My name is Ansel-Adoption Pending!

Ansel is a great example of why people love the Standard Schnauzer/Standard Poodle mix.. He's a gorgeous silver-coated guy with golden eyes and cottony-soft hair that frames his sweet face. At 3.5 - 4 years old (such a great age being young enough to have many, many active years ahead and old enough to be beyond puppyish or destructive behavior) and 55 lbs, Ansel is an extremely loyal and loving guy who bonds hard with those that establish themselves as his leaders.
Ansel had a tough start in life and ended up at a very high-kill shelter in Devore, CA. This exceptionally beautiful dog had a spirit about him that caught the attention of a California rescuer. She felt that he was a natural companion for a very active Coloradoan...he would be overjoyed to hike the mountains or take an early morning run. Once his need for energy and mental stimulation is satisfied, Ansel can happily cuddle up next to his person.
Ansel made his way to CO, found a great family and has spent 3 very happy years in a home with several other dogs. He successfully completed positive reinforcement obedience level 1 classes and even accompanied his family on yearly vacations to dog-friendly beaches on both coasts. There was no happier dog alive than Ansel as he ran freely along the beach with his canine-friends, periodically jumping into the the ocean waves.
But then there was a change for Ansel...his family had to start working longer and longer hours to make ends meet. And while he had access through doggie doors to several fenced mountain acres to run with 2 much older dog siblings, Ansel longed for his humans. He appeared to be growing more frustrated because he had thrived on the mental stimulation and exercise regimen that had once been his. He had been able to count on the long hikes with his people on remote paths along the Switzerland Trail in Boulder County.. It was perfect for this super-smart and very loyal companion - but now impossible. The message resonated loud and clear...Ansel has to be rehomed (for his happiness and need for human companionship.. much to the deep sadness of his family).
The decision has been made that Ansel would be at his best as an only dog. He can get frustrated with other canines who may not have the same play drive and joy for living life to its fullest. As a single dog, Ansel can keep himself busy with bones, sticks and pursuit of squirrels...he loves the challenge! He is considered to be a non-vocal dog and almost never barks other than in times of great fun or excitement.
Ansel can be relied on to share nothing but love and good behavior with his humans. We feel Ansel's energetic spirit at this youthful point in his life wouldn't be a good choice for small children. He wouldn't mean to, but could knock them over in his enthusiasm with life. Ansel is a wonderful and exceptionally devoted best friend who wants nothing more than to share time, play and learning new skills with a very kind and committed family. There's no question that a long workday for his family won't work for Ansel. He thrives on family-time and wants desperately to please... clear and very consistent boundaries mixed with love and nurturing are mandatory for Ansel to fulfill his potential as a bonded companion.
We are also asking that Ansel's new family attend positive reinforcement group obedience classes. Since the Standard Schnoodle is an extremely intelligent mix with amazing potential in training classes, we feel that this clear but kind guidance will bring out the amazing potential that lives inside of this stunning dog. Ansel's natural love of people drives him to please if there is time- spent. This will be a healthy mixture of discipline and pure love with lots of together time for fun and cuddling.
We envision Ansel with either very active and dog-savvy retirees (a morning run or some winter snowshoeing would fit the bill) or an individual who works from home...taking breaks to love Ansel up and provide him with a midday walk or hike. He would be overjoyed to be a foot-warmer or a couch companion on a lazy day. He also thrives on having access to a safe fenced area to play in and enjoy the Colorado sunshine. While Ansel gets along very well with almost all dogs, when he gets over-stimulated or in need of exercise, he's overwhelming with certain weaker canines. It's for this reason again, that we feel so strongly about group classes for Ansel. They will teach him the self-restraint necessary to not take his frustrations out on others.. while bonding so completely with his beloved human family. Ansel is an amazing and loyal companion who will have the capability...with time and a training commitment...to accompany his people everywhere they go.
Ansel displays the following personality tendencies according to his foster family:
Loveable, VERY intelligent, responsive, affectionate, funny/silly, playful and truly wants to please.
Once Ansel bonds, there is nothing in the world that will pull him away from his person or family. His love and gratitude boils over when he knows he's being accepted for doing the very best he knows how to. Ansel would be so happy with a family that includes him on dog-friendly adventures, camping and backpacking trips or just a walk or run around the neighborhood...or better yet, a free and joyous run in a safe area. He moves like the wind and is far happier with this benefit of physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Ansel's gorgeous silver coat doesn't shed. He will therefore require periodic grooming and great nutrition to keep his silky and very thick coat healthy and matt-free.

Ansel is being fostered in Boulder, CO. Meet and Greets are being set up and applications are being accepted and can be found at http://farfelsrescue.com/adoption/. If you're interested in this extremely devoted and very fun and active companion, please fill out and return to farfelsapps@gmail.com.