Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Adoption Fee: $475
When available, all animals are fixed, up to date on vaccines (may need boosters), and microchipped!
From the foster: Steller is a gorgeous Australian Cattle Dog (blue heeler) who was unlucky enough to be impounded as a stray while heavily pregnant in a local Colorado shelter. Sadly, an owner never claimed her so Colorado Puppy Rescue scooped her up to foster and settled her in our home so she could have and raise her babies. Steller did a great job of that, so it's her turn to shine now!
We are already a cattle dog-loving family and she has been very easy to fall in love with, an instant friend to all the people in our tribe, kids (ages 5 and 2.5 included) included. Cattle dogs aren't always known for their friendliness to strangers, but don't tell Steller that, she is simply the sweetest to everyone she meets. Steller loves affection, from plopping over for belly rubs to climbing in your lap, she'll take every ounce of attention you give her, a true love sponge!
Additional reasons to adore her include pretty reliable manners around the house, aced crate training 101, a deep love of the couch and sleeping upside down, and a nice "off" switch for when she isn't running around outside chasing her favorite blue herding ball. And don't worry, that comes with her to her adoptive home, it's kind of a package deal for her. She loves to play and makes an excellent soccer training buddy, good luck getting the ball past her, she's megged me on many occasions!
So a little more about Steller is that she does naturally have strong herding instincts, incredible loyalty, smarts, and a touch of stubbornness that is usually eventually overcome by her desire to please. It doesn't appear that Steller has had much prior training, or socialization around other dogs. Because of this, a home with knowledge of the breed will be beneficial as she does display the desire to chase (herd) fast moving objects, especially those with wheels, but also really anything that runs or flies (no chickens please!). She's been fostered with young kids and done really well for the most part, just an occasional jump on them when they get loud and excited. She's been fostered with other dogs and so far her opinion on them has been inconsistent and at this time it is recommended she go to a home without other dogs or small critters. We're not sure if it is hormone related with her pregnancy and pups, but either way her behavior towards other dogs is noteworthy. It has ranged from fairly friendly and playful to start, but once actually engaged in play, Steller can quickly get overstimulated and react negatively. She is not usually overtly aggressive, but has exhibited resource guarding over toys and what she perceives as her own space. Steller will appreciate a calm environment and could really benefit from obedience training to utilize her smarts, help her bond with her new people, and help ease her discomfort around other dog energy. Steller is truly remarkable, her resolve and gracious demeanor towards people, despite being failed at the shelter amazes me. She's melted our hearts and we are blessed to have been her landing pad here for the past two months. She's ready to launch some new adventures with a family of her very own who will love her and never let her down again.
www.coloradopuppy.org/how-to-adopt
