I've met with him three times in the past week, and each one is better than the last. He does have some issues and is going to the vet's on Wednesday to get neutered and have xrays of his hind end to figure out why he's a bit gimpy.
Teak was found near a small town in the southeast part of the province wandering loose. No one has come forward to claim him, so he is available for adoption. Age is somewhere between 2 - 5 years, at my best guess from the condition of his teeth. The vet will have a more accurate idea. He has a bit of training as he has on occasion sat on command but given that he's uncomfortable in the right hind, they have not been pushing for more than he is willing to give. He trots around okay in the outdoor exercise area and will lift either leg to pee, but when standing often only just lightly rests his paw on the ground. It might be hip dysplasia, or it may be an injury from getting clipped by a car, or wiping out while running loose.
He doesn't like the barky puppy that's there and will grumble a bit when walked past BooBoo's kennel so he may have had a bad experience with puppies (perhaps disciplined by a human for trying to discipline an unruly pup?). He doesn't care about the other barking (adult) dogs at all.
Because his health status is unknown, Teak will get a very thorough exam on Wed., which will include blood tests for heartworm and Lyme disease, a good going over, nail trim and deciding what, if any, treatment is required for the gimpyness. The nice thing about this rescue shelter is he will get treated for all things that are discovered and it doesn't affect what I pay for his adoption. They have a set fee for that. Now, I have donated things that they need like bleach and canned cat food (they have a sponsor for dog food so that doesn't seem to be an issue) so I do try and help out in ways that I can. They post on facebook when they are running short on things.
It is very common for dogs in kennel situations to bark like fiends. Teak has not. In fact, he has rarely barked (yay!), according to the staff there. He seems to be very calm and laid back, friendly with people and barely showed interest at the one cat he's met there so far. (That will get tested more once they get him more comfortable.)
I don't yet know how long he will be there, but I have put a "reserved" sign on him!
What a hansom guy! He looks bright and attentive.
ReplyDeleteHas he been observed around cats?
Given passing marks on health and the all-important cat test, you may have a winner here. Good luck!
He is handsome, isn't he?!?
DeleteHe has been walked past one cat (on leash) and didn't really care, but they will test that more after Wed., when they figure out what is happening with his hip/leg/back end.
Teak has a lovely profile. Let's hope the rest of him lives up to it. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteHe's nice on the eyes, that's for sure. Time will tell about all the rest. So far, so good!
DeleteHe looks lovely. Oh good luck.. I hope his hips are okay and the vet finds nothing serious. I hope he's the one.
ReplyDeleteSx
Yes, I hope they don't find too much when the vet sees him. Hopefully his bloodwork will be okay and the lameness is just soft tissue slowly healing. My fingers are crossed!
DeleteHe is awfully cute...I hope he checks out okay because going home with you would no doubt make his day. :)
ReplyDeleteI think it would make my day, after the fiasco of Sorley. :-)
DeleteHe's a bit of a Schäferhund - ?
ReplyDeletePossibly. And perhaps Rottweiler as well. But with mutts it is sometimes hard to tell all what's in the mix.
DeleteHe has kind eyes.
ReplyDeleteI do hope you guys get on well. He looks like the kind of dog who will give you extra loving attention if you're having a hard time.
xx
Teak looks neat and fantastic. He sounds like a great dog. I hope he recovers well and gets along with your (and any other) cats. I hope things work out for all of you, and I commend you for being so generous with the shelter.
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