Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Not good with dogs,
Not good with cats,
House-trained,
Story
Niko is available for foster to adopt!
***Please apply at https://www.fetchandreleash.ca/adoption-info#adoption-form***
As a foster-to-adopt family, you will have two weeks to get to know your new furry house guest before committing to adoption. At the end of two weeks, if you choose not to move forward with adoption, we simply ask that you continue to provide a safe and loving home until their new forever family can be found.
During your foster-to-adopt trial, you’ll receive the support of a Fetch + Releash mentor to help you through the transition and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Foster-to-adopt families will be required to pay a $200 deposit on the adoption fee and sign our foster-to-adopt waiver in advance. If you choose not to adopt, your $200 will be refunded to you within 30 days of your dog being adopted into a new family provided you see your pup through to adoption. If you choose not to see your dog through to adoption, you will forfeit your deposit.
Foster-to-adopt families will be expected to provide their own supplies. Visit https://www.fetchandreleash.ca/adoption-info for more info on mandatory supplies.
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Niko/ M / 10Y / 85lbs / Blue Lacy Mix / Good with Kids / Loves People / Does Best Avoiding Other Dogs / No Cats / Prefers to be the Only Pet / From Tennessee / Fostered in Hamilton
Meet Niko! This gentle giant originally hails from Tennessee where he lived with a loving family. Unfortunately when they moved, Niko was not able to go with them and found himself homeless. Niko’s foster describes him as the ultimate snuggle bug who loves being close to his trusted people. Niko has so much love to give and is looking for a family that will never let him go.
Niko is very affectionate with his people and loves cuddling, giving kisses and receiving scratches. He also loves playing tug with his toys, especially a Kong which he is very attached to and will carry around with him to most places. When his foster returns home he will greet her with a wagging tail and his Kong. Niko previously lived with a dog-savvy 7-year old and would do well in a home with dog-savvy children.
Niko loves his walks and will perk up at the mention of the word. Niko walks very well on leash and doesn’t need to cover much distance but appreciates the opportunity for new sniffs wherever he goes.
On meeting new people while on leash, Niko is friendly but needs his space respected and time to warm up before new people approach him. He is also wary when he can’t see a person’s face due to sunglasses, hoods, masks, etc.
In the home Niko does not jump up, however, he does alert bark to people at the front door and will need some help with this behaviour. Once people are inside the threshold, he greets them with a tail wag and a sniff before running to find his beloved Kong toy to show off. It is absolutely adorable.
Niko is best suited to a family where he can be the only animal. On walks, he will generally ignore other dogs if they ignore him. He has a history of being reactive to some dogs and is not permitted to greet other dogs on the street. Niko can be very reactive to other dogs and will pull towards them. His current foster is working on his leash reactions with a trainer to better understand his triggers but for now Niko prefers to avoid all other dogs on leash. His forever family should be prepared to continue with this training and help him to hone his manners. No cats please! Niko has a prey drive.
Niko would love to have access to a fenced backyard where he can lounge in the sunshine and explore at his leisure. As a senior dog, his energy is low to medium and Niko enjoys 2 walks a day of 20-30 mins each, plus potty breaks. Even though he is calm and generally walks well on a leash, Niko is a strong dog so if he does pull, it is important that his walker is strong enough to be able to retain control.
Niko may bark when left alone but settles down within 20 minutes. He does not enjoy the crate and is trusted in the home alone. When left alone his behaviour is excellent and he will snooze on the sofa or on his bed. He has been left alone for up to 5 hours. At night he wants to sleep as close to his humans as possible.
Due to his age, Niko does have sore ankle joints and is on daily long term medication to help relieve the inflammation. He is on Meloxicam for pain management, which costs $150 for a 180mL bottle. He will need ongoing monitoring by a vet including bloodwork every 6-12 months. He also gets an arthritis injection called Librela every 28 days that costs $158 per visit. Due to his joint pain, Niko would do best in a home with minimal stairs. Niko currently has high blood pressure which we are treating through a medication called Benazepril.
If you’re interested in fostering with the intention of adopting Niko, please apply at
https://www.fetchandreleash.ca/adoption-info#adoption-form
The adoption fee for Niko has been generously sponsored. Applicants will only be required to purchase supplies necessary for his care prior to adoption and will have their deposit refunded after finalizing the adoption.
To learn more about our adoption fees and the adoption process, please visit our FAQs at https://www.fetchandreleash.ca /about-us#about-faqs.
