Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
House-trained,
Story
Buster is a very happy, loveable and confident dog despite what he's experienced. He does take a little time to unwind and settle into a new environment but he adjusted to our home quickly with structure and routine. Buster loves his people and wants nothing more than to be with them, he's the perfect little shadow. He would be great with older kids and a consistent, firm family leader.
We've been working on his manners and he's learned to politely take his pets laying down, he's fast to roll over on his back for belly rubs! He'll even hug your arm when giving him chin scratches. He's come a long way with his obedience already and is a good boy about staying in his "place" (comfy bed). His favorite kinds of toys are the ones he can shred into little pieces. Thankfully he doesn't see any of our human things as toys! We're working on teaching him "fetch."
He would thrive in a home that can provide him with a routine and regular exercise (walkies and sniffs). We've been working on crate training and he's getting adjusted to that fairly well, but still prefers to be in the same room as you in his crate. He has been able to go full work days by himself without accidents (in a dog-proof space, after a good walk).
Buster is working on his dog-specific socialization skills, he's very excited about other dogs but will need some consistent work to learn self control. He's sniffed nicely through a chain link fence with female dogs. He is not a fan of unneutered male dogs. Take any new dog introductions very slowly in a neutral space. No dog parks! Ideally he would thrive in a home where he could be the only dog or at least the only male dog (or with a family that can put the time and training into conditioning him to another pup). We haven't tested him with cats yet, he is a herding breed and has shown interest in chasing critters.
Buster deserves a second chance to find his forever family who will shower him with love, guidance and understanding! He has all the love and foundational skills to grow into a wonderful family pet
STABBED BY HIS OWNER, NOW HES ALL ALONE
Rescue preferred
This is not the life Buster deserves to be living Buster came to the shelter in July after being stabbed by his owner with a sword. He was seen by an offsite vet, his owner was arrested, and he has been here as evidence ever since. His owner’s case was dismissed due to a lack of evidence (unfortunately), and Buster is now FINALLY able to leave the shelter after being cooped up in a kennel for over FIVE MONTHS. We prefer that Buster goes to a rescue, as we do not want Buster to ever have to go back to the person who did this to him— he deserves better. He deserves love.
Buster’s story is sad, but please do not bring him into your home unprepared just because his story tugs at your heart. Anyone who takes Buster home needs to be prepared for a long and potentially rocky and frustrating decompression process. Being in a shelter for so long is not easy and takes a toll on a dog’s psyche (and behaviors). He needs space and grace to heal. Currently, Buster’s mind is all over the place so it takes him a bit to connect with people because he is just too overwhelmed. He needs someone who understands that it may not be love at first sight. Someone patient who will not necessarily shower him with love but will give him structure, boundaries, and a safe place to rest his bones.
Buster seems to want to be with dogs, but again, he needs to decompress. He lacks manners and shows some dominant behaviors, possibly due to how stressed he is. We cannot say for sure how his opinion of dogs and behaviors toward them will change once he is in a home, but currently he would do best with SLOW intros (decompression!!!!) and a tolerant, friendly dog.
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