Scuttle Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler Pembroke, MA

Have you heard the scuttlebutt? Scuttle is available for adoption! This silly two year old boy has never met a stranger; he's a big ole freight train of love. He came to ACDRA with an unknown throat issue which prevented him from enjoying life without discomfort, but after some health scares and lots of tests his team of doctors was able to diagnose him with Myasthenia Gravis. Now that he's on meds and doing awesome he's ready for his forever home!

Regarding his medical diagnosis, Scuttle does have a couple of special considerations. Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic condition, so he will need lifelong medication (about $30-40/month) and veterinary check-ins to keep him healthy and happy. Second, Scuttle does better with soft food. He's currently doing well on a diet of high quality canned wet food mixed with water soaked kibble, but a balanced raw diet may be another great option for him provided you use a pre-made fine grind and feed thawed. Third, Scuttle needs to be fed elevated like a megaesophagus dog to prevent regurgitating. He will be adopted out with a bailey chair which he has been trained to use for meals. It is imperative that his medical needs be met to minimize the risk of life threatening complications (ask me how I know), so please research his condition and be ready for this commitment before submitting an application. The good news is that with his treatment plan Scuttle has a great quality of life! He's improved so drastically since being diagnosed; it's really been fantastic to see how well he's progressed.

Now that the medical stuff is out of the way, let's talk about how fun this kid is! Scuttle is such a friendly guy: he loves to say hi by leaning up against you for rib scratches and belly rubs. Lower energy for a cattle dog, he would make an excellent companion for someone who is looking for a dog to just kick back and enjoy life with. He's content to hang out with his people: chewing bones, rolling in the grass, and soaking up the attention. He loves to play tug and is working on his fetch skills! Scuttle does have some typical ACD behaviors so will benefit from some training and structure: he gets a little mouthy when excited, can be a little headstrong, and can get a little vocal when he wants something (like attention, or your lunch). Scuttle also doesn't quite realize his own size sometimes, so no young kids for this guy. He's improved on all these behaviors with me in my home, but will still try to get away with shenanigans if elsewhere.

Scuttle has not been cat tested but has shown prey drive towards small critters, so if there are cats in the home he will likely need slow integration with training to teach him how to behave. He's a little socially inept when it comes to canine friends - he means well but can be rude and ignore cues. He's learning to coexist calmly and play more appropriately!

Scuttle is approximately 46lbs, neutered, heartworm negative, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations and preventatives. He is being fostered in Marshfield MA; we would ideally like to adopt him locally enough for him to continue seeing his team of doctors at MSPCA Angell but will consider other applicants provided they plan to use a vet familiar with his condition. Regardless of location, Scuttle does require a meet and greet with his potential adopters to ensure a great fit! Follow his hashtag #ScuttletheIntrepidatious and check his highlight reel here for additional photos, videos, and info: http://tiny.cc/ScuttletheIntrepidatious

Please reach out to his foster at kristyn.stock@gmail.com with any questions!

Complete an Application:
ttps://www.acdra.org/adoption-application