Adopt

My name is Askem!

Posted over 4 months ago | Updated over 4 months ago

Adoption process
1

Visit the Facility and Find a Pet

2

Submit Application

3

Interview

4

Meet the Pet

5

Sign Adoption Contract

6

Pay Fee

7

Take the Pet Home

Adoption fee: $175

This helps Claws & Paws Animal Adoption Center with pet care costs.

My basic info

Breed
Australian Cattle Dog
Color
Brindle
Age
3 years old, Adult
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
Sex
Male
Pet ID
19

My details

Checkmark in teal circle Good with dogs
Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Askem is a sensitive and soulful little guy who’s had his world turned upside down recently. At around 25 pounds, he’s on the smaller side — possibly a mix of Heeler and Chihuahua — and combines the sharp intelligence and need for purpose of a working dog with the emotional sensitivity and wariness that can come with tiny-dog genetics. The result? A dog who feels deeply, bonds strongly, and needs a bit of extra support navigating change.

Askem was originally adopted from us as a puppy and spent the majority of his life with his first owner, who adored him. They gave him a loving, stable home for nearly two years and had nothing but wonderful things to say about him — affectionate, loyal, and a true companion. Unfortunately, a sudden change in their living situation meant they could no longer care for him. They tried to rehome Askem to a relative, but the match just wasn’t right, and after a short time in that second home, Askem found himself back with us — confused, overwhelmed, and unsure of what was happening.

Understandably, he hasn’t adjusted well to the change. He’s a naturally nervous dog, and losing the only home he ever knew has shaken his sense of security. In the short-term home he passed through, Askem was reported to struggle with house training and was defensive with guests. These behaviors aren’t uncommon for dogs dealing with stress and uncertainty — especially those like Askem who are already prone to anxiety. It seems likely that he tried to cope the only way he knew how: by overcompensating with controlling behavior (classic Heeler) and reacting quickly when he felt vulnerable (classic Chihuahua).

What Askem needs now is someone who can see past those stress responses and understand what they really mean — a dog who is insecure, not difficult. He would thrive with a confident, patient person who can offer him structure, predictability, and firm-but-kind boundaries. He’s the kind of dog who finds comfort in routine, and who will slowly let his guard down when he knows what to expect and who to trust.

Beneath the nerves, Askem is incredibly affectionate. Sit down with him and speak softly, and you’ll see the longing in his eyes — he wants to be close, to crawl into your lap, to melt under your touch. He loves scritches and rubdowns and clearly desires connection. We're giving him the time and space he needs right now to rebuild his confidence, and he's already starting to show those sweet, loyal glimpses of the dog he once was.

Askem isn’t a dog for everyone — he needs a calm home, likely without young children, and with someone who’s familiar with shy or reactive dogs. But for the right person, he’ll be a deeply rewarding companion. If you believe that trust is something worth earning, and you're ready to help a dog rediscover what it means to feel safe, Askem just might be waiting for you.
Shelter

Contact info

Pet ID
19
Contact
Address
18705 Gateway Rd, Lebanon, MO 65536
Donation

Their adoption process

1.

Visit the Facility and Find a Pet

2.

Submit Application

3.

Interview

4.

Meet the Pet

5.

Sign Adoption Contract

6.

Pay Fee

7.

Take the Pet Home

Additional adoption info

We have an application for everyone who is wanting to adopt to fill out.

All adoptions includes current Parvo and Distemper Vaccine, wormer and rabies. Spay or Neuter Certificate ( if not already altered ) Several Vets honor our certificate although if they don't upon mailing proof of altering and receipt of paying out of pocket you will be reimbursed if not excepted.

Dogs are $175 and up, of this fee you will receive a $32 voucher towards the spaying or neutering if not already done.

Cats are $65 and up of this fee you will receive a $22 voucher towards the spaying or neutering if not already done.

If you rent we must call and verify with the landlord that you are allowed to have pets.

As with all animals adopted here, there is a contract that states if the adopter during any time of the animals life can no longer care for under any reason they have to be returned here, they cannot be sold traded or given away. We also offer a 14 day return policy so that if you get home and the animal doesn't work out for any reason you can return them to us and do an exchange for another dog or cat one time. If returned within those 14 days.The contract also states per Missouri Law the animal MUST be spayed or Neutered within 30 days of the adoption date depending on the age of the animal. We have been known to go and take animals back that have not been taken care of or if there is a breech of contract. We are always willing to take strays or animals that the owners can no longer care for. We take these animals by appointment and as space allows. To drop off animals to us we charge an intake fee of $30.00 which helps to provide vaccinations for our animals.

Adoption application

Go meet their pets

Lebanon MO Claws and Paws Animal Adoption Center
18705 Gateway Rd
Lebanon MO 65536

More about this shelter

We have an application for everyone who is wanting to adopt to fill out. All adoptions includes current Parvo and Distemper Vaccine Wormer and rabies ) Spay or Neuter Certificate ( if not already altered ) Lebanon Vets honor our certificate although some do charge the adopter more than the certificate covers depending on size and for pain meds.

Dogs are $175.00 and up and cats are $65.00 and up
of this fee for dogs up to $32 will help with spay/neuter.
of this fee for cats up to $22 will help cover spay/neuter

If you rent we must call and verify with the landlord that they can adopt from us

As with all animals adopted here, there is a contract that states if the adopter during any time of the animals life can no longer care for under any reason they have to be returned here, there is a $30 intake fee on all returns. they cannot be sold traded or given away. We also offer a 14 day return policy so that if you get home and the animal doesn't work out for any reason you can return them to us and do an exchange for another dog or cat one time. If returned within those 14 days there will not be a $30 intake charge. The contract also states per Missouri Law the animal MUST be spayed or Neutered within 30 days of the adoption date depending on the age of the animal. We have been known to go and take animals back that have not been taken care of or if there is a breech of contract. We are always willing to take strays or animals that the owners can no longer care for. We take these animals by appointment and as space allows. To drop off animals to us we charge an intake fee of $30.00 in Lebanon City or Laclede County. All cats that are brought in MUST have vet records of shots and that they have a clean bill of health before we can take them in.

Other pets at this shelter