Shadow

Feb. 10, 2005 - Shadow Goes Home!

Shadow, more than any other second chance dog that we've had, just wanted to go home. Although he was always happy and ready for a walk or training, he looked at every car hoping that it had come for him. Today he got his wish and a wonderful home is now his. He finally has a family of his own to love and take care of him. That's all he ever wanted. Remember your training, Shadow. Be good in your new home and come back and see us, sometime.

Jan. 30, 2006 - Shadow is Here

Poor Shadow arrived today. He is from the Calaveras Humane Society and he misses his home. He was raised from a puppy in a nice home but fell in with a bad crowd. Shadow loves to romp and play and thought he was doing just fine with a bunch of his dog friends. But these hooligans were off chasing livestock! And before he know what happened he was kicked by a cow and suffered a broken leg. But his owners loved him so off the the vet he went for treatment. He recuperated and in no time got his cast removed and was back in action. However, the bad influences were still around and the little devil on his shoulder won and he went right back and chased the cows again! Well, that was too much and fearing for his and the livestock's safety, he was surrendered to the shelter.

He went from the shelter to a foster home with the CHS folks that brought him out for an assessment. We found that he was a nice guy although very social with people and other dogs, was badly in need to learning some manners. So now he in an official second chance student and is staying with us.

Shadow is a neutered male, about 60 lbs. He looks to be a Border Collie, Lab and Shepherd cross that is 4 years old. With very striking looks and an appropriate name, he is heartworm negative and current on all vaccinations.

So far we've found him to be a big goof. He jump up and down when we head to his kennel with lead in hand. All he wants is to come out and be with you. Exploring, walking around and sniffing everything is his favorite way to start the day. He is learning to wait and not charge out the gate ahead of you, but it helps to remind him. In another day or two he will have his wait command down pat. That is very important for us because there are too many dogs are killed or injured when they suddenly zoom out the door and are hit by passing cars.

As you can see he enjoys learning. He is finding out how to sit on command. Once he finds out that he earns praise when he does it right, he is a star. His sit looks a little awkward, but that's OK because of his leg. It doesn't slow him down or both him beyond that.

But, he isn't always perfect! He is all about getting praise and pets. Sometimes he tries too hard. But the occasional jump is OK as long as it is not on us. And it is hard not to laugh at that happy face of his. As of this writing, he knows how to heel nicely on a loose lead, sit and lie down from the side when asked and will come and sit in front of you when recalled. He is learning to sit and down from the front and will be soon starting on learning to sit and down while still in motion. He also knows what we call an auto-sit. That means while you are walking along with him in a heel position and stop, he will stop with you and sit quietly by your side. This is important when walking in town and you stop to speak to someone or at a crosswalk to wait for traffic.

But, although he is a good student, what he really wants is a home of his own. He loves to be with people and will sit with you and long as you like. He would be in heaven playing with yard with you and some kids. Then sit by the fire and watch TV until bedtime. As long as he has his people he is a very low maintenance guy. He would not do well thrown in a backyard and forgotten. He will thrive and blossom as a loved and included family member. His happy expression here says it all. But no livestock, please!

If you are interested in Shadow, please send us an email of call Margaret at (209) 223-3194. Maybe Shadow could go home with you... he would like that.