My name is George: Not at shelter (Ron)!

Update: 

Like many dogs that find their way to the shelter as strays, George’s background was unknown, and every day with him was a learning curve for both George and the volunteers.  He became kennel-stressed after several weeks, and if he was ever going to find a home, something had to change. We asked a local trainer for assistance, and the daily interactions with expectations and positive reinforcement has made all the difference for George, who appears to be an Anatolian Shepherd mix. He has been able to combine his breed  expectations (livestock guardian) with family pet quality. Instead of ignoring humans, George now seeks out approval and pets from his caretaker—and the transformation has been remarkable!  Here are some observations from his foster caregiver:

“George is still getting used to all of the smells and cats. Spends most of his time squeaking toys and pacing. He met the rescue Kittten who is about 3-4 months old and was good. He wanted to play with her and she teased him. She's been hanging out with my Pit Bull, so she's cool with dogs, but still feisty.” 

George has appropriate play skills with other dogs and has a very special friend, a red pitbull named Lily. If you’re in the market for two dogs, you could not make a better match than Lily and George! We will soon post some pictures of Lily for your viewing pleasure. To adopt start with an application. 

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“George calmed down a lot and I owe a lot of that to Lily [another foster dog].  She's been the best thing that could happen to him. He has not jumped on or at me for well over a week. I no longer put him on a leash outside to make sure I can get him in. He no longer bounces away when I approach, preferring instead to accept “scritches” and affection, burying his head under my arm, and giving sweet, gentle kisses. Sometimes we just sit outside and I rub him down and scratch his head, neck, and back, and we are relaxed and calm enjoying each other's company and affection. He returns back inside and to his kennel with no effort. 

*His play with Lily is dictated by Lily most of the time, but he loves to run and make her chase. When she gets too physical he returns that in a kind and appropriate way.  He takes treats gently and enjoys a variety of different things. He's very level headed when presented with other dogs or people outside of the run, either just staring and observing calmly or at worst, a little whine. No barking and carrying on at all. When we go out together, he's confident enough to just exist in that space and just wander around along the fence line, observing all that is around him.  In the kennel, he doesnt seem to care at all about the other dogs, even an intact male that is currently with us. He does get excited when I let Lily out, because she's his person and he knows he is going out to play with her. He calmly approaches others in the kennel and sniffs and walks away.  I have not tested him with cats or children, but I feel like if he was presented with children, if they are trained to be calm and respectful with him, they'll never have a better babysitter or guardian. He has been nothing but gentle with me and I am prone to doing things that might be uncomfortable, like kisses on the head and face and bear hugs, and he has not responded with anything other than a return of affection to me.”

Does George sound like the kind of dog you might like? He is 75 pounds, neutered, current with vaccines, heartworm tested—and if you have a red female pitbull named Lily for him to play with, he would probably love to come to your house!

Apply here: https://www.friendsofcampbellcounty.org/info/adoption

PLEASE NOTE: This pet has been posted by Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, Rustburg, VA. For questions about the pet, please email us at FOACinfo@gmail.com. All adoptions begin with an application, found under the "Animals" tab on our website, friendsofcampbellcounty.org. *Unaltered babies under the age of six months can be adopted only to residents of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, and counties touching Campbell County. *Unaltered adult pets six months or older will need to be sterilized before they can be adopted outside our local area of Campbell County, the City of Lynchburg, or counties touching Campbell. *We do not promote dog adoptions to homes where an invisible fence is the fencing of choice. *We do not permit cats or kittens to be declawed following adoption.