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My basic info
Breed
Husky/German Shepherd Dog
Color
Black
Age
Adult
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Not good with cats
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
**Many thanks to Jenn Wilson at letmeshootyourpet.net for taking professional pictures of Neeko!**
Neeko is a male black Husky/German Shepherd mix who came to us from an overcrowded shelter. Neeko weighs 65 lbs. The owner that turned Neeko in told the shelter that he was 8 years old, but we find that hard to believe, as he acts more like a 5 year old dog.
He is a very active and intelligent dog, and needs a family that can be committed to his exercise needs, as well as stimulating him mentally.
He loves to run, whether it's crashing through the woods on hikes, running to meet new friends at the dog park, going for bike rides, or getting suited up with his harness and pulling his homemade sled around.. He's the perfect dog for backcountry camping, hiking and other outdoor adventures, and would be great on a farm where he would have room to explore. He can spend hours prancing and pouncing alongside a pond or river frog hunting, and loves to swim. Neeko also rides wonderfully in a canoe.
Neeko lives with 3 other dogs, plus regular doggie visitors, and gets along great with them all. He will do the typical northern breed posturing and dancing to figure out who's boss, then it's playtime! Neeko lives in a home with multiple cats and there was a bit of a drawn out introduction process. He is great with them now, and even turns the other cheek to the occasional swat if one of the cats is feeling moody. He does still feel the need to race off and investigate whenever the cats get rambunctious. He should be introduced to new cats cautiously, but would be fine in a home with cats.
Neeko is a very sweet dog once he's decided you're part of his pack. He's comical when he's feeling playful, and will occasionally "talk" to you when he's excited. He'll stick his pointy nose under your hand to demand a pet, or pounce on his hedgehog toy or tennis ball when he want's to play. He is super smart, and picks up new tricks after being shown only a couple of times. When he wants something, he'll go through his whole list of tricks hoping to get what he wants. He doesn't always use his powers for good though. Neeko is a counter surfer, and will swipe empty tupperware off of the counter, and open them up just to check if there are any leftovers for him.
As long as you keep food off the counters, and don't leave him in the yard when you're not around, his cleverness is totally manageable.... Neeko won't bother with food left out as long as you're in the room. You can tell him gently to leave it, and he will.
Once he's had his exercise Neeko is very calm in the house. He curls up on the dog bed or the couch, or waits patiently on the fringe of the kitchen when it's cooking time. He knows basic obedience, and knows to sit and wait when being let in or out of the house, or out of the car. Once he's learned a command you can just whisper it to him, or sometimes not even say anything and he knows what you want. There is a certain amount of patience and persistence involved however to get him to this point.
Neeko would do well with a quiet, active family that has experience with Northern breed dogs. He needs a gentle, strong and consistent leader to follow, and someone who is willing to meet his exercise needs. Neeko is an absolute one of a kind dog, and we're hoping that his one of a kind forever home, that will appreciate his quirks, will find him.
Neeko is available for adoption through Grand River All Breed rescue. His adoption fee is $375. All of our dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and heartworm tested as part of their adoption. Please fill out an application at our website www.grandriverallbreedrescue.ca You can also reach us by email at GrandRiverRescue@hotmail.com
