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My basic info
Breed
Mixed Breed (Large)
Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn
Age
Young
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Not good with kids
Good with dogs
Not good with cats
Needs experienced adopter
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
TONY WANTS TO SPRING INTO A NEW HOME! Ocean County, NJ - At the shelter in New York City where 2 year old 70 lb Tony, fka Leonidas, arrived after being found tied to a pole on the side of the street, the volunteers said, "Tony, after taking a long time to warm up to you has some basic impulse control issues such as jumping. He also does not like being tied up, and can become defensive, which is understandable based on how he was found. Once he knows you, he warms up to you and it can be seen how much he loves people deep down. A quiet home, with minimal interaction with new people where he will have the space and time to do this would be ideal for him. Once he gets to know his people, he will be a loyal friend.”
Based on what we've learned about him, we suspect he's been mistreated in the past and, understandably, it takes him some time to warm up to his person (or people) and begin to trust them. With his current foster family, he's really begun to relax in their care. He has made it obvious that he absolutely adores any large dogs being around him and quickly learns from the dogs around him.
"Tony is very sweet," they say. "Tony is a happy and loving soul, just scared that someone is going to hurt him which is completely normal. Although he's nervous and confused, he's feeling more confident every day. He has an amazing sense of character, loves to explore and learn. He's come a long way since he first arrived and I believe in him. He learns at an incredible speed and clearly wants to please his people."
His foster mom also reports that Tony loves his crate, is well-mannered and perfectly crate trained. Tony does absolutely adore other dogs. He can get a little overzealous being the puppy that he is and annoy some older dogs, but he would benefit greatly from a home with another dog.
He knows some basic commands such as sit and wait, but can be snappy with treats if they are not given very slowly and deliberately. He pulls a little on the leash, but is non-reactive (indifferent) to other dogs and people that he passes by - he looks to his trusted person for reassurance and guidance.
Since loud noises and sudden movements make Tony nervous, especially if he is in his crate, and knowing he is very protective of "his person", he will be best set up to succeed in an experienced, adult-only home. Tony’s foster family has noticed that he has a high prey drive and could a be a danger to small pets in a home and it would be advised that he go to a home that is adult and large dog only.
"Tony's definitely been hurt to the soul," says his foster mom. "He bonds so strongly once he trusts you that I cannot even begin to comprehend how he must have felt when his first owner abandoned him. Now, he's just waiting for that family, that second chance, that can give him a permanent home and love him forever!"
If Tony's story is one that you can relate to and you feel you are the special, patient, understanding person (or people) that he needs, please contact AmsterDog at info@amsterdog.org or complete our application at www.amsterdog.org/application to get the process started.
Tony is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on shots.
Thank you for reading and caring about a pet in need!
