Shep Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler Mix Unity, ME

Loyal sidekick looking for his superhero!

Meet Shep! He is an Australian Cattle Dog mix, estimated to be about 10 months old.

Shep is a super sweet and happy boy! He loves long hikes in the woods, taking a stroll in town, romping around with other dogs (big and small), sleeping on a comfy dog bed, splashing in the water, playing with toys, and cuddling up next to you! Shep would make the perfect sidekick for an active person or family who doesn't mind a dog that turns into a couch potato on rainy days. He gets along great with other dogs, so he wouldn't mind having a canine sibling, and mostly ignores the cats in his foster home.

Shep is working on his basic obedience like sit, down, heel, kennel, and come. His favorite command is "Place" (his cue to stay on his dog bed). Since arriving to Maine from Mississippi, Shep is so over-joyed to be in a home and around people that he is vulnerable to developing separation anxiety. To maintain a healthy and balanced relationship with him, his new guardian(s) should continue crating him at night and if he's left alone at home for appropriate periods of time, as well as, utilizing the place command during down time as needed. This helps prevent dogs from getting too attached and keeps them feeling safe even when their humans are not there. As he settles in and develops a routine, more freedom can be given. He is being fostered by a dog trainer who is offering free training to his adopter(s).

Shep does great on walks in town, even when passing other people or dogs. He's a very friendly and goofy boy! With his cute spots, big brown eyes, and perfect blend of ready-to-go energy mixed with a chill vibe - he always puts a smile on everyone's face that he meets. Is Shep the dog for you?

Shep weighs 40 lbs. and probably won't grow much more. He did test positive for Ehrlichia, and is currently being treated for this. He has not displayed any symptoms.

Shep is neutered and is up-to-date on vaccinations.

FOR PUPPIES: PLEASE READ!!
Homes considering Puppies must be prepared for:
Flexible Schedules for Potty Training. Puppies can only hold urine for one hour per month of age. Crate Training for the next 10 months to keep them safe from chewing on everything in your home. Supervision with Children and Obedience training.
Socialization; both with new people, children and other dogs outside of the home.
Homes that want a well behaved dog, must be prepared to put the time, effort and costs associated to train a puppy. Well behaved dogs are not born, they are trained! Please do not apply for a puppy if you cannot or do not have the time for a puppy.

Almost Home Rescue of New England is a 501 c 3 non-profit rescue; rescuing dogs since 2005.

All Adoption applications are completed on line at www.almosthomerescue.net

This dog is available unless it is marked as Pending, meaning Pending Adoption.

This dog is in foster care locally, ONLY if Maine or New Hampshire is listed next to the dogs name; otherwise, the dog is still waiting with our partner rescue for an adoption or foster home in New England.

PLEASE NOTE - We will check your veterinary reference, to ensure that current and prior dogs have a history of being kept up to date on rabies and distemper, have had annual heartworm tests, and are on heartworm preventative at least 6 months of the year. Current pets must by spayed/neutered.

Adoption fees:
Through 6 months of age $400
7 months to through 5 years: $350
6 years and under 9 years: $275 bonded pairs are $450
9 years and older: $200 bonded pairs are $250

This includes vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchip, heartworm/lyme/ehrlichia test, worming and transport fees.

We pay Peterson Express Transport Service to bring the dogs to New England. Imported dogs are transported on a USDA approved transport with a Health Certificate. All imported dogs are quarantined 14 days prior to getting on transport.