Puppies and dogs in West Fargo, North Dakota

Lyric is our sweet girl who loves our 3 little ones but isn’t the biggest fan of our older dog. She’s great with our kids, but does need them to respect her space. She’s a typical boxer - jumpy and energetic, but loves to cuddle equally as much.

{s3829code380/} If you would like to provide this dog a loving home, please fill out a pre-adoption application.  Have a question? Please read our Frequently Asked Questions and Adoption Processed Explained documentation. _________ B I O ______________   Name:&#226&#128&#175 Rico Suave Size: ~Large range: 61-100 lbs   Adoption Donation:&#226&#128&#175$75 (applicable sales tax included).&#226&#128&#175Adoption fees may be paid by cash or check.&#226&#128&#175   Other:&#226&#128&#175&#226&#128&#175Neutered Male, Vaccinations current, Microchip, No other pets, No children, Fenced-in yard required **  Rico Suave qualifies for our&#226&#128&#175 Seniors for Seniors Program.&#226&#128&#175 This program places senior dogs (age 8 or older) with senior citizens (age 65 or older) at a reduced adoption fee of $65.00. If you qualify and are interested in participating in this program, please fill out an application online and type "SENIOR" after your name.   * Rico Suave requires daily medication for the management of his allergies. The cost of this medication is $180 for 3 months.    Rico Suave would luv to meet you!   Foster Home Feedback   * &#226&#128&#175NO Other Pets, NO Children, and&#226&#128&#175 Fenced-in yard required.  * Rico has had several masses removed, they were sent to a lab for histopathology. They came back as suspect histiocytomas, but because that type of mass typically occurs in young dogs, the histopathologist is suspicious of cutaneous Langerhan’s cell histiocytosis. Though these masses are typically benign, they may continue to grow, and some may grow faster than others. We have seen some growth and then shrink. The masses may need to be removed per vet recommendation if they show signs of infection. 6/24/24 Foster Feedback: Handsome Rico is lovin’ life at the lake this summer!  Favorite pastimes are sleeping in, sunbathing naps on the blanket softened patio, hoping someone shares a Zorbaz pizza on the pontoon.  His skin has been great and dander is gone!  He is the healthiest and youngest 11 year old ever!  Still looking for a retirement buddy. I know it says a 6’ fence needed, but a baby gate is probably enough. Such an easygoing, quiet guy.  He is even making friends with a chihuahua. He is a dreamboat!  Love him to pieces!! 2/28/24 Foster Feedback: This distinguished, handsome and spry senior is still patiently waiting (over 900 days now!) for a kind hearted person to share their heart and home with him.  He needs so little…a soft dog bed or a fuzzy blanket on an end of your couch is just fine for Mr. Suave. This guy is easy peasy,  rarely barks, eats and travels well, never has a potty accident, kennels beautifully or can be left loose in the house and is friendly with adult strangers. He isn’t the most photogenic as his expression never changes…it literally always looks the same whether he’s happy, sad, excited or mad. He may look grumpy but he’s definitely not.  Rico does have some skin issues requiring weekly medicated baths, but he jumps right into either the tub or shower with no problem at all. His skin medication is only $60 a month and he is not on prescription food either.   During this mild winter, he has been willing to take a long walk just about every day. He walks loose leash perfectly. He also will run after a tennis ball a few times and throw his stuffed fox in the air. He is looking forward to some sun bathing on the patio soon!   I hope Rico gets a chance to meet one of you looking for a perfect companion.  10/21/2023 Foster Feedback: This is Rico Suave and I can’t believe not even one person has asked to meet me over the last two years. I've been anchoring the list of available dogs for waaay too long considering what an agreeable, affectionate and well-behaved guy I am! The only time I ever bark is if the doorbell wakes me up from a snooze. I’m not interested in looking out windows so I never even see the mailman, I have never put my front paws on a counter ever, and I never bother or chew on anything. My foster mom tells me every day what a good boy I am and I really really am!   I love to ride in the car and am quiet and calm, I don’t need to go outside to do my duty more than a few times a day. I sometimes like to go for a 6-8 block walk (I never pull), but mostly I’m content to just lay on whatever dog bed is closest to where my foster mom is. I even love to just be in my kennel with the door open. Since I’m such a good boy, I have run of the house when my family is gone. If you read under my picture about some growths I had in the past, I am happy to tell you I haven’t had any more! Yay for me! Although I am almost 10.5 years old, I am very spry and have absolutely no old age aches or pains, my muzzle isn’t grizzled and my eyes see very well. What I do have are a lot of skin tags and warts and I need to have a medicated shampoo every 5-6 days to keep my sensitive skin doing good. I do have more dander than an average dog, but my mom says it’s not a big deal to swiffer or vacuum more often. She keeps a blanket or sheet over the bed and the couch that I have permission to sleep on. I take cyclosporine every day to help my skin and occasionally have a cytopoint shot if my skin gets itchy.  While I want to be your only pet, I don’t act bad when I see another dog on a walk, and I don’t give a hoot about geese, squirrels or turkeys wandering around.  The best thing about me is all the love I show to my foster mom and dad. I am happiest when they sit down so I can invade their personal space and lay my big noggin on their lap! I am such a loveable guy and I know there has to be a forever person out there somewhere for me. I am waiting for you…please come and pick me as your companion and friend!   06/12/2023 Foster Feedback: Grandpa Rico is still patiently waiting for his forever home while living at the lake this summer and experiencing new activities. He took his first pontoon ride and was very comfortable just hanging out looking at other boats and the scenery passing by. I also brought him into the water and confirmed he can swim…but he really didn’t enjoy it much.  What he does really enjoy is basking in the sun on the concrete…and we do short sessions a few times a day. Mostly he just naps the day away staying close to where I am. He is such an affectionate, calm and loving dog! Go with the flow Rico is so well behaved…he never gets into anything, keeps all 4 paws on the floor and jumps right into the tub for his weekly medicated bath. He rarely woofs at strangers walking on the beach road anymore and is content to just walk around the yard with me for exercise a few times a day. Rico is such an easy dog…he just needs a home without kids, has a fence and no other pets. He will give you all the love you need!     5/18/2023 Foster Feedback: Grandpa Rico has gone from holding down the couch to lawn ornament status basking in the warmth of the sun! Rico may have a grumpy countenance, but he is one of the most agreeable and go-with-the-flow dogs we have had the pleasure of fostering. His allergies still require medicated baths every five days and yep, he does have more than usual amounts of dander…but it’s an easy fix with a vacuum and swiffer!   Rico is a good eater, keeps all four feet on the floor (except when snuggling on the couch or sleeping just as close as he can possibly can to you in bed at night.) He doesn’t snore, kennels beautifully or can be left to free roam, only wants a short walk on nice days, has never chewed on anything human related, rides quietly and calmly in any vehicle and rarely barks. Look at that adorable little tip of his tongue that escapes his mostly toothless gums.  Although Rico wants to be your only pet, he is not reactive when seeing other dogs on walks or while riding in the car. He really is such a very, very good boy!     1/18/2023 Foster Feedback: Rico Suave has been with us since Christmas and we LOVE him!  We are retired and mostly home and he is happy not being kenneled all day. Rico is just the easiest and sweetest old man and has excellent house manners and a quiet, loving, and gentle nature. Literally, all he needs is a comfy dog bed or the end of a couch to nap on…and someone willing to give him frequent medicated baths to help his skin.  Rico doesn’t play with toys or chew on bones but will be happy to take a walk on warmer days, go for rides in the car or cuddle up next to you. He is a champion napper…happiest when he is right next to you with his huge noggin resting on your lap 9/6/2022 Foster Feedback: Rico has been doing well this summer. He enjoys napping on the cement, going for short walks, listening to turkeys (they don't bother him), and playing 5 minutes of tug of war every week. It's a big regiment for a big fella in his retirement phase of life. Rico has been doing very very well on walks; not reacting to other dogs or other critters out on walks. He is still a very treat-motivated old man. Rico sure would like to lounge in his forever home very soon! 7/21/2022 Volunteer Feedback: Rico Suave is a precious old man who would love to be someone's best buddy. His talents include snacking, pondering the meaning of life, and making sure the couch isn't going anywhere. He likes to be close to or directly on his people while just hanging out, or patrolling the great outdoors and taking in all the local sniffs. He's one of those gentle giants who may look like a grump but is secretly a total softie who isn't afraid to show his love with kisses and snuggles. 2/9/2022: Rico is the perfect winter dog in my mind as he has no interest in long walks in the cold or the snow; he just wants to go out for business purposes only. He loves his walks in the warmer weather of course. Rather than a long cold, snowy walk, he would rather just have a tasty treat out of his kong and then snuggle up for a nap. Handsome man Rico hasn't had any new bumps since the last bumps in the fall disappeared, so that is great news! Rico recently attended a "VIP" dog event the rescue collaborated with Down Dog Studio and Rico got to spend half an hour getting about a million pets from strangers; he was an absolute ham. He is pouting and sad he didn't find his forever home but, he looks forward to you giving him the next million pets. Rico grows weary of his foster father coming home from volunteering at the shelter almost daily and smelling like other dogs while he sits in his kennel; it's just not right for an old pup in his retirement years! 8/27/21:  Rico has been with me for a couple of months now. Rico was returned to the rescue after about 7 years, so he is really thankful 4 Luv of Dog has been there twice to take him in. Rico has been a very easy dog to have in the home. He is a fantastic house guest, I am more than happy to let him spend a little time here while he searches for that perfect retirement home. Rico will spend most of the day sleeping. He might follow you around the house a little but generally, he is going to find a cozy spot if there isn't a lap to settle into. Rico is kennel trained and spends his time while I am away in his kennel. He does well and seems comfortable. I always give him a reward for kenneling, and he usually gets breakfast in his kennel before I leave for work. He is potty trained and hasn't had any accidents.  Rico generally gets a little exercise after I return from work and then it's nap time again for Mr. Suave. Rico does love walking and exploring, occasionally even running. As a distinguished older gentleman, however, he doesn't really need extreme amounts of exercise daily as some dogs require. Rico is an oinker that absolutely loves his food and treats, which is great for training and having him follow your directions. That being said, his weight is doing pretty well and he has lost a few pounds since his initial vet visit, as the vet recommended. Rico's transition from his old home of about 7 years to a stay at the shelter, then to my home was not very easy for him. He was also coming off a prescription of steroids per the veterinarian's advice. While he was completely content inside my apartment almost immediately, he did take some adjustments to the neighborhood on walks. Other people and dogs would stress him out if we got too close. He really needed decompression time to get used to his new surroundings. 4 Luv of Dog sent Rico and me through a six-week training course  "Over Reactive Rover"  through Down Dog Studio to help him overcome this hurdle, and it has helped immensely. Rico has been much easier and calmer to walk and has picked up very well on everything we have been taught. I would, of course, go over some of the things we worked on so he can continue to be successful in his retirement home. I would also encourage adopters to continue training as training classes are just as much for the owner as for the dog. I feel like Rico's transition from his foster home to an adoptive home will be much easier than the transition from the shelter to a foster home. This coupled with the training Rico has received has him really looking forward to lounging around with you, so please consider adopting Rico to help him finish his journey out of the rescue for good!!To view additional dogs available for adoption, please see our website: www.4luvofdog.org November 20, 2024, 10:01 pm

{s3829code380/} If you would like to provide this dog a loving home, please fill out a pre-adoption application.  Have a question? Please read our Frequently Asked Questions and Adoption Processed Explained documentation. _________ B I O ______________  Name: Salad Size: Large range: 61-100 lbs  Adoption Donation:&#226&#128&#175$250 (applicable sales tax included) &#226&#128&#175Adoption fees may be paid by cash or check.&#226&#128&#175  Other: Spayed Female, Vaccinations current, Microchip, NO cats and NO apartments, fence required   Salad is a sweet and playful girl with a heart of gold. She wants to be a part of your family!   Foster Home Feedback  ** NO Cats! NO apartments 7/3/24 Sitter Feedback: Introducing Salad: Your Loyal and Loving Companion Recently, I had the opportunity to care for Salad, a remarkable dog, for ten days while her foster family was out of town.  Salad is a loving and loyal dog. If circumstances permitted, I would not hesitate to adopt her myself. Understanding her needs and behaviors is key to a successful adoption. Initial Meeting, given Salad’s cautious nature around strangers: Through consistent commands and positive reinforcement with treats, Salad quickly learned boundaries and began to trust me.  There may need to be a few meets before adopting her. Setting Salad up for success is most important. Salad proved to be a delightful and loving houseguest. I would gladly care for her again if the opportunity arises. She deserves a forever home where she can be cherished and understood. If you are seeking a loyal and intelligent companion, Salad may be the perfect addition to your family. 2/29/24 Foster Feedback: Salad continues to be such a sweet girl.  She is now weighing in at 100lbs!  Big girl. Salad is still working on meeting new people. She sits, shakes, rolls over, stays when she is told and waits nicely for her food. Her recall is pretty good when she is out running around in the yard. When we call her, she comes running back. Salad is such a good girl, but will need a quiet place to live. If we move her kennel or her routine is different, she gets very nervous - Salad just isn't a big fan of change. 11/9/23 Foster Feedback:  Salad is super smart. Loves her food and treats. Will do almost anything for food. She knows how to sit, shake, and roll over. She sits nicely while she waits for her food. She loves running in the yard. Salad also loves sleeping in her kennel at night. When you tell her it’s bed time she will put herself to bed in the kennel, it’s quite cute. We leave the kennel door open so if she wants she can sleep with us, but most of the time she chooses to stay in her kennel. She is very snuggly, and snores loud as she is laying by you. She is very aware of everything around her. When you talk to her she listens very intently. She is completely potty trained. No accidents at all. She is still working on getting used to strangers. 6/20/23 Foster Feedback: Salad has been with us now for about 3 months. She is still a little nervous around new people that come to our house so we will put her in her kennel in our room and let her just relax while people are here. When she has been at the kennel for the weekends, she does fine with all the people, so I am guessing she just has a little bit of nervous territorial instincts. We are working on that, but we don't get a lot of visitors so we haven't been able to test that much. Salad loves to play with her tennis ball, its her favorite and also loves to play with her tug toy. She just learned "roll over", she is very smart. With more training she will be a fantastic dog. She is completely potty trained, loves her kennel, and does well in the car. When you say "bedtime" or "kennel" she immediately will put herself in her kennel, sometimes she will just go in there to rest. I work from home so Salad isn't left alone very often, but she does fine in her kennel when we do leave. She is very cuddly, she loves to lay on the bed with us when we watch tv or just rest. She is very good about coming to you when she is called. She loves to run around our yard, but will immediately come when called to go back in the house. She does bark when people walk by our fence line and basically monitors our yard at all times when she is outside. Inside she will bark at the window when people walk by, we are still working with her on that. She is a typical herding dog, very alert and always watching everything. She is very good about waiting until she is told to "eat" her food. We haven't had any issue with guarding her food, but we also don't have any other pets. 2/19/2023 Volunteer Feedback:  Salad is the sweetest girl on the block. She's velvety soft and cuddly, excellent on leash walks, and enjoys many smells and sounds the outdoor adventures present. She is curious about other dogs, not aggressive, but excited. Salad loves her one-on-one time in the couch room and soaks in all the attention she can get. The kennel room is a loud environment, so spending time cuddling with humans feels good. Salad has been dog tested and she did well! As with all young dogs, she will need a slow, gradual introduction and humans to moderate play (she LOVES to play), but Salad would fit well in the house with other K9 siblings. Please look at this beautiful girl! You will not regret it.To view additional dogs available for adoption, please see our website: www.4luvofdog.org November 20, 2024, 10:01 pm

{s3829code380/} If you would like to provide this dog a loving home, please fill out a pre-adoption application.  Have a question? Please read our Frequently Asked Questions and Adoption Processed Explained documentation. _________ B I O ______________  Name: Fleetfoot Size: ~Medium range: 26-60 lbs  Adoption Donation:&#226&#128&#175$250 - $100 = $150 (applicable sales tax included).&#226&#128&#175Adoption fees may be paid by cash or check.&#226&#128&#175  * A donation of $100 was given by Shelly Stanton towards Fleetfoot’s adoption fee. Other:&#226&#128&#175Spayed Female, Vaccinations current, Microchip, No apartments, No cats Fleetfoot is such a happy girl! ** Fleetfoot requires daily medication for obsessive compulsive type anxiety. The cost of her medications is about $110 per month. Foster Home Feedback  ** Apartments not recommended due to her loud bark ** No Cats 03/05/2024 Foster Feedback: Here are some reasons why Fleetfoot (we call her Maggie) would be a great dog for you: She is potty trained and will go to the door when she wants to go out. After a period of adjustment, she has really come out of her shell and adjusted well to our family. She sleeps through the night and is as quiet as a mouse. She sleeps on a couch usually but the times that I have put her in her kennel for an extended time, she will stay quiet in there as well.  She enjoys playing with the other dogs in the home. She's young, so she has more energy than they do, but she has no problem playing with a toy by herself as well. She still loves playing tug-of-war and does really good with fetch; she returns it but doesn't always want to drop it so you just have to have 2 toys that you keep throwing. She has learned to understand cues that the other dogs give her. If they want to be left alone and bark or snarl at her, she'll leave them alone. We have a resident "grump" who usually wants to be left alone but this morning I caught Fleetfoot licking her face so they are definitely warming up to each other! Fleetfoot enjoys car rides and prefers to have a window open so she can check out the world outside of her house. She LOVES going on walks.....sniff walks that is. She has her nose to the ground for most of the walk but that helps stimulate her mentally so it's all good. She does well free roaming in my house when I'm not home. While she has chewed on some shoe laces, but not the shoes; that is the extent of her chewing. She likes everyone - adults, kids, female, male.....she's not fussy.  Just be sure to greet her when you come over. She takes treats (loves green beans) from your hand every so gently. Fleetfoot would LOVE to find her FUREVER home so please consider meeting her to see if she would fit in your home.  12/02/23 Foster Feedback:  Hi, my name is Fleetfoot but my foster mom is calling me Maggie Mae and I have grown to love it.   I am such a good girl and I hear it all of the time!  I love getting pets and rubs all over my body and while I do enjoy cuddling next to you on the couch, there are times that I'm happy just being by myself too.  I love playing outside and one of my favorite things to do is to fetch a toy.  I am working on the "Drop" command but it's hard to remember to drop the toy so I can chase it again because I really like playing tug of war too!  While I am still working on that command, I have learned the "sit" and "down" command and I do really well when my name is called.  Sometimes I play outside with the neighborhood kids and they love me.   I like eating snow and ice cubes! I enjoy going on walks and I do pretty darn good, if I do say so myself!  I do pull on the leash a little bit but I'm working on that. I like to walk a couple of steps in front of my foster mom to make sure it is safe for her to follow.   I am very interested in other dogs and people and I tend to bark, but it's only because I either want them to come over and pet me or I'm looking for a play date.  I don't mean any harm by it.  I love going for car rides; I usually lay down in the back seat quietly.  If it's not too cold outside, I love having a window partly down sometimes, so I can stick my head out and smell everything around me.   At night time, my foster mom lets me lay next to her in the bed.  I might start off there but I usually end up on the floor or on the couch in the next room.  I don't ever wake her up in the morning.  I let her do that so she can feel like she's in charge. When she leaves the house, she throws some treats in my kennel and I willingly go in and lay down.  I'm quiet as a mouse when I'm in there; actually quieter than if she had left me outside of the kennel so it's a win win for both of us; I get to rest in my safe place while she's gone and she gets an untouched house when she returns. I hope you'll take the time to meet me soon!  I'm hoping that my furever family is out there looking for me right now so I can spend the holidays with you! Woof (Sincerely), Maggie Mae (Fleetfoot) 10/28/23 Foster Feedback: Do want a dog with personality?  Fleetfoot is for you! Fleetfoot has been with me for a few months. She has lots of energy and loves to play fetch with anything - a ball, a stick, it doesn't matter. Looking out the window is a favorite pastime. She likes to hide her bones EVERYWHERE! She gets along with other dogs but isn't good with cats. She goes in her crate fine but takes a few minutes to calm down. Fleetfoot is still working on potty training but she will let you know when she needs to go out. We are working on our walks, she pulls a little at first but then settles down. She is not a resource guarder but has been known to steal a treat or two. She hasn't shown aggression toward children, but they might be startled or knocked over by her exuberance. If you have experience with German shepherds this is the dog for you! She is very sweet but she is very very active.To view additional dogs available for adoption, please see our website: www.4luvofdog.org November 20, 2024, 10:01 pm

{s3829code380/} If you would like to provide this dog a loving home, please fill out a pre-adoption application.  Have a question? Please read our Frequently Asked Questions and Adoption Processed Explained documentation. _________ B I O ______________  Name: Kitchen Size: Medium range: 26-60 lbs  Adoption Donation:&#226&#128&#175$75 (applicable sales tax included).&#226&#128&#175Adoption fees may be paid by cash or check.&#226&#128&#175  Other:&#226&#128&#175Spayed Female, Vaccinations current, Microchip, No other pets, No children, Fenced-in yard required   Kitchen has it all AND the kitchen sink!   Foster Home Feedback  ** No other pets, No children, Fenced-in yard required 8/30/2024 Foster Feedback: Kitchen continues to be an absolutely lovely foster. She is a great cuddler when it is time to relax, and is great at zoomies and prancing around with toys when it is is time to play. I have definitely enjoyed her becoming more confident and allowing her sparkling personality to show. She has the run of the entire first floor of my house whenever I am gone, and does very well patiently napping on the couch or watching out the window until I return. She does great at walks with an easy-walk harness, and at this point only pulls with significant distractions (mainly deer, new dogs approaching her, or a cat or rabbit within reach). She continues to be very easy to manage in general, responds quickly to gentle redirects.  She is very smart, does great with all the usual commands, and loves chances to show off just how good she can be. Kitchen still cannot be close to other dogs, but is not aggressive unless they get very close (within about three feet), and she has learned to do a good job of accepting familiar dogs like the neighbor's dog when they come and investigate our fence. I especially appreciate that she does not act aggressive towards other dogs while we are on walks as long as they are at a distance, and also does not show aggression when she sees them through the window. My neighbors particularly adore her and are always talking about how well behaved she is and how she hardly ever barks. She gets along with people of all sorts, and easily wins over anyone who comes to visit us.   If your living situation allows for a dog that can't be around other dogs, I encourage you to meet Kitchen. It's hard to convey in writing just how likeable this goofy little gal is! 2/28/24 Foster Feedback: Kitchen is an absolutely lovely dog. I would snatch her up myself if my situation allowed it. She is sooooo affectionate and just loves to cuddle up with her person on the couch, really any person. When she is not trying to lay on you or asking for pets, she prefers to show off her goofy personality by parading around the house with a squeaky toy or throwing balls down the stairs so she can chase them. She is still young so she likes to be active, and loves to run laps in the backyard and take walks around the neighborhood. She does really well on a long leash and harness, but does still pull to try and say hi to other dogs or investigate a rabbit or squirrel. She also still pulls whenever you use a collar instead of a harness.  Kitchen is also muzzle trained.  She is clever girl who has learned a number of commands - sit, lay down, hand targeting, and even to roll on her back so you can wipe mud off her feet. We are still working on stay, and also on recalls when she is outside. Inside the house, she is very easy to manage, a gentle "ope" or "uh-oh" is usually all it takes. She can be a little timid and submissive at times, so it definitely helps her if her home is calm and doesn't have a lot of commotion. She has been fantastic with every visitor I've had, and this includes people who were new to her when I was not there. She is friendly towards my neighbors and their children. Kitchen is crate trained, and while she may pout a bit about it, she will do just fine in one while you are away. She is so well behaved in my house, that I haven't had to have her in a crate while I am gone.   If you're willing to give this sweetheart a loving home, she is absolutely willing to shower you in all the kisses, affection, and dog hair on your shirt that you can handle. She already has with me!To view additional dogs available for adoption, please see our website: www.4luvofdog.org November 20, 2024, 10:01 pm

{s3829code380/} If you would like to provide this dog a loving home, please fill out a pre-adoption application.  Have a question? Please read our Frequently Asked Questions and Adoption Processed Explained documentation. _________ B I O ______________  Name: Vespa Size: Medium range: 26-60 lbs  Adoption Donation:&#226&#128&#175$250 (applicable sales tax included).&#226&#128&#175Adoption fees may be paid by cash or check.&#226&#128&#175  Other:&#226&#128&#175&#226&#128&#175Spayed Female, Vaccinations current, Microchip, NO apartments, NO Cats, Older/considerate children only   Vespa is a quick little girl, easy to fall in love with   Foster Home Feedback  **  NO apartments, NO Cats, Older/considerate children only **  Vespa came into the rescue after being on the run for a period of time, because of this she may be a flight risk until she is comfortable in her new home. She should always be on leash when outside the house and not unsupervised in a fenced yard. 9/9/24 Temporary Care Feedback: I got to hang out with Ms. Vespa this summer and she was absolutely delightful! Vespa spent a few weekends in a house with two adults and another dog and she settled right in. Her nerves calmed with treats and fetch (she will drop the ball in your hand and play all night) and she was content and comfortable with the people in our house very quickly.  Vespa was playful with our resident dog, who can have some anxiety around new dogs. Vespa did a great job reading his cues and would give him space if needed. When they were both in a playful mood, they joined forces to tear apart soft toys and try to catch squirrels in the yard. If our older dog needed quiet time, Vespa was content to curl up on the couch next to us. She loves morning snuggles and was happy at the foot of the bed all night.  Vespa did have words to say whenever someone new came by. She has a protective streak, but she is all bark, no bite. Vespa is such a sweet girl with the silkiest coat. Once you have her trust, you're in her heart forever.  06/17/2024 Foster Feedback: Vespa the cattle dog has enjoyed over three months in my care. She’s such an easy dog. Vespa has been working on her leash walking daily and has made so many strides. She can be strong, but has made the connection that if she pulls too hard, I will stop and wait her out. Vespa can quickly redirect and is making progress towards loose leash walking. We have also been working on socialization with humans. When people come over, or we go to someone’s house, Vespa will bark out of uncertainty. As long as the new human has some treats to toss her way, Vespa will calm down. She shows curiosity with new people, but may keep her distance at first.  As always, Vespa is very dog friendly. She can read the cues of other dogs well and will play as little or as much as they allow. She tends to show increased confidence with playful dog. If a dog would rather just coexist, Vespa will happily settle for a round of fetch.  Every morning and evening, Vespa looks forward to snuggling with her humans. She is truly an easy, trainable dog. Her intelligence will astound you. She is a cattle dog through and through and will reward you with her loyalty!    03/24/2024 Foster Feedback: Vespa has been in my care for about a month now. She’s continuing to come out of her shell and flourish in a home. Vespa can be so goofy and loves to play with toys. She’s still a number one fan of fetch and enjoys running around the yard with my dog. I have tried many kenneling techniques with Vespa, but she really doesn’t do well in her kennel. I now allow Vespa to free roam my house for the time I am gone which is up to 8 hours. She does wonderful! She rests for most of the day and spends a little time enjoying the views through the window. She’s much happier free roaming so an adopter that is willing to allow her to stay out when they’re gone is best for her. I also feel that she will do better having a dog buddy around as she seems to enjoy my dog’s presence during the day when I’m gone and will even mirror what he is doing (sleeping, looking out window, etc).  Vespa doesn’t seem to have a ton of leash walking experience so we are spending time working on leash training and not pulling on the leash. She does have a prey drive with squirrels and bunnies so an adopter comfortable with a stronger dog who needs continued leash training would be best. Thankfully, this girl is highly trainable and wants to work and learn new things! To speak to her flight risk tendencies- this is simply a precaution as if Vespa were to feel frightened she may bolt. I kept Vespa leashed in my yard when I first got her even though I have a tall secure privacy fence. As I started to trust her, I was able to drop the leash, and now she can just go out like an other dog. I don’t leave her out there unsupervised, but that is because she’d rather follow me back in after doing her job. Additionally, being more mindful when leaving the home is really the only accommodation I have to make with Vespa.  For anyone out there with heeler or herding dog experience, Vespa is the perfect mixture of what makes these herding dogs so special! I absolutely adore her and can’t wait to share all the great things that make Vespa the wonderful dog that she is.  2/28/24 Foster Feedback: If you’re reading this, then Vespa’s beautiful red speckled coat probably caught your eye. Vespa is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.  She just wants to find her person/people to create an unbreakable bond with. She can be shy at first, but warms up very quickly! Vespa loves nothing more than to follow me around the house and keep me company while I’m getting ready for work, cooking dinner, and relaxing on the couch. She sleeps through the night on a dog bed next to me, but would be just as happy to sleep in bed with you if you would let her. Vespa is a gentle soul that just wants to share her love with others. She has a generally very calm demeanor when I’m home with her.    Vespa is not a big fan of her kennel and is learning how to calm down in it. She just recently joined my household so this is a work in progress, but I do work a typical 8 hour day, so she is getting lots of exposure and practice with this. I wouldn’t recommend leaving her to free roam right away until she’s had ample time to understand your routines.    Vespa knows many tricks including: sit, stay, shake, come, and down. She is completely potty trained. Vespa is a huge fan of my resident dog and enjoys running around the yard with him. My dog can be pretty dominant and Vespa takes his cues well. She is a master at fetch and will retrieve and drop the ball in your lap all day if you will let her.    Vespa’s forever person/family can look forward to having a dog who is obedient, loyal, friendly, and smart! To view additional dogs available for adoption, please see our website: www.4luvofdog.org November 20, 2024, 10:01 pm