Nicholas - Watch my Video! Fox Terrier & Parson Russell Terrier Mix Pasadena, CA

This is a courtesy listing for another rescue group. Please contact Angel’s Heart Dog Rescue and not Downtown Dog Rescue! PLEASE READ ENTIRE BIO BEFORE CONTACTING RESCUE. PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS AT THE END. Due to technical glitches within the Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet websites, it is best to just send a regular email to: adopt@angelsheartdogrescue.com. When writing, provide the information requested at the end of this Bio. Feel free to ask any questions prior to writing with your info, if need be. Thank you!

SEE VIDEO ALSO ON THIS PAGE! To view video on Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet, click on the video icon within Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet. To view video otherwise, paste this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8lGJXH7c2Y&feature=youtu.be in your address bar on top. Thank you!

Nicholas is neat, 16 lb., four-year-old Fox Terrier/Parson Russell mix, with some Dachshund and Poodle in his line (DNA tested). He was abandoned at the shelter due to a move. He has a short coat with some wispier hairs here and there which we eventually shaved for a more groomed look. He has lovely black and white markings with some brown in his face and paws. A great thing about Nicholas is that he co-exists quite well with the other dogs in the pack, whether male, female, large or small, and seems more comfortable when there are other dogs around. He is people-oriented, in that he follows the humans, sits nearby, and definitely lies down on the bed with you when you are resting. He is fun dog that loves his toys, always has a toy nearby, and loves to play fetch. He is so talented that he can catch the toy mid-air and bring it back directly to your hand. In spite of loving to play, he is still a relatively laid back, lower-needs dog.

Nicholas can be sweet and sometimes affectionate, but he also has an independent side to him (he does not constantly need my attention). He is probably more sensitive than other dogs and likes consistency. He enjoys taking walks in the community, and is completely non-reactive. He is crate-trained and potty-trained (however potty reinforcement is needed in any new environment) and he knows the dog door. He has marked a few times in the house but generally does well. I crate Nicholas if I have to leave the house for a bit (he has never shown any separation anxiety), and for sleeping, but he would much prefer sleeping on the bed with his humans. During the day, if I need to lie down, he hangs out with me (on the bed) for hours. He rides well in the car. Nicholas is a smart dog that is easily trained and benefits from people who believe in firm but gentle leadership and not spoiling.

Nicholas may have been treated meanly in his former home. Whatever happened in his old home resulted in him being nervous about being petted, in particular if he does not yet know you, but much more so about being picked up. When I first tried to pick him up, he would yelp and I felt he may nip me (he never did). I thought I was hurting him, but after palpating every part of his body, I realized not; rather, he associates this with something scary. I have worked with him and I am now able to pick him up just fine, but it is better if he knows I am about to do it, and pick him up facing him and not from the side or behind him works best. Nicholas just needs to build trust. We have trained him to go in the crate, follow most directives, and he is fine being leashed, so the need to pick him up/carry him is low, and he is more relaxed with petting once he knows you. He breaks the ice with new people by bringing you his favorite toy and inviting you to play! His main ways of bonding with you are: playing with him, hanging out on the bed with you, and walking with you in the community.

Nicholas has lived in one of our foster homes with cats, was not aggressive towards them, but would sometimes redirect his chase onto the cats. I imagine a cat that stands his ground is all it would take, and fit would be determined depending on the cat. Nicholas is completely non-destructive and does not dig. Though playful, athletic and agile, he is still a calm dog. Bed-time is a favorite because it is “treat and raw-hide time.” He leaps for joy, awaiting his allotment. He is quite food-motivated, but not food aggressive. I believe that Nicholas, overall, is still a fairly easy dog for someone with true dog experience and understanding, but he needs an adopter who will accept him and love him for his (mostly) positives as well as his (few) quirks. ?

The best home for Nicholas is a calmer home with adults (this should not be interpreted as “Dangerous or aggressive to kids” – it simply means we do not believe him to be a “kids’ dog” in his placement) and with at least one other friendly dog. This presents a bit of a dichotomy because Nicholas will neither overly bond with nor play with the other dog, but he seems to derive confidence from the other dog(s) in the home (he even shares pet beds from time to time). An older, more mature, non-dominant dog is best, and one where the expectation is not that they will bond tightly or play but for Nicholas to merely be company for your dog. People who want a dog for companionship and who enjoy taking walks with a dog that is non-reactive, are mindful of his joys, but also understands his sensitive nature is his best match.

The criterion for Nicholas is:
a) Recent dog experience – no first-time owners or first dog families
b) Relatively calm adult home – may consider older teenagers (in the home).
c) Must have at least one friendly, welcoming, preferably older dog that can help Nicholas feel more comfortable and help show him the way.
d) Not gone for long, extended hours on a daily basis.
e) May need to visit the Rescue more than once.
f) Willingness to follow the rescuer’s advice on transition.
g) Should be an age whereby a 12-year-commitment (in one home) seems realistic.
h) QUESTIONS WELCOMED!

NOTE: We only adopt dogs as primarily INDOOR dogs. Dogs can go outside to play, potty, to sun themselves at will, but should never be excluded to an outside area. You do not need to give a dog the run of the entire house, and an appropriately sized wire crate works very well during a transitional phase.

Nicholas is neutered, vaccinated, Front-lined, dewormed, and micro-chipped. If you are interested in Nicholas, email Angel’s Heart Dog Rescue at: adopt@angelsheartdogrescue.com. In the email, please indicate that you have read the Bio, and provide some information about your home, family, other pets, and dog experience, and if you wish, a phone number. Please also check your spam folder for an email reply from the rescue. Angel’s Heart Dog Rescue is a private, home-based rescue. We do have a process that involves some dialoging and an application (applications are not online); you can read about this process on my website: http://www.angelsheartdogrescue.com (go to the Adoption Tab). We seek stable homes that can provide a life-long environment for the dogs in our care. The phone number to the rescue is: 626-340-9316. Please do not phone the rescue unless you do not receive a response from your email within 24 hours (evening to night emails may get a response the following morning).