Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
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Story
**Meet Louie!**Louie is a 1½-year-old Staffordshire Terrier/Australian Shepherd mix with a heart that`s every bit as big as his smile. While he may take a little time to warm up to new people, those who earn his trust quickly discover what makes him so special. Louie isn`t the type of dog who gives his heart away to everyone—but once you`re in, you`re in for life.In his previous home, Louie lived with children and was deeply devoted to his family. He did wonderfully with his own human siblings, but as he matured, his Australian Shepherd instincts began to shine through during high-energy play with younger children who came over for playdates. The excitement of kids running, chasing, and playing would occasionally trigger his natural herding behaviors. Wanting to do what was best for both Louie and their family, his owners made the incredibly difficult and selfless decision to help him find a home that better fits his needs. Because of this, we think Louie would be happiest in a home with older children who are past the constant running and chasing stage of life.Once he settles in and feels safe, Louie`s playful personality absolutely comes to life. He loves romping around with his dog friends, chasing his favorite Kong Frisbee, and showing off his delightfully bouncy side. He`s also a champion lounger who is perfectly happy to curl up and relax after a day of fun.One of our favorite things about Louie is how much he loves to learn. He already knows commands like sit, shake, and down, and he`s incredibly treat motivated. Training isn`t just something Louie enjoys—it`s something that helps him feel confident. When he`s unsure about a new situation, asking him to perform a familiar cue helps him understand what`s expected of him and allows his confidence to blossom. Watching him realize, `Oh! I know how to do this!` is one of the sweetest things you`ll ever see.Louie is house trained, crate trained, and has done well both crated and free-roaming when left alone for shorter periods. On walks, he appreciates a patient handler who understands that unfamiliar situations can make him a little nervous. Once he`s comfortable with both his person and his routine, he becomes a wonderful walking companion. Because he can occasionally try to back out of unfamiliar situations, we`re currently walking him in a harness and sometimes using a second leash for added safety while he builds confidence.Louie absolutely adores other dogs and genuinely seems to draw confidence from their presence. In fact, we`ve found that a calm canine companion often helps him feel more comfortable meeting new people. We have not yet tested him with cats.Like many young, enthusiastic dogs, Louie can get a little carried away once he`s excited. His joy sometimes comes with enthusiastic jumps and the occasional accidental face boop, so he`ll do best with a family committed to continuing his training and helping him practice keeping all four paws on the ground when greeting his favorite people.Some dogs are friendly with everyone they meet. Louie is different. He`s the kind of dog who builds real relationships. The kind of dog who chooses his people carefully, then loves them with his whole heart.If you`re looking for a loyal companion who wants to learn, play, explore, and build an incredible bond together, Louie just might be the dog you`ve been waiting for.Some dogs simply leave a mark on your heart, and we have a feeling Louie is one of them.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you would like to meet Louie, please submit an application for him on our website https://www.friendsofmichigan.org/adoptable-dogs. He is neutered, up to date on all age appropriate vaccines, heartworm negative, microchipped, and on monthly flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. His adoption fee is $250, which helps cover the cost of the medical care he has received. **Please note that the breed listed for each of our dogs is a rough estimate unless DNA results are provided in their Bio. All strays have rough estimates of their age based on the condition of their teeth. Each dog is different, so each adoption is different. Our adoption process might require multiple visits to the shelter before our dogs can go home. Or they may be ready on the first visit. It really depends on the individual dog and the potential adopters. Once we receive your application, the Dog Staff will contact you to discuss meeting our dogs.
