Spirit - GONE ON TRIAL

Meet Spirit – A Diamond in the Ruff <br/>Breed: Shepherd Cross <br/>Gender: Male <br/>Date of Birth: Approx March 2024 <br/>Status: Neutered and ready for adoption<br/><br/>Spirit’s journey began as a stray, and although no one came forward to claim him, we’re hopeful his forever family is just around the corner. This young shepherd mix is full of potential and heart—he just needs the right environment to truly shine. <br/>Shelter Life vs. Real Life- Spirit struggles in the shelter setting. The constant noise and stimulation overwhelm him, leading to fence running, barking, and occasional minor scuffles with other dogs. But take him out of that chaos and he transforms. On leash with a harness, he walks beautifully and shows a much calmer, gentler side. Spirit can be startled by sudden noises or movements and he needs a patient adopter who can help build his confidence. <br/>During a spa day at Pet Valu he was nervous at first—especially about getting into the car and the bath tub—but he handled everything like a champ. He stood still during his double shampoo, enjoyed treats and even relaxed enough to lay down and socialize quietly afterward. He did growl at a puppy through a gate but responded well to gentle correction. <br/>Health Notes- During his neuter appointment, an X-ray revealed a tipped pelvis. This means he may have a signature “slinky” shepherd walk and could be more prone to arthritis in his hindquarters and spine as he ages. It’s something to be mindful of, but it doesn’t stop him from enjoying walks and affection. <br/>Home Requirements -Spirit should not be placed in a home with cats. <br/><br/>On Oct 2/25 our 2 high energy shelter beauties (Koa and Spirit) got to spend a glorious autumn afternoon running free and working out the months of pent up energy and stress on a volunteer's acreage. Comments from his trip: Spirit was a little more cautious than Koa on the hike and liked to keep close contact to his trusted humans. He has excellent recall. He is not a swimmer and is nervous of vehicles. We had to lift him into the car but he traveled really well once he was inside the car.<br/><br/>Why Spirit Deserves a Chance -Spirit is a completely different dog outside the shelter—calm, sweet, and eager to connect. We offer trial adoptions and in Spirit’s case, this is especially encouraged. He needs time and space to decompress and show his true personality away from the shelter environment.<br/><br/>If you’re looking for a loyal companion who just needs a little patience and love to blossom, Spirit might be your perfect match. <br/>Apply to give Spirit the fresh start he deserves. <br/><br/>https://youtube.com/shorts/wNugZJkJPT8 - video of Spirit walking <br/><br/>Regular adoption fee for dogs is $300; if the dog is too young for spay/neuter prior to adoption then a $300 post dated spay/neuter deposit cheque (OR PAD form) is also required - we don't cash this cheque but hold it until cheque date and proof of S/N surgery provided by the date on the cheque - typically when the pup is 6 months of age. Occasionally we adopt out particular animals at fundraising prices to help offset our vet bills, each fundraiser dog will be posted as such with the adoption fee noted. The adoption fee includes spay/neuter and rabies ONLY if surgery is done with our Meadow Lake vet; otherwise adopters are responsible to pay those fees at their own vets.<br/><br/>Use our online application form found at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Q1Xw1ArXT3owIBuG8O25Ioqmx1_NWGgi9eXIhOO_0dg/edit?pli=1<br/><br/>Also Join us online at - www.facebook.com/mldhs<br/>We upload our pet's video clips to www.youtube.com/mldhs1 - search there by name of the animal that interests you; you may often find more than one clip.

Meet Spirit – A Diamond in the Ruff
Breed: Shepherd Cross
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: Approx March 2024
Status: Neutered and ready for adoption

Spirit’s journey began as a stray, and although no one came forward to claim him, we’re hopeful his forever family is just around the corner. This young shepherd mix is full of potential and heart—he just needs the right environment to truly shine.
Shelter Life vs. Real Life- Spirit struggles in the shelter setting. The constant noise and stimulation overwhelm him, leading to fence running, barking, and occasional minor scuffles with other dogs. But take him out of that chaos and he transforms. On leash with a harness, he walks beautifully and shows a much calmer, gentler side. Spirit can be startled by sudden noises or movements and he needs a patient adopter who can help build his confidence.
During a spa day at Pet Valu he was nervous at first—especially about getting into the car and the bath tub—but he handled everything like a champ. He st

Meet Spirit – A Diamond in the Ruff
Breed: Shepherd Cross
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: Approx March 2024
Status: Neutered and ready for adoption

Spirit’s journey began as a stray, and although no one came forward to claim him, we’re hopeful his forever family is just around the corner. This young shepherd mix is full of potential and heart—he just needs the right environment to truly shine.
Shelter Life vs. Real Life- Spirit struggles in the shelter setting. The constant noise and stimulation overwhelm him, leading to fence running, barking, and occasional minor scuffles with other dogs. But take him out of that chaos and he transforms. On leash with a harness, he walks beautifully and shows a much calmer, gentler side. Spirit can be startled by sudden noises or movements and he needs a patient adopter who can help build his confidence.
During a spa day at Pet Valu he was nervous at first—especially about getting into the car and the bath tub—but he handled everything like a champ. He stood still during his double shampoo, enjoyed treats and even relaxed enough to lay down and socialize quietly afterward. He did growl at a puppy through a gate but responded well to gentle correction.
Health Notes- During his neuter appointment, an X-ray revealed a tipped pelvis. This means he may have a signature “slinky” shepherd walk and could be more prone to arthritis in his hindquarter