Duke Golden Retriever & Great Pyrenees Mix Eau Claire, WI

Greetings! My name is Duke and I was sadly surrendered to the shelter because I was not happy about sharing my home with the new dog; I do great with some dogs, but will admit that I am a little picky about who my dog friends are. I am a VERY handsome Golden Retriever/Great Pyrenees mix. I am 10 years old and a neutered male, but please don't be fooled by my age; I have a lot of energy, so when you spend time with me you may think that I am a young teenager. I am very proud of my plush, majestic looking coat, and will need your help with regular grooming in order to keep it from getting matted. I am in foster care part of the time because I love people so much that being a full-time shelter resident is way too stressful for me. The anxiety of going from a loving home to living in a kennel day and night is hard! I don't know how the other dogs here do it! I love my foster family and they tell me all the time that I am blue-ribbon-perfect. I am housebroken, and I have a lightning fast sit and down that makes them laugh. I also have a strong stay and come. If you throw a squeaky toy I will fetch it back to you in hopes that you will play tug with me. My humans have been offering treats in exchange for the toy, which is fine too, but I am thinking that if I can't teach them to play tug soon, that I will just keep returning the squeaker anyway, because that seems to be what makes them happy and I love to please. I am extremely smart and I love obedience training, so a family that will challenge me with new things to learn would be fantastic! I would be a great jogging partner too as I crave attention from people, love long walks, and exploring new surroundings. Out of excitement I do pull at first ( wouldn't you?) but I quiet down quickly and fall into a rhythm with a very nice sit before crossing streets; when you walk me slowly I like to sniff, enjoy the scenery, and lean or bump into you for attention. If you are looking for a guard dog I'm not it because I love everyone and would most likely run up and kiss an intruder. I lived with small children in my previous home and my foster home has young kids that come to visit. Gentle kids are great and sometimes real little ones drop food. Once that food hits the floor it's mine! My foster home has cats, which is something that I have never met before. If they run I want to chase them which gets me into trouble, so I am trying to remember not to do that, but this has been hard for me because my instincts kick in before I even realize it. I have that classic good-natured retriever temperament and would love nothing more than to become a cherished member of your household. If you would like more information about me please call the shelter at (715) 839-4747 ext. 21 and ask to have my foster mom call you back as well.