Shuman

Shuman is a 2-year-old male Border Collie mix who came to us from a rural California shelter after being picked up as a stray. We don't know what life looked like for him before the shelter, but it's clear he may have spent time on his own or experienced some confusing interactions with people.<br/><br/>When he first arrived, Shuman was nervous, skittish, and unsure who to trust. But from day one, he was immediately good with other dogs — a huge plus for this sensitive boy.<br/><br/> A True Herding Dog at Heart<br/><br/>Shuman is very much your typical herding breed:<br/><br/><br/> <br/> Busy mind<br/> <br/> <br/> Needs engagement<br/> <br/> <br/> Thrives with structure and purpose<br/> <br/><br/><br/>When he's mentally and physically fulfilled, he shows his more relaxed side. Inclusion is everything for this boy — he wants to be part of your world, not watching from the sidelines.<br/><br/> What Shuman Loves<br/><br/><br/> <br/> Playing with his foster dog siblings<br/> <br/> <br/> Walks and outdoor adventures<br/> <br/> <br/> BALL! (Did we mention he LOVES playing ball?)<br/> <br/> <br/> Being included in daily life<br/> <br/><br/><br/>He is playful, fun, and incredibly rewarding to engage with. When introductions are handled slowly and thoughtfully, Shuman can do well with new people.<br/><br/> Shuman's Ideal Home<br/><br/>To truly thrive, Shuman needs:<br/><br/> An experienced, patient handler<br/> A fully secured yard<br/> Someone committed to building trust with a nervous dog<br/> An active lifestyle<br/> Bonus (but strongly encouraged): A well-socialized resident dog to help him continue building confidence<br/><br/>Another stable, people-friendly dog could be a wonderful role model for Shuman and help accelerate his progress.<br/><br/> The Right Home Will See His Heart<br/><br/>Shuman has so much love to give — it just needs to be unlocked in the right setting. With time, reassurance, and consistent guidance, he will be deeply loyal and devoted to his people.<br/><br/>He is:<br/><br/><br/> <br/> Neutered<br/> <br/> <br/> Microchipped<br/> <br/> <br/> Up-to-date on vaccinations<br/> <br/><br/><br/>Shuman is long overdue for his forever home. The right family will not only change his life — they'll gain a devoted companion who will treat them right for years to come. <br/><br/>https://www.australianshepherdsfurever.org/adoption-application<br/><br/>There is an additional $20 microchip fee which includes registration and transfer to his new family.<br/><br/>All adoption fees are used for future rescue efforts.<br/><br/>This handsome young boy is a sweet Aussie mix who is named after the kind pilot that flew him<br/>to his foster family in Auburn, CA. <br/><br/>Shu is a lean, tall 50 lbs., is neutered and UTD on vaccines and Heartworm/flee & tick prevention. He has quite a story...<br/><br/>Shuman came from a Central California Shelter where he was not thriving. He was shut down<br/>and scared. Even animal control had a heck of a time trapping him off the streets. In the shelter, he was shy and wouldn't eat or come out of the corner for affection. It was very likely he would have been euthanized had his foster parents not taken a chance to rehabilitate him. He is one lucky pup!<br/><br/>Today, less than three months later, Shuman has blossomed. He plays well with other polite<br/>dogs, loves toys, and is good on a leash. He has been learning some commands while with his<br/>foster family and knows Sit and Down. He is working on Stay and waiting at the thresholds.<br/><br/>Shuman now trusts his foster mom and dad but needs time to warm up to strangers. He has<br/>gained some confidence, and his true puppy-like personality is showing through. He has begun<br/>to walk up to neighbors for pets and treats while out on walks and greet his foster family at the door with a wagging tail. Shuman loves his balls too and will bark enthusiastically for ball play.<br/><br/>Sometimes he entertains himself by throwing the ball up and catching it. How Aussie is that?<br/>Shu is crate trained and will need one in his new home because it's his safe place when he<br/>feels afraid or needs a break. In the evening, Shuman looks for something to chew on, so his<br/>crate is a good place for him to enjoy a chew toy or bully stick.<br/><br/>You know the saying: You get out of a relationship what you put into it? With Shu, it will be that way. Shuman will need lots of patience with his new people. He occasionally will chew on things. He shouldn't but takes redirection well. He is not a dog you will meet and get lots of love from instantly. He says,” I am no labrador!” <br/><br/>He will need a secure environment with a very well fenced yard; he may try to ‘escape' if he gets frightened so should be kept on a leash (even in the fenced yard) for the first few weeks in his new home for insurance. Shuman is afraid of quick movements and does not like loud popping noises like gunshots or chopping wood and will seek a place to hide when he hears them. This sweetie has a really good off switch and will relax most of the day but he loves to get his walkies out in the morning and evening so will do well with an active person, maybe someone who would like a running partner. No cats, chickens or other small animals please.<br/><br/>Once Shuman learns to love and trust you, he'll show his fun, silly nature. We think he has<br/>made incredible gains in a short time and will continue to be a Good Boy with the right<br/>EXPERIENCED family. He may even ‘sit pretty' and put his paws on you for affection which is<br/>so endearing; when he does this, you'll know you've become his person. Please consider this<br/>boy. He deserves a soft warm bed with you to cuddle with!<br/><br/>If he sounds perfect for your family, here is the application:<br/><br/>https://www.australianshepherdsfurever.org/adoptions<br/><br/>There is an additional $20 microchip fee which includes registration and transfer to his new furever family. <br/><br/>All adoption fees are used for future rescue efforts.<br/><br/>Shuman-<br/>Sweet and silly, but nervous initially<br/>Crate trained, knows basic commands (Sit, Down, Wait, Leave-it)<br/>Clever and trainable<br/>Good on a leash<br/>Will run if frightened<br/>Hard to retrieve<br/>Good with dog savvy Cats<br/><br/>You-<br/>Very Patient handler (preferably Female)<br/>Very secure home environment and yard<br/>Willing to use a crate<br/>Children over 8 y/o okay<br/>Have another friendly dog<br/><br/>Hi! I'm Shuman, Cool name huh? I am named after the very kind pilot that flew me from central California to my Foster family in Auburn Ca. The flight was terrifying for me but not as bad as being left on the streets to fend for myself or the loud and scary shelter ASF rescued me from.That all seems ages ago.<br/><br/>I've been with my foster family for eight months now! I love them, they are so kind and have helped me become confident and healthy. These days, I play with their dogs nicely, sleep in a comfy crate and go on trips with them. I would love to have a young dog friend to play with when I go to my new home. I am a nervous guy and having another friendly dog around who knows the ropes helps me to feel safe.<br/><br/>I love meeting new people, and it would be so nice to meet you! I might not show you my best qualities right away though. I'll need some time to learn to trust you, but when I do... I am certain you'll love my goofy, fun personality.<br/><br/>I've been learning about kitties and chickens and have gotten a lot better about listening to my foster parents about not chasing them when they say ‘Leave It'. I would really like to chase them though. My foster parents are careful that I don't and they taught me to play fetch to help me get my chase needs met. And now... I LIVE for the ball!<br/><br/>My foster parents think I had a mixed past, one of love and of some harsh treatment. They say I am adorable and think I'd been trained to do some very cute things. BUT, I am also very nervous around loud noises and quick movements, especially when people move their feet quickly. Sometimes, even the toaster frightens me and when it does, I run to my crate or hide<br/>under the desk with my nose in the corner.<br/><br/>I'm a really good dog if I am not bored and have a secure place to be. I like to go for walks, and I like a lot of time to sniff around and explore. I know it's best to do this with my owner, but if they don't take me on walks, I will go by myself given the chance. I rest well after 15 minutes or so of ball play a couple of times a day and a walk. I really like to run so would like a big secure yard to play in. I'd like to go for hikes with you but I need to be kept on a leash. I am curious and when I get frightened, I run away.<br/><br/>Sometimes when we go for walks, I get to see other dogs and little humans. I like meeting them all and am very curious about the little humans, they seem familiar to me. I take treats nicely from them but I would also like to herd them. Foster mom thinks I'll knock them down so she doesn't let me play with them.<br/><br/>From my foster mom:<br/>Shuman is a 1.5 - 2 y/o Male Border Collie mix. He weighs about 50 lbs., is neutered, microchipped and UTD on vaccines and Heartworm/flea & tick prevention.<br/><br/>Shuman will take more time to warm up and feel comfortable in a new home than some other dogs. His new family will need to be very patient, gentle and willing to work with a trainer if needed. Experience with working dogs is also required. You'll need to be able to keep him secure because, true to his Border Collie nature, he is clever and will find a way to escape if he feels afraid or bored. He is very difficult to retrieve if he gets loose when he is frightened. We keep him indoors (crated) or in a very secure yard when we leave the house. When we take him to new places, we keep him on a long leash until we are confident that he'll come back to us.<br/><br/>These days, if we keep him engaged by playing ball or other games, he stays with us. Though Shuman is sweet to children, I suspect his herding nature will be an issue so I don't recommend he live with children younger than 8 y/o. <br/><br/>We think Shuman would also do best with<br/>primarily a Female handler.<br/>If interested in Shuman please contact Australian Shepherds Furever at<br/>australianshepherdsfurever@gmail.com or fill out an application found here<br/>https://www.australianshepherdsfurever.org/adoption-application<br/><br/>There is an additional $20 microchip fee which includes registration and transfer to his new furever family.

Shuman is a 2-year-old male Border Collie mix who came to us from a rural California shelter after being picked up as a stray. We don't know what life looked like for him before the shelter, but it's clear he may have spent time on his own or experienced some confusing interactions with people.

When he first arrived, Shuman was nervous, skittish, and unsure who to trust. But from day one, he was immediately good with other dogs — a huge plus for this sensitive boy.

A True Herding Dog at Heart

Shuman is very much your typical herding breed:



Busy mind


Needs engagement


Thrives with structure and purpose



When he's mentally and physically fulfilled, he shows his more relaxed side. Inclusion is everything for this boy — he wants to be part of your world, not watching from the sidelines.

What Shuman Loves



Playing with his foster dog siblings


Walks and outdoor adventures

Shuman is a 2-year-old male Border Collie mix who came to us from a rural California shelter after being picked up as a stray. We don't know what life looked like for him before the shelter, but it's clear he may have spent time on his own or experienced some confusing interactions with people.

When he first arrived, Shuman was nervous, skittish, and unsure who to trust. But from day one, he was immediately good with other dogs — a huge plus for this sensitive boy.

A True Herding Dog at Heart

Shuman is very much your typical herding breed:



Busy mind


Needs engagement


Thrives with structure and purpose



When he's mentally and physically fulfilled, he shows his more relaxed side. Inclusion is everything for this boy — he wants to be part of your world, not watching from the sidelines.

What Shuman Loves



Playing with his foster dog siblings


Walks and outdoor adventures


BALL! (Did we mention he LOVES playing ball?)


Being included in daily life



He is playful, fun, and incredibly rewarding to engage with. When introductions are handled slowly and thoughtfully, Shuman can do well with new people.

Shuman's Ideal Home

To truly thrive, Shuman needs:

An experienced, patient handler
A fully secure