On Monday Alex is beginning a two week board and train program. The best case scenario is we find him a home to go to at the end of those two weeks. He's predictably doing better at the rescue than he was at the shelter. However, if he goes directly into his new home, he'll maintain more progress from the board and train program than if he goes back to the rescue or goes between fosters.
Some basics about Alex:
He was found as a stray and at that time had an open gunshot wound. He's been through a lot, but he still somehow trusts and loves all people and dogs. He spent 5 months in the shelter and was adopted and returned. He's energetic, silly, intelligent, and in general just a lovable goofball. DeSha and I lovingly nicknamed him Noodle because of the way he flops into seemingly impossible positions.
Alex is a shepard and is a double merle dog, which can contribute to deficits in hearing and vision. There's no way to know for sure, but his hearing seems fine because he can localize sounds. He also learns new words quickly, which is a factor in how well he responds to training! Regarding his vision, he can track small objects from a distance and is quite agile when exploring river shoals or hiking. All that to say - The effects of his double merle genetics appear to be only that he looks unique.
Alex would do best in a home with someone who has experience with a high energy dog. It would also be great for his new family to have experience supporting dogs who have seperation anxiety. His seperation anxiety improved throughout the weeks that he was with me, so he can get better when given the right supports! Keep in mind that Alex will be coming out of an intensive training program, so if a patient person is interested in bringing this sweet boy in, you will have the support of the trainer to facilitate the transition.
Alex would also do best in a home with another dog who is on the younger side and/or has high energy. There have been a few homes with senior dogs that haven't been the best fit. There isn't an aggressive bone in Alex's body, he just wants to play!
He does well with kids when he's on leash. I predict that off leash he may initiate play that would be a little too much for small children. He'd probably do okay in a home with older children.
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