JUNE AB#IN-18-070-2- F, 1 1/2 Years

Foster dog name: June

Gender: Female

Age: 1.5 years

Size/Weight: 41 lb.

Color: White with black spots; gorgeous 

Breed: English Setter

Socialization/training: June was initially very frightened of people. For the first few days she wouldn’t look at us, take treats out of our hand, or come to us voluntarily. However, even early on, she would accept petting and gentle cuddling while resting on her favorite couch. In the month we’ve had her, she has made great progress. June now voluntarily approaches us and eagerly takes treats, particularly when her canine foster siblings are nearby. She has always been super sweet, gentle, and affectionate; now she is eager to lick your hands and face and be petted. She is making progress every day, although sometimes we still use a leash to get her to come inside, get in her crate, come downstairs, etc. June has never been the slightest bit aggressive with any human, however frightened she may get. She is now very excited to see us when we come home.

On walks, June was initially terrified of other walkers and runners, especially men, but is much less frightened now. While she may still get a little frightened by other people, she is always eager to go on walks. While walking she is fine with cars, traffic, lawnmowers across the street, fire hydrants, bikes, etc.

In our home and backyard, June is still frightened of visitors, any new objects (UPS boxes, etc.), and loud noises. At least in the short term, June would benefit from a home with few visitors and not too much non-routine activity. 

June seems very trainable and takes treats when training, if not distracted by small furry animals or passing strangers. She is learning her name and responds to “yes” and praise when training. She is learning “sit,” “outside,” “downstairs,” “upstairs,” “inside,” “get in your kennel,” “leave it,” “wait,” “go potty.” 

Good with Children: Unknown. June still seems frightened of the kids screaming and running around our neighborhood school and playground, but less so than before. She would probably be non-aggressive with gentle, calm, older children, but frightened of unknown children.

Good with Dogs: Yes, excellent. She’s submissive with her adult female foster sibling. Excellent and very easy-going with her male puppy foster sibling. Enjoys vigorous play with, and being chewed on, by the puppy. June will appropriately correct the puppy when he is being pushy and rude. June was reportedly good with the other dogs she travelled with from Greece.

June would likely benefit from a home with another friendly, playful dog who can “show her the ropes” and help build her confidence. She seems to feel more confident and comfortable while she’s around her foster siblings. 

Good with Cats: Yes. She typically ignores her two foster cat siblings, but licks them if they approach her. She sleeps peacefully on our bed at night with one cat and the puppy. June will chase the cats very occasionally, but never maliciously.

House trained: Yes. Only a few accidents in the month we’ve had her. Can sleep through the night without going out.

Crate trained: Yes. Doesn’t necessarily go in on verbal command, but will go in on leash and/or with treats thrown in. Seems comfortable in her crate: will go in and lay down or sleep, even when we don’t ask her, eats her meals in it, sleeps there at night when not on our bed, and stays in it without crying when we leave the house.

Leash trained: Working on. June has made excellent progress. Would advise walking her on a waist leash because she has a very strong prey drive and is very strong physically. She is getting better about birds, but still goes bonkers over squirrels and rabbits. June has grown to really love and get excited about her walks.

Activity Level: Very calm inside the house and on the bed at night. Will run in circles in the backyard. Very energetic when she plays outside with our puppy—will race around the yard at top speed playing will him. Can also lay comfortably, sometimes chewing a stick, in the backyard. 

Fence: June should have plenty of exercise and likes to be able to run around at top speed. She should have a fenced yard, because she is a flight risk, due to her strong prey drive and fearfulness. She respects our 4.5-foot wood privacy and 5-foot chain link fence. A shorter fence might be a risk. No idea how she would do with an invisible fence.

Behavior: June is extremely well-behaved. She hasn’t chewed on anything inappropriate, doesn’t counter-surf, and doesn’t jump up on people. She has done a little nesting/digging in the yard when laying down. She will stop digging if we say “no” or redirect her to something else. She is calm during nail trims and getting her feet wiped or body hosed off. June eats her meals well. She is fine in the car. Over the July 4^th holiday, she was afraid of the fireworks, but does not seem to be afraid of thunder. We’re trying to train her not to bark at our neighbors, but she will bark when frightened or there is unexpected activity.

Medical History: Up-to-date on all shots, microchipped, and on heartworm and flea & tick preventative. She also has been vaccinated for Bordatella. She tested positive for Ehrlichia in Greece, but was treated for it. She tested negative for Leishmaniasis in Greece, but will need to continue to be tested for it since the parasite can remain dormant in the system for many years and Leishmaniasis is endemic in Greece. Potential adopters must be willing to commit to annual testing for the next 7 years. Typically, the test needs to be sent to a special lab, but any regular vet can draw the blood and send it to the lab. The test typically costs $120-$150.

Foster Comments: June is absolutely GORGEOUS and extremely SWEET, affectionate, well-behaved, and playful. But she needs a home that can be very patient with her fearfulness and shyness. Along with continued socialization and training, another friendly, playful dog or two would probably be very helpful in providing her with playmates and in building her confidence.

Adoption Fee: $300.00

Foster Location: Grand Rapids, MI