Cayden - adopted

Cayden is a 5 yr old, 43 lb Australian Shepherd who was never supposed to make it this far. He is READY to discover what he’s been missing.<br/><br/>Born with a dangerously narrow heart valve, Cayden’s early years were spent living a very sheltered life. No rough play. No excitement. No adventures with other dogs. His family did everything they could to protect him, never knowing if a moment of exertion might be too much for his heart.<br/><br/>But Cayden proved them wrong. Five years later, his heart was stronger, and he became a candidate for surgery. He underwent a pulmonic balloon valvuloplasty, and it was a success! His heart is now strong enough for him to experience the world he was once protected from.<br/><br/>The challenge: the world is very new to him.<br/><br/>Cayden is now learning some of the lessons other dogs learned as puppies. Bikes, strollers, lawnmowers, unfamiliar people and dogs can leave him wondering, “What am I supposed to do with that?” He’s making wonderful progress, learning to look to his person for guidance when something is unfamiliar. His confidence is growing right along with trust in his people.<br/><br/>He has discovered some pretty wonderful things along the way. Cayden loves car rides, puzzle toys and lick mats, and he has a special weakness for people who get down on the floor. Get low, and there’s a good chance Cayden will come over to become your new best friend. And get this: thunderstorms and fireworks don’t seem to bother him much at all!<br/><br/>Because Cayden missed those early experiences with other dogs, he needs to be the only dog in his home. He likes dogs, but he doesn’t yet understand how to share his home and live cooperatively with them.<br/><br/>Cayden is housebroken, has lovely house manners, and is ready for a person who will continue showing him that the world is a safe and wonderful place.<br/><br/>After five years of being protected from life, Cayden finally has the chance to live it. <br/><br/>Cayden is being fostered in Minneapolis, MN.<br/><br/>His adoption fee is $250 + MN sales tax. He is neutered, microchipped and up to date on age-appropriate vaccines. Upon adoption, all of our dogs go to their new homes with a collar and harness, leash, starter food, blanket, favorite toys & treats. They are current on flea/tick and heartworm prevention.<br/><br/>As a foster-based rescue, we do not have a central facility to visit. Meet and greets with specific dogs are arranged once your adoption application (not an inquiry through Petfinder) has been received, processed, and approved. We are located in Minnesota and adopt to an area 400 miles from Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Cayden is a 5 yr old, 43 lb Australian Shepherd who was never supposed to make it this far. He is READY to discover what he’s been missing.

Born with a dangerously narrow heart valve, Cayden’s early years were spent living a very sheltered life. No rough play. No excitement. No adventures with other dogs. His family did everything they could to protect him, never knowing if a moment of exertion might be too much for his heart.

But Cayden proved them wrong. Five years later, his heart was stronger, and he became a candidate for surgery. He underwent a pulmonic balloon valvuloplasty, and it was a success! His heart is now strong enough for him to experience the world he was once protected from.

The challenge: the world is very new to him.

Cayden is now learning some of the lessons other dogs learned as puppies. Bikes, strollers, lawnmowers, unfamiliar people and dogs can leave him wondering, “What am I supposed to do with that?” He’s making wonderful progress, learning to look to his person

Cayden is a 5 yr old, 43 lb Australian Shepherd who was never supposed to make it this far. He is READY to discover what he’s been missing.

Born with a dangerously narrow heart valve, Cayden’s early years were spent living a very sheltered life. No rough play. No excitement. No adventures with other dogs. His family did everything they could to protect him, never knowing if a moment of exertion might be too much for his heart.

But Cayden proved them wrong. Five years later, his heart was stronger, and he became a candidate for surgery. He underwent a pulmonic balloon valvuloplasty, and it was a success! His heart is now strong enough for him to experience the world he was once protected from.

The challenge: the world is very new to him.

Cayden is now learning some of the lessons other dogs learned as puppies. Bikes, strollers, lawnmowers, unfamiliar people and dogs can leave him wondering, “What am I supposed to do with that?” He’s making wonderful progress, learning to look to his person for guidance when something is unfamiliar. His confidence is growing right along with trust in his people.

He has discovered some pretty wonderful things along the way. Cayden loves car rides, puzzle toys and lick mats, and he has a special weakness for people who get down on the floor. Get low, and there’s a good chance Cayden will come over to become your new best friend. And get this: