Ruff Ruff! My name is Willis

Willis's Story...
Willis is a red Australian Cattle Dog (or a mix). He was rescued as a stray in Georgia after a woman intervened and saved him when he was being attacked by other dogs. He is healthy, has been fully vetted and microchipped, is up to date on vaccinations and neutered, and is heartworm negative (and on heartworm preventative). We think he’s about 2-3 years old. He weighs about 55 lb. He loves people and responds well to training. He is crate trained and rides well in the car.

Willis needs a home where he will live indoors, with a fenced yard and an adult who will spend time with him and give him enough exercise and mental stimulation. He probably didn’t live inside before, but has responded well to housetraining and is learning household sounds, like the vacuum cleaner. He loves kids and would do well with kids 8-10 years old and older. He is boisterous and likes to roughhouse. He apparently wasn’t taught not to roughhouse in the past, but has learned quickly to be gentler with people. He would make a great agility and tracking dog, and may also be a good herding dog (although we have not had him with livestock). He is very smart and biddable and would probably also make a great therapy dog. His response to cats is unknown.

Due to his past, Willis gets along well with some dogs, but not all dogs. He tends to play rough and throw his weight around. Dogs who get in his face scare him and he feels like he needs to protect himself. He does better with dogs who are easygoing. He probably would not do well at a dog park where any loose dog could approach him. He would do best with a person who would protect his space so he doesn’t have to and would supervise him well when meeting other dogs. He would probably do best in a home with one other easygoing dog to play with.

Willis comes with his own collar and leash, crate, blanket, coat (to help him acclimate to Minnesota winters) towels, dishes, toys and bone. He has done well in foster care in Afton, MN, but needs a home where he will get more individual attention. He needs his own person or family to spend time with him.

Willis has charmed all who have met him and taken care of him. He is ready for his forever home. His adoption fee is $295. Please contact Jenny at njennyr@visi.com with “Willis” in the subject line if you are interested in Willis. Thank you!