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Adopt

My name is Derby!

Posted over 12 years ago

My basic info

Breed
Australian Shepherd/Beagle
Color
White - with Black
Age
Adult
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
Sex
Male
Pet ID

My details

Checkmark in teal circle Good with dogs
Checkmark in teal circle Shots current
Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered
Checkmark in teal circle Housetrained
Checkmark in teal circle Has special needs

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Derby - Australian Shepherd/Beagle mix (or maybe sheltie? best guess) - adult (6 years of age) - male/neutered - 55 pounds - long soft white coat with brown spots

Derby was born in foster care. His appearance in the litter produced the same surprise that a mother robin must experience when she finds that a cuckoo bird has dropped an egg into her nest of little hatchling robins. While Derby's brothers and sisters were stocky and short legged, Derby was lanky and long legged; his siblings had short, brown coats while Derby sprouted a long, sparkling white coat with spots and dots of brown. His mother, a small beagle mix named Speckles, doted proudly on her puppies.

Derby flourished, and it took us months to recognize that he could not hear, nor see in one eye. Derby grew into a sturdy, happy young pup, and whatever compensatory gifts he was given to make up for his absence of hearing were more than enough to support Derby in happy, vigourous play, and the development of a loving and devoted nature, as well as an obvious keen intelligence.

Derby was adopted, and continued to flourish in his adoptive home which he shared with a human couple and two other dogs. His sweetness and curiosity, his desire to please, and his faith in the world, made training easy for Derby, who responded quickly to hand signals. He preferred to walk with his sighted side towards his human, and learned not only excellent leash skills, but basic commands. His manners were excellent - and his housetraining impeccable.

Significant changes in Derby's home over the past year, with which he valiantly tried to cope, impacted his world of consistency and predictability. HIs family regretfully surrendered Derby in an effort to spare him further stress and upheaval.

Despite so many changes, and the loss of his family, Derby has maintained his wonderful house manners and dignity. Obviously bereft since his surrender back to Hedgesville Hounds, he has nonetheless endeavored to adapt. Fortunately, a supportive foster home with a kindly older male dog and a self-important little dog in residence, are sparing nothing to support Derby through this transition. And each day Derby's wonderful curiosity, deep intelligence, and determination have helped him navigate his new start in life.

His foster care provider reports that he quietly shadows her, and has already established a comfortable rapport with her dogs. We have noted that Derby's puppyhood trait of assembling his "treasures" and burying them is still very present; he found his stash of toys, along with his leash and extra harness, and carefully pulled each one out of the plastic bag in which they were delivered, and assembled them under a towel.

Derby is still a beautiful fellow. His face has the shape and softness of a Clumber Spaniel; he is deep-chested and moves confidently. He rides in a car joyously. Despite his elegant appearance, he voices with the time-honored yodel of his beagle mother.

Derby is capable of deep and profound bonding with humans. He will bring the fullest measures of trust and love to an adoptive home.

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