Nolan AB#IN -18-049-7 – M, 3 Years

Foster dog name: Nolan

Gender: Male, neutered 

Age: 2 to 3 years 

Size/Weight: 40 lbs. (and will likely fill out some more)

Color: gorgeous red and white with red mask and freckles (large marking shaped like a broken-heart on his side and an angel kiss marking on his head)

Breed: English setter, with possible Irish Red and White setter (arrived from Greece)

Good with Children: Yes!  Does wonderfully in foster family’s busy, loud household (10-month old toddling baby has pulled Nolan’s ears and tail without a problem. Our 7 and 10 year children easily feed and lead Nolan).  Gentle and friendly with all the young neighborhood children who run and play in the yard with him.  

Good with Dogs: Excellent!  Nolan is especially gentle with our senior terrier who does not want to play, and LOVES to wrestle and romp with our adult setter.  He reads other dogs well and know who wants to play and when they want to rest.  He is friendly with all dogs he meets in the neighborhood.  He is confidant, but never dominant.  

 Good with Cats: Not cat-tested, but Nolan does have a high prey drive for birds and squirrels and was initially very curious about our rabbit.  

House trained: Nolan came to us as a dog that has likely spent his life outside.  Housetraining was a brand-new concept for Nolan, but he is now doing great.  Upon arrival, Nolan was newly neutered and acclimating to indoor life.  He has since learned where the back door is and waits by it or “herds” us to let him outside when he needs to potty.  Nolan has never had a poop accident in the house or crate.  As with most dogs in a new environment, there is likely to be an adjustment period for a few days as he becomes acclimated to his new surroundings, and it is possible that he may try to mark new smells and objects in his new home in the beginning. We found it very helpful to use disposable belly bands at first.  They are easy to use, and Nolan did not mind them a bit.    It is also recommended that his family initially keep him close and limit his freedom in the house, using the crate when he cannot be monitored closely, until he gets the hang of things at his new place. 

Crate trained: Yes! Nolan adapted to a crate very quickly, and now he goes in easily whenever we guide him in.  He is crated in the living room near with our own 2 loose dogs while we are at work or when he needs a place to relax.  Occasionally, he may whine for a minute or two, but stops when asked for “quiet” then quickly settles and lies down to sleep.  (Currently uses wire crate 40”L, 27” W, 30”H but could probably even go one size down).                                  

Leash trained: He has not gone on that many walks yet.  Nolan walks well on leash in the yard, but for more adventurous walks, he likes to head wherever his nose leads him.  He can pull hard when he sights a squirrel, commando crawling on his belly! We use the Gentle Leader, which he easily tolerates, but still pulls somewhat with.  Going to start working with him on a harness as another possible option.

Activity Level: Nolan loves being outdoors whenever possible, patrolling the yard.  When he is tracking or hunting critters, it is a thing of beauty to watch him move and point!  By night, he cuddles with us on the sofa if invited up, or on the dog bed with a toy.  He is great at regulating his own energy by finding a chew toy or seeking out play with his foster brother.  He also loves catching balls, playing with stuffed doggie toys and tug of war.  Like most setters, Nolan settles in the house as long as he has had his daily dose of fresh air and exercise.  Nolan loves to loyally follow us to every room and can easily jump 3-foot baby gates and Dutch doors to do so!  He loves the car, and waits beside it, hoping to be invited on an adventure!

Fence: Physical fence required.  Nolan loves to explore the outdoors.  This sweetie needs a fenced yard for running, lying in the sun, and gazing at birds.  The fence should be at least 5 feet tall, (preferably 6 feet of snowfall needs to be accounted for) and flush with the ground so he cannot dig out.  I’m not sure how he would respond to an electric fence, as we have never used one.

Behavior: Nolan is an absolute love bug and a sensitive soul!  He is very bright and a fast learner who wants to please his people. He quickly adapts to the family routine.  He thrives on consistency and knowing what is expected of him, yet is always open to a new experience.  Nolan is like big ol’ puppy, without the destructiveness.  He is playful and affectionate and will accepting petting forever.  He loves knowing where his people are, but does not exhibit any separation anxiety.  He has not shown any fear with sudden noises, vacuums, or thunderstorms.  We can touch his mouth, paws, ears, and tail.  He allows us to take food from him and does not growl if the other dogs share his food.  He tolerates baths and grooming wonderfully.  Although he has come a long way, he may still counter surf here and there, so it’s best not to leave food unattended.  He loves his meals and treats, and is not food protective at all.  He takes treats with a very soft mouth, and I can take anything out of his mouth without an issue.  He has never snapped, nor growled at any of us (human or canine) in any situation.  He very rarely ever barks.   At night, he sleeps upstairs on a dog bed at the side of our bed.  He would love to be invited on the bed in his new home, but is also happy just to be close beside you on his dog bed.  

Medical History: Nolan was recently neutered and microchipped.  UTD on vaccinations and current on Flea/Tick and Heartworm prevention.  He was treated for ear infections upon arrival.  Nolan originates from Greece where Leishmaniasis is endemic.  He tested negative before traveling to the U.S. However, it is possible for parasites to remain dormant in a dog’s system for many years.  Nolan’s forever family must be willing to have him tested annually for the next seven years through their vet. 

Foster Comments: Nolan is a joy to all that meet him and he will quickly steal your heart with his sweetness.  I have so much respect for this little boy in that he lived the first part of his life as a cast away on the streets in Greece, traveled across the world on a plane, and still is adjusting happily with no hard feelings toward humans.  He would do best in a home where someone is home part of the day or where someone can stop by to visit with him and let him out during the workday.  Nolan would not be happy in a household where left alone for long periods of time with no company or exercise to break up the day. It would be a bonus if Nolan’s forever family would like to take him to obedience classes to teach loose leash walking and continue learning his basic commands. It is something all dogs and owners can benefit from as it helps with management and communication and is a terrific bonding experience.  He has learned his name and the meaning of “Quiet”, “Off”, “Stay” and “Come”, and “Touch” before getting a treat.  Anything you teach him he will be sure to learn quickly, as he is very bright.  He will come when called within the house, but like a child, listens more selectively when busy outside!

Nolan’s forever family will be provided with his medical records, leash, collar, favorite toys, Gentle Leader head harness, a package of belly bands to have on hand for the first few days if needed, and some of his food to help transition over.

Adoption Fee: 300.00

Foster Location: Bristol, Connecticut