Skylar Terrier Mix Eau Claire, WI

Hello, my name is Skylar and I was surrendered to the shelter because I do not do well with young children or cats. I know that my previous owners loved me because I was their pet for over 10 years, but I am now a 12-year-old male, and would prefer to have a more quiet household. I am calm and good when children are gone. I can be a bit protective of my things like food and especially blankets, so gentle children over the age of 12 that know about this and understand not to approach me from behind may be fine. I am housebroken and I have been neutered, so I am ready to become your cuddle buddy. I am very loyal and my human family is very important to me. The best part of my day would be when I can relax and cuddle with you as you give me lots and lots of attention. I also love to go on car rides and take walks with you to see what is happening around the neighborhood. I am polite on leash and as active as can be, so I am in need of a home that will make sure I receive plenty of exercise and love. I would like you to know that I do have a collapsing trachea which causes me to cough from time to time. I am fine with some dogs, but not with all of them. I am good about being held in your arms and I know sit, stay, shake, roll-over, and speak.

NOTE: I am currently spending some time in a foster home to give me a break away from the chaos of shelter life, and this is what my foster family had to say about me: Sky is such an AMAZING dog - so sweet, smart, loving and friendly it is going to be hard for us to give him up to his forever home! When Sky came to us he was an unhappy pup, sick and stressed to the max, but he still met the challenge of a new set of people and new environment with a truly positive attitude. He explored everywhere, loved up on everyone, did tons of tricks for treats (he LOVES all food - tomatoes! Peppermint candy!), and behaved very well when crated. I was immediately impressed with him.

He doesn't act at all like a senior dog, loves to go for fast walks when it isn't a million below outside, and follows us everywhere around the house with pep in his step. he rarely barks, smells around like mad, and watches everything with alert eyes and happy ears. He doesn't bother our birds or guinea pigs, and the shelter says he is good with cats. All he wants to do is be with his people all the time and cuddle, cuddle, cuddle. Beware - he will be sleeping with you in bed, and likely as not fight to be the little spoon.

As Sky settled in we had a few behavior bumps with him. First he tried to challenge my one son with alpha posing, but with one small quiet correction he settled down, smart guy that he is. Terriers and most dogs really will do that in a new pack.

He has sometimes acted nervous and growly to each of us occasionally when we touch him unexpectedly from behind, but not to a point where I found the behavior alarming. As I observed the behavior over time, I decided that Skylar is at his core a deeply sensitive and gentle soul, and basically needs someone who will be consistently gentle back to him, even when he gets grumpy sometimes!

This grumpy stuff (if it happens, and it isn't every day) happens only at night, which makes me think it might be a sort of doggy-sundowners, or related to bad vision, or he has arthritic pain that comes on by the end of the day, (he is 12 after all) or he is just sleepy and wants to be left alone. Whatever it is about, it isn't that big of a deal. When it happens, we just say: Skylar, why so? in a sympathetic voice and he snaps right out of it and makes nice. Love, after all, conquers all.

To make an appointment to visit with Skylar at the shelter, please call our adoption coordinators at (715) 839-4747 ext. 21.

Skylar is a sponsored pet. A generous supporter of the Eau Claire County Humane Association has donated towards his adoption fee.

Please be aware that because of the way this dog looks he may be perceived as a certain type. We want to alert you that some communities, landlords, management companies, and insurance agencies have size and breed restrictions, limits on number of pets, and/or require pet deposits or additional fees. Before adopting, we encourage all adopters to know what restrictions may apply to you.