My name is Katsu Yummipup!

By nature a serious, thoughtful pup, Katsu is looking for a job as the special lovebug of humans who are happy, predictable and kind. He loves to just hang out with his special person - but he's also a playful, affectionate boy who would love to be your sidekick on adventures.

HISTORY
The Yummipups were dumped in Eastern Washington in January and early February. They were hungry, scared and stressed when we took them in. Teaching them to trust and building their confidence took a while, but they got there at last and now they're ready to continue their journey with their forever families.

Their breed mix is based on our best guess, and probably several different sires were involved in making this litter. They are probably part Heeler, and we believe Katsu is also part Border Collie.

SOCIALIZATION
Katsu has been in his current foster home for about two months, and he has blossomed! It will likely take him a few days to adapt to his forever home, but given time and patience he will soon feel safe, and will quickly pick up on his new family's rules and routines.

Initially he may be a little reserved with strangers, but once he knows you he's not shy about asking for attention and skritches. He enjoys playing and cuddling with humans of all ages as long as they're polite and kind. If shouting happens, he puts himself away in his crate and stays out of the line of fire.

Katsu has never met a dog he doesn't love. In addition to his five litter mates he shared his first foster home with two older dogs. In his current foster home there are four other dogs, ranging from old and mellow to young and super-playful, as well as regular canine visitors and he likes them all - although he does enjoy teasing his grumpy foster brother maybe a little too much!

He also shares his foster home with a cat - he is mildly curious and respectful, but would probably chase a cat if it ran. There are also chickens (he's learning to be polite and calm around them) and horses (fun to bark at when the other dogs do, but he stops right away when called off).

TEMPERAMENT AND BEHAVIOR
Although he looks like a mix of herding breeds, Katsu is pretty laid back, with moderate to low energy level. This doesn't mean he's a couch potato; he would happily keep up with an active family that enjoys hikes and other adventures. But he'd also be content as more of a homebody provided he gets daily exercise, mental stimulation, and lots of snuggles.

The most important thing Katsu needs his forever home to provide is another dog to poke around (and maybe run zoomies) with. This boy is a follower; he depends on another dog to show him the right way to behave, and to reassure him that all is well. He doesn't have to be with the other dog all the time - often he'll choose human company first - but a confident, laid-back canine big brother or sister will be important to him. (Even a senior dog companion will do. Katsu very much enjoys playing with other dogs, but playdates and dog parks would meet that need. At home, however, he needs another dog to show him how to dog.)

Our boy also needs a high, secure fence - or an unfenced home in a safe location. He's not a wanderer, so as long as he's with you or hanging out with his dog sibling he'll stay close by. But if he's lonely he'll go looking for company, and he can climb or jump a 5-foot wire fence.

Katsu loves to play! He enjoys toys, especially things that bounce and squeak and things to chew, and he knows how to entertain himself. He's starting to get the hang of chasing a ball, and could probably learn to retrieve. With other dogs he loves games of tag and tug and his manners with other dogs are great - he's an excellent candidate for dog parks.

But once he's done playing, he'll seek out his human bestie; he loves just to hang out close by while you work or relax. And he's an affectionate pup; he's not needy or pushy, but if you're in the mood for a snuggle he'll happily oblige.

Katsu is alert and will bark if strangers approach your home, although he settles as soon as you let him know you don't need protecting. When out in a public place like a park he is non-reactive toward dogs or humans.

It's important to remember that in some ways Katsu is still very much a puppy. He's getting better, but if bored will still occasionally shred paper, foam and bedding! And he LOVES to dig, especially anywhere that you've recently watered. He's not super-destructive and he's learning to be a Good Boi, but he's a work in progress!

TRAINING
His house manners are excellent. Katsu is reliably potty trained, and is used to relieving himself outside. He is crate trained, and treats his crate as a safe place that he can retreat to when he wants time out.

Because of the amount of trauma this litter experienced when young, much of the time Katsu has been in foster care has focused on building his confidence and letting him figure out how to be a happy dog. However, he is intelligent, treat-motivated, and loves to please. He walks well on a leash, and is starting to learn basic obedience commands. And if you're interested in more advanced training, his ability to jump or climb fences suggests that he might be fun to train for agility.

PHYSICAL & HEALTH STATUS
Based on a vet's opinion of their probable age, we've assigned this litter 8/15/2022 as their birthday. Katsu is one of the smaller pups in the litter. We expect him to weigh around 45 lbs when full grown.

He has been sterilized, fully vaccinated, treated for internal parasites, and microchipped, and examined by a vet. His hips have been xrayed and are completely normal. He appears to be in excellent health.

ADOPTION INFORMATION
Katsu is living in a private home, and will be available to meet you after your adoption application has been approved.

Please email HearthfireART@gmail.com to request an adoption application form.

For more pictures of Katsu, please see his Facebook album at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=HearthfireAnimalRescueTeam&set=a.505927438355017