Wrangler Cattle Dog & Parson Russell Terrier Mix Minneapolis, MN

"Hi, my name is Wrangler! Thanks for checking out my photos and bio.

When the folks at Pet Haven asked me to tell them a little about myself for my online profile, I wasn't sure how to start. I am a humble guy and don't like to brag; not like those show-offy types. The first thing that came to mind are my basic stats - age (9), name (Wrangler), weight (35lbs), physical characteristics (striking brown eyes and polka dot coat), hobbies (long walks along whatever beach you take me to) but then I was like... why don't I just tell them what all these people around me have been saying the last few months? So that's what I'll do!

First of all, everyone is shocked when they hear I am 9 years old. Ok, sure... I don't have the antics of a puppy (thank goodness, amiright?!) but I also do NOT act like an "old man". I love to play and explore and run just like a teenage boi. Just... without the teenage attitude. Speaking of play, my favorite toy is this little stuffed donut that I carry around! That's not to say I won't play with other toys too though - some of my best days are the days a brand new toy comes to the house and I get to break it in.

People tell me that true to my breed, I am super smart. I know a ton of commands - sit, stay, come, leave it, down/off - and I walk well on leash as long as my handler holds me accountable (I will test new people to see if I can pull. Sorry! Not sorry.). I am very very potty trained. Both in my original home and at Pet Haven, they don't make me go in one of those crate things because I am so reliable outside of it; I have no desire to chew your stuff and have displayed no separation anxiety so when you're gone I'll park it on the couch/my dog bed and snooze till you're home; even if it's for a long work day. I am super easy to train - it took me two days of lots of repetitions to learn the command "back" (back up) - because I am soooo eager to please (typical herding breed pup!). I also have excellent recall.

Some humans say the best thing about me is my enthusiasm for new people. Put it simply, folks: I. Love. Hoomans. If you're looking for a guard dog for your home, swipe left now 'cuz I'm not your guy. I welcome robbers with a smile and a hug because I am just happy to meet anyone. Want to take me to the brewery to meet up with your friends on a Sunday afternoon? I'm game. Give me all the pets. Having the family over for Thanksgiving dinner? I'll entertain. Basically, if there are humans involved, I wanna go cuz I see humans as two set of hands that can be used to pet me, and a new best friend.

Ok, ok, I know what you're thinking. Looks? Check. Personality? Check. Won't soak my home with his urine? Check. "So what's his imperfection?"

A few things make me anxious... most notably new dogs, any cats/critters, and small kids. Let me elaborate...

The dog thing ... Back when I was a young buck I got attacked - bad - when my owner and I were on a walk. It was pretty traumatic. Since I was the only dog in the household and didn't really interact with other dogs outside the house, I never got a chance to "get over it" and now it's years later. Since coming into foster care I have had TONNNNNS of opportunities to meet new dogs and it usually goes like this: I see the other dog. I yell to them "hey I'm scared so you better stay away from me" (in dog language which I'm told sounds like this thing called barking to you hoomans). If I have a confident handler who can redirect my attention to them, then I chill out and I can co-exist - and even politely sniff - the other dog, as long as they are dog friendly/social and chill and for the most part just leave me alone. In other words, the other dog shows me they aren't a threat and they aren't going to hurt me. If they can respect my bubble, I can respect theirs. I'm a typical Minnesotan! ;) So am I a threat to your neighborhood dogs? Nope. I'll mind my business. Do I want to live with other dogs or have all your friends' dogs over super often? Nah, I'll pass.

The cat thing ... I have prey drive. I'm just gonna lay it all out there cuz I like you and I trust you and I want you to know the truth. If it is little and it moves quick, I gonna get it. It's in my DNA so I'm told it's not my fault. But for the safety of small creatures, keep my chompers away from 'em.

The kid thing ... I lived alone with my previous owners for years. Then another really awesome human entered his life and it was just us for several more years. It was bliss! But then one day out of no where this miniature person showed up (I think Amazon brought it but jury is still out on that one) and my life changed a lot. The little human made noises I've never heard and after about a year ago started moving really weird. It was all so... different. Sometimes different can be good - like when a new, different adult comes over! But sometimes different just sits in an uncomfortable/unwanted place and that's what it was for me and my person's mini human. I didn't like them touching me and it just gave me the heeby-jeebies when it was near me. One time it kept touching me and I tried to tell it no but it's so young that it didn't understand (darn puppies!) so I had to tell it no with my mouth, which was the only other way I had left to say it after my other signals weren't understood. And that was kinda the breaking point for our situation. So for everyone's happiness, peace and safety that's why I am looking for a new home. Since entering foster care I have spent time with some kids - school age kids and older - and in my last home I loved hanging out with older kids, too. Thus, the folks at Pet Haven said they feel good about me going to a home with older kids who know how to act around dogs and can respect my space and needs. With that said, I am part herding breed and when kiddos run, it triggers tenseness in my body (cuz I want to herd!). I have been good about not listening to my instincts but ideally I'll find a home that doesn't have kids under 10 or so.

I tend to adjust to whatever energy the household is bringing. If it's a rainy day and you just want to read a book or watch a movie, I am *totally* game for that. If you want to go hiking for miles, I'll be your sidekick! Most days a quick (20-30 min) structured walk once or twice a day, and then some time sniffing around outside is all I need to feel physically fulfilled. I am super respectful of a fence and I am very very quiet indoors. I would be ok for an apartment or townhome as long as the unit has access to the outdoors without me needing to pass dogs on the way out (like, for example, a ground level unit with a patio).

I think that about sums up what folks say about me! I really, really, really hope to meet you soon. Cuz.. like I said... I already love you just because you're you (a human)."



If you are interested in this dog, don't waste time with an inquiry! Fill out an application here to get the ball rolling...https://pethavenmn.org/adopt/adoptable-dogs/dog-adoption-application/

Adoption fee includes spay/neuter, heartworm/Lyme test, all age-appropriate vaccinations (distemper, rabies, & Bordetella), heartworm and flea/tick preventatives, and microchip implant including registration. Adoption fees INCLUDE a mandatory sales tax of 7.525%.

There is no guarantee of age and breed as a rescue animal's history is often unknown. All ages and breeds are best guess.

Due to post-adoption services provided, we prefer to adopt within a 90-mile radius of Minneapolis; however, we will consider up to 250 miles if the adopter is willing to drive to cities as needed.