My name is Garth!

ABOUT GARTH
Ready to have some fun?! Come meet our playful, goofy guy Garth! He is a 10-month-old cattle dog mix who could not be more true to the breed, as he has a go-go-go personality! Garth came to HAP from a high-intake shelter in Alabama when they no longer had space for him. Despite being at the shelter, this guy is full of life! In true heeler fashion, he is a high-energy, active pup looking for a job to do. Garth would make the perfect running or walking buddy, as he loves spending time outside. He LOVES toys and is very food-motivated, making the training possibilities endless! When he's not chasing a toy around our fenced fields, he can usually be found patiently waiting by his kennel door for some attention. Garth can be overwhelming for some other dogs as he takes his herding job very seriously but has made a few canine friends who don't mind and can keep up with him! After some exercise and play, he melts into a laid-back snuggle bug and absolutely LOVES his belly rubs! Garth's already working on some basic commands like sit, touch, down, stay, wait, and recall and he's recently been working on some agility skills! We are working on his manners, as he can be jumpy or nippy at times, though he always means well. Due to this, he would probably do best in a home with older kids who can understand he means no harm!

Recently, a volunteer took Garth out for a doggy day out and here's what they had to say: "Garth has been at the shelter for a few months now and is such a loving and fun dog to walk and interact with. At only 10 months old he is full of energy and personality. He can be a bit “mouthy” at times but I feel it is just due to his pent up energy growing up in the shelter environment. His siblings were also at the shelter and have since been adopted out and are doing great! All of them had great personalities and are very smart dogs. Garth can be a bit timid at times and does not like loud noises but it may just be he has not been exposed to a lot of “life” in his short time living mostly in the shelter. He is a total love bug but can jump on you a bit but it is only to show you how much he loves you by hugging and embracing you. Garth knows the sit command really well and will gladly sit for you and a treat! Overall he walks well on his leash and harness but can pull a bit and loves to do zoomies in the play yard. He loves fetching the fire house toy and did great in our yard coming when called and retrieving the fire hose when thrown. I walked him in the Rehoboth and Lewes Christmas Parades and he did great and managed to walk the entire route! Some of the loud noises did startle him but with reassurance his confidence grew and he did great! We took him out on several doggy day outs and he has behaved really well. He loves meeting people and most other dogs. He can be a tiny bit selective of some of his doggy friends at times; however, he has gotten along and loves to play with most dogs with a proper meeting. He loved playing with sticks and tug of war with doggy friend Sunflower and was quick BFF’s with puppy Pebbles at the shelter. He jumped right into the jeep and loves car rides. Out in public he really was a really good boy and very well behaved at the dog friendly establishment we took him to. He wanted to be part of the action by sitting next to us on the bench and sitting for treats. His beautiful “heeler” coat and markings caught the attention of many people who wanted to meet him. He did meet lots of people and some kids and was very friendly sitting for them, taking treats very gently, cozying right up to them and leaning into them for pets. He is very smart and can be redirected with treats if he reacts to another dog. I would not hesitate to take him out and about on adventures. He is very treat motivated and willing to learn new things. Overall Garth is a loving heeler/cattle dog mix and will make a great travel, hiking, social and loyal dog for any family or adopter. He would probably do best with older children as his play can be a bit rough. He is an agility course star in the making!!!"

If you are interested in adopting this dog, please submit an adoption questionnaire! Our adoption process is on a first-come, best-match basis and we are not able to hold animals. If you are interested in this specific dog but it ends up not being the best fit upon meeting, our adoption counselors will work with you to help find a match! All household members, including children and other dogs, must come along for the meeting to make sure it's a good fit. If a match is made, we encourage same-day adoptions! Our adoption fees include the animals' spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations and preventatives, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and a small bag of food to get you started.