AmunhoShepp While he was simply called ‘Shepp’ at the Bladen County shelter, we have decided that he is much to regal for such a common name. Therefore, this magnificent dog shall henceforth be known as ‘AmunhoShepp.’ Shepp was on his last hours when Operation Sav-A-Bull called to pledge that we would rescue him. After driving the hour and a half distance we had him and he was safe. He spent the first week boarding at the vet’s office while we juggled things around to try and find a foster for him. Eventually, fostering couldn’t be found and Shepp came to live at Casa Sav-A-Bull (my house) with the rest of the pack. While we can never be sure of the situation the dogs were in before we got them, I feel confident in saying that I am probably one of the first people to ever show Shepp any affection. I believe he spent most of the first 6-8 months of his life caged. The first night he was with us, we put him in a wire crate for the night after some hugs and pets and a long play time in the backyard. He cried and clawed at the door. I ended up sleeping on the floor next to the crate in a sleeping bag (so the rest of the household could sleep). Shepp slept pressed up against the wall of the crate closest to me. The next night, I let Shepp sleep on the couch with me and we haven’t needed a crate since. Shepp is an absolute joy to watch while playing. Not only will he retrieve a thrown ball, but he will bring it back! That’s right, he actually plays fetch, not tug-of-war. He has a speed and grace to his gait that is absolutely stunning. We think he would be excellent at agility courses. He plays well with the other dogs in the bully bunch, but prefers human companionship. He is extremely tolerant in general and is quite gentle with children. We brought him to a renaissance festival with us (so as not to stress his separation anxiety) and even put him in a quickly modified set of leather armor. Not only did he not mind the leather armor, but he became the star of the show that day. Shepp stayed at my side, his leash attached, but unused, and let everyone pet him. I cannot tell you how many toddlers hugged on the ‘guard dog’ that day, but I can tell you that Shepp loved every minute of it. AMUNHOSHEPP 18 months - 2 years Australian Shepherd - Husky mix about 45 pounds housebroken great with children ok with cats good with other dogs (prefers females of the same size) neutered UTD on shots Suffers some separation anxiety, would do best in a home where someone is home most of the time. That being said, he is not destructive when alone, just sad. At rescue, when we have to go out, Shepp is not crated and we have no issues. He *will* however, follow you into the bathroom. :)
Posted on: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 01:09:56 +0000
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