Joe
*ON ADOPTION TRIAL* – 2 yr old male Shiba
This good looking fella is Joe. He was picked up by animal control in rural Kansas. He was running wild with a pack of dogs that included another Shiba (who they were unable to catch), and a Shiba mix. Kansas is part of the puppy mill Breeder Belt”, so we figure they were most likely dumped by the breeder, or possibly escaped.
Joe’s age is estimated at 2 yrs old and he weighs 25 lbs. Although most Shibas shut down in the shelter environment, Joe seems to be doing ok. He is not anxious or timid. Assuming all he’s ever known is a puppy mill, the shelter is actually an upgrade. Sad, but true!
Joe is friendly with people and other dogs. He’s formed a bond with the woman who runs the shelter. He has not been tested with cats or kids. He spends most of his time in his outdoor run and loves bird watching. He likes to “talk” to the birds. Otherwise, he’s content to relax in his kennel. He seems to be a pretty laid back guy, but he may be a different dog once out of the shelter and given freedom to explore his world.
Joe has been neutered and vaccinated. He’s been in the shelter for a few months now, so they have asked for our help finding him the right home. We both agree getting him into rescue would be best. That will allow us to get to know him better and see how he responds to life as a pet, in a home, with a family. Something he’s most likely never experienced. The world outside of a cage in a rural setting may be a bit overwhelming for him. He will need a patient and understanding foster who will let him go at his own pace and adapt to his needs.
Joe has been placed in a foster home and is settling in nicely. It is clear he has never lived inside of a home before, so will need some to to adjust to life as an indoor dog. He is not fearful of humans and is quickly building trust with his foster parents, so he must have had a relationship with humans at some point. All this leads us to believe he may have been with a backyard breeder or a family that kept him outdoors only. Joe needs to see the vet for a wellness exam and to have his back legs checked, as he has a pretty serious limp.
