from the dog sledding industry.



I'm told that this is where I come to find something called a "forever family"? Am I in the right place? I hope so because I really want one of those forever families everybody is talking about. I have a very lovely foster family, but, the truth is, with little kids running around, it's a bit loud and bothersome here for me, and I'd like to find some place a little more quiet to live out my senior years.



I'm a big beautiful 9 year year old boy who weighs around 70 pounds. I actually just celebrated my birthday on March 17th! I lived most of my life on a chain and have spent the last month learning about indoor life and oh boy, you guys! It's so warm, and soft, and there's food all the time and I'm not on a chain so I get to move around freely and it's like a whole new world!



Now I'll be honest with you, getting adjusted to this new life has been a bit difficult for me as I wasn't in very good shape when I got rescued and I needed a little bit of help. I had some masses in a couple different places that needed surgery, including one on my neck that was quite large. But the good news is, it's not cancer!! My neck is still healing but foster mom says it looks really good, and my fur is starting to grow back all around it!



I'm still learning that not everything is dangerous and scary, that loud noises aren't the end of the world, and that people are mostly kind with gentle hands. Because of this, I'm going to need time and space to decompress in my new home, and somebody who won't give up on me just because I'm shy at the beginning. Currently I prefer to sleep on my blankets in the kitchen away from the hustle and bustle, and I think I'd like to do the same at my new forever family's home while I get used to things.



I'm told I'm a very friendly, easy going guy who is safe around cats, small animals, and I do good with big and small dogs as long as they're lower energy and won't be loud and jumpy around me. I'm getting on in age now and am not a fan of puppies, so no puppies in the house and no adopting one after you've adopted me, please! While I love kids and am safe to be around kids, I would do best in a home without them or ones over 12 years old, because I need a home with less energy. It's okay if kids come to visit, I don't mind that, and I'll be gentle with them, but I just don't want to live with them full time. I'd be a great dog for empty nesters, young couples without kids, or even a family with teenagers. Due to my strength and size, I don't think I'd be a good fit for seniors as I still don't know my real strength and I am a puller. I don't want to hurt anybody by accident!



Speaking of strength, I think I could really benefit from somebody willing to take the time to train me on leash manners and maybe even a few tricks. I'm working very well on these skills at my foster home, but foster mom says it will be an ongoing thing as I learn the world around me. Remember, I'm used to living on a 4 foot chain, so all of this space is a bit overwhelming for me. I will need your patience because I am a little scared. Foster mom says I walk mostly well on a harness (I can't do a collar right now because of my surgery) but I get very scared of sounds and things going on so sometimes I really want to dart back inside to my safe space. But with love, time, and the patience of somebody who loves me, foster mom (and foster dad!) say they think I'm going to overcome these fears and be a really good walking companion.



I am potty trained and have had very few accidents in the house. The only accidents I have had have been when something really loud scares me and I pee on my bed a little bit, but this is something my foster mom thinks I will overcome. I won't tell you if I need to go outside, preferring to just hold it all in and be quiet, so you'll need to take me outside even if I'm not telling you. I am absolutely terrified of crates and need a home that will not crate me. I think I'd do good with somebody with a large, full fenced and secured yard so I could learn how to explore outside in a safe way.



I'm a really lovely boy who enjoys when foster mom or dad come and sit with me in my own space and give me gentle pets. I need somebody willing to give me that space, and willing to come into that space and show me gentleness and love. I'm not used to lots of space yet, but I think eventually I'll learn that I can use the whole house and be loved on everywhere. Maybe someday I'll even learn how to sit with you on the couch or sleep with you in bed. I've recently started resting my head on foster mom's leg when she sleeps with me, and sometimes when she comes into the room I even wag my tail and tap my feet to show some love. I do not jump on people and I never growl or bark. Mom has only heard me make noise one time, so I may be a pretty quiet boy... Or maybe with the right amount of love and time, I'll learn to use my voice.



I just know I'm going to make the best new family member to somebody who's willing to give me what I need to learn and grow. If there's anything else you'd like to know about me, my foster parents would be happy to answer any questions you have.



Equinox's adoption fee is $400. He is neutered, dewormed, microchipped, and up to date on his vaccines.



If you’re interested in adopting him please fill out an adoption application.