Tristan - Flat coat retriever or retriever mix (best guess) - male/ neutered - 4-6 years of age - 50 pounds - black long coat with feathering
One has only to look into Tristan's eyes to recognize immediately what a kind and honest dog he is. He is also extremely beautiful, despite the toll that years of neglect and matting had on his coat,
which we fully expect will soon match his glorious tail in its fullness and luxuriance - sadly, his mats were so vast and close to the skin, that even the consummate skill of a professional groomer
could not spare him his temporarily "skinned" appearance.
Tristan, on the other hand, cares little for such trifles as how his coat looks - he is so happy to be in foster care, and he glows with the joy of being unrestrained by a tether, the comfort of a soft bed,
and the delight of being included in a home. We are quite touched by his ready trust and gentle faith in us.
Fully house trained, Tristan is a lovely companion indoors. He plays quietly and happily with his two new toys, which he dearly treasures. He is happy, gentle, and companionable with the dogs and cats in his foster home. Outdoors he is playful, and even exuberant; at times he stops and just seems to be drinking in the smells of autumn and the grass and leaves - all the wonders of nature of which he was deprived for so long.
Tristan loves to be petted and scratched - his favorite spots are all the usual ones - behind his ears, his belly, and his rump - basically, Tristan is deeply appreciative for any attention - at the same time, he is not remotely pushy nor is he needy. There is a lovely dignity in Tristan.
At the time our organization responded to the request to help Tristan, we were told he was a 3-legged dog. Upon meeting him, and banishing the years of densely matted fur, we realized that he has all four legs - his front left leg is just quite small, but it is a complete leg with foot and pads, and he uses it for ballast and, when he is sitting, as support for scratching himself. So, it is a good,
if somewhat tiny, leg.
Tristan will continue to flourish with love and good food - he is quite healthy, although thin, and already beginning to muscle up now that he is allowed range of movement. He is another of those dogs over whom we marvel - a dog who waited patiently, and did not give up hope that someday his circumstances might improve. It is a privilege to represent him.
If you are interested in Tristan, please read through our adoption information and fill out an application. Both can be found at http://hedgesvillehounds.wix.com/adoption.
click here to be send a non-binding application
