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My basic info
Breed
Australian Shepherd
Color
Merle
Age
4 years 3 months old, Young
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
26 lbs (current)
Sex
Female
Pet ID
3230
My details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Purebred
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
COMING SOON********
KOKO, fostered in Upstate NY is a blue eyed Red Merle Mini Aussie weighing 26#, born
2/15/20. Intelligent, with excellent recall, she runs with grace and speed.
WHAT KOKO WANTS YOU TO KNOW:
● I didn’t know how to play with dogs, so Mom said that was Lesson #1. Now, I love
to tumble, wrestle and run with the two minis I’ve been living with.
● My favorite activity is pushing the soccer ball with my nose, and after you return
it, pushing again. Mom says, “You Pro!” as I watch her feet to plan my next move.
● I love catching small toys mid-air. No matter where you throw it, I’ll leap up a few
feet, and twist my body to catch it every time. OK, well almost every time.
● After outside fun, I relax on my bed, or curl up on the couch beside you.
● I know many commands, and am improving not zig-zagging on leash!
● I love going to Tractor Supply, outdoor garden centers, the neighbors’ farms, and
dog friendly parks with Mom, so I can meet other people and dogs.
● Before being rescued, I spent five days a week in an airline crate for 9 hours a day, and Mom says I “struggle
with separation anxiety” but we’re working on it. Hope you can help me along!
WHAT MY FOSTER MOM WANTS YOU TO KNOW:
● Exercise is vital for this young athlete - afterwards, Koko is a different dog, with a
big smile. A fenced yard, or time walking or playing in a nearby park every day
would be AUSSOME. Otherwise, anxiety increases. Playing catch inside with
toys on bad weather days also helps.
● Agility, flyball or rally may be a great path. The focus needed may help, too.
● Koko has some anxiety around men; we’ve made great progress. Avoiding direct
eye contact, and using a soft voice upon intro helps. She recently met my son,
who grew up with Aussies, and immediately jumped into his car to kiss him. The
ASF rep who had her for a week after rescue, shared that her husband bonded
with her, sharing a recliner, taking walks, and sleeping in the same room.
● Koko, nervous at loud noises and unexpected moves, used to jump up, and hide
behind the couch. Let her know you’re about to move, and she’s fine. Distract her
during thunderstorms for example, by engaging in things she enjoys - toys in the
air, of course! - and always use a soft voice.
● If anxiety takes over, she may look towards you for a reassuring word. Reward
her progress with praise and a treat.
PLEASE REMEMBER THESE DETAILS BEFORE APPLYING:
● LOVES KIDS! Koko lived with two young girls in her first home, and is drawn to
children. She gets excited, so play must be supervised.
● MUST HAVE FENCED YARD! She wears an FI GPS collar currently as she is
considered a flight risk.
● NEEDS AUSSIE SAVVY HOME! Strong & gentle leader working @ home/retired
would be ideal.
● GREAT w/ PLAYFUL, LOW KEY DOGS! Not cat tested, but gentle w/ small dogs.
Koko, sweet and affectionate, has those indescribable Aussie quirks emerging.
I’ve known this breed for 25+ years, and recognize a wonderful gem in the rough.
Someone who knows the breed, retired or working from home would be
ideal. Can you help Koko enJOY being a dog even more? Please fill out an
application at www.australianshepherdsfurever.org/adoptions Thank you.
All adoption fees are used for future rescue efforts.
