Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Socialization/training: Grady is friendly with visitors to the home and our veterinary staff loves him for his calm, cooperative behavior. Dogs: Grady has excellent dog manners with both large and small dogs. He ignores neighboring dogs that fiercely bark along the common fence. He plays gently with a much smaller 15-pound dog in our home. I have observed him allowing another dog to eat out of his bowl. He is playful and would really love another dog to romp with, providing him with mental and physical activity.
Cats: We have not observed him with cats but could get him cat tested if needed.
Children: We have observed Grady being friendly with small children, but we have also observed him being uncomfortable with an active 9-year-old in the home. A calmer household or older children who understand dog boundaries would be best.
We believe Grady spent much of his life in a kennel, so he didn’t initially learn basic household skills – but he’s making wonderful progress. He knows “sit” and “stay”, especially before meals. He is housetrained. His kitchen and table manners are much improved. While more training would be helpful and he does have a strong will, we know he’s a smart boy that is eager to please. Patience, consistency and positive training will be important. Grady accepts baths and nail trims without complaint, and enjoys being brushed.
Crate training: Grady is comfortable in a crate. We keep a crate available for him and he comes and goes at will.
Leash training: Leash training is still a work in progress. He can be a strong puller.
Activity Level: Grady is a large, athletic boy with a lot of energy. He currently has 2 daily exercise periods where he runs off- leash in a large fenced area and absolutely lights up when it’s time to run. Interestingly, after his morning exercise he prefers lounging outside on a couch during the day – regardless of the weather. This would be beneficial for a family that works during the day. Of course, if anyone initiates an activity, he’s up and ready to participate.
Fence: We feel a physical 4-5 ft. fence would be important for Grady. He doesn’t dig or climb fences but if he finds an opportunity, he will go exploring
Behavior: Grady is a big, sweet, high energy, loveable goofball that makes us laugh every day. He has different facets to his personality: (1) Sometimes he will sit in front of you, look at you with big, soulful eyes, and encourage you to pet him for as long as you will. He’s famous for rolling onto his back with all 4 feet in the air flashing a silly grin while waiting for a belly rub. He loves to roll in leaves, snow, grass, and wallow in ponds. He is meticulous about cleaning himself after outdoor activities and enjoys being brushed. (2) The flip side of Grady is that he can go from 0 to 100 when out in the woods running with that long, loping gait. He was taken to a shelter because allegedly he wouldn’t hunt, but he certainly has searching instincts because he’s always moving. Exercise will be important. Playful dog friends could help him with that energy. He loves to chase balls, but hasn’t caught on to the bringing it back part yet! (3) There is a mischievous side to Grady manifested by carrying shoes and other objects around the house. He hasn’t damaged anything yet but we are vigilant! He will occasionally get on a bed or couch but generally prefers a comfy dog bed.
Medical History: Grady has no current medical issues. He is up to date on vaccinations and receives flea/tick/heartworm prevention. He is neutered. Grady came into foster care overweight at 68 pounds. He has slimmed down to a healthy 57 pounds.
Foster Comments: Grady is a sweet, very handsome boy. After spending too much time in a kennel, he is ready to be someone’s cherished companion. Our dream for him is that he will join an active, loving family that will appreciate and encourage his sweet nature, embrace his playful energy, and continue helping him grow into his very best self. Never again must he wait in a kennel for the attention he deserves. He will be a treasure for the right, lucky family. Grady is a big, handsome, high-energy sweetheart with a personality as big as his paws. At 57 pounds, he’s athletic, playful, affectionate – and just the right amount of goofy to keep you laughing. We are looking for a family that will appreciate his multifaceted personality, provide good daily exercise, continue basic manners training, and if possible, provide opportunities for regular play with other dogs. A physical fence would be best.
Foster Location: Waynesboro, VA
Volunteer transport can be arranged in the Continental US within a 1,000-mile distance between adopters & foster home. If interstate transport is provided for your adopted dog, there will be an additional charge of $75.00 for the required Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). Typically, we are able to transport your adopted dog to within 2 hours of your home. *Dogs can be adopted outside the 1000-mile transport distance; however, adopters must be willing to either fly their adopted dog, drive to a location within the 1000-mile transport range, or make independent transport arrangements for their adopted dog. Transports to far Western states, from Eastern states, may have additional restrictions.
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