Hope

Hey, I'm Hope! I was actually at this shelter back when I was a young pup. My owners were amazing and we worked with trainers consistently, but I don't think the city life or a busy household with kids is for me as I am an anxious dog that likes routines. I prefer the sereneness of the mountains and big open spaces. Here is a bit about me now that I am all grown up. I love giving kisses, showing you all the commands I've mastered (it's an impressive list!) and showing off my ability to run like the wind! While I get along with most dogs, I am leash reactive and do best with slow and proper introductions to be sure they can handle my feisty energy and intense approach. There are some dogs I don't click with, so off leash dog parks won't be for me, and I'll need to meet any canine companion multiple times before heading home. A household with a calm and confident canine companion would be helpful in some ways for me though, because I am much more comfortable on walks if I have a buddy to help me feel safe. Cats on the other hand, are much too tempting to chase and pounce at, so I'll need a home without cats or other small critters or small dogs.

I was a fearful puppy, and I still have fearful and anxious tendencies, especially in loud and busy environments. I am looking for dog-experienced owners and an environment that will set me up for success. My new owners should be prepared to keep helping me build confidence so that I don't feel threatened by the hustle and bustle of daily life. I struggle with feeling unsafe while out on leashed walks. My previous owners were working on my fear-based leash reactivity, and I hope my new home will continue working with me in this area. I am muzzle trained, as well as on behaviour medications to help me be able to navigate situations that scare me. The staff and volunteers can tell you more about all the great training strategies I've been working on! In the meantime, I will thrive in an environment where meeting my daily exercise needs isn't reliant on walks, which continues to be an ongoing challenge although recently I've been making great progress. For this reason, a backyard or acreage lifestyle will be a must.

A chill adult-only household will really help so that at least when I'm at home, I can decompress and fully relax. I'd love to live somewhere more rural, rather than in a busy urban neighborhood, as I do best in controlled, predictable environments. Fun fact, my previous owners did a DNA test on me, and it came back 24% Anatolian Shepherd, 22% American Pitbull Terrier, 15% American Staffordshire Terrier, 4% Australian Cattle Dog, and 3% Boxer - what a mix!

The staff here love me to bits, and they are happy to fill you in about me and my training needs in more detail. While I will take a bit more work, I promise I'm worth it. I would love to find a patient, dog-experienced, gentle human, ideally with experience with fearful dogs, and a home that is calm and where I can feel safe. Looking forward to this next chapter and to find my forever home.

Dog-friendly: Leash reactive, good with most dogs with proper introductions
Cat-friendly: No
Kid-friendly: Adult-only home needed
Do I Need Special Care?: Yes, I have a history of allergies and anxiety. I will require a special diet and daily medication to help me manage my big feelings.

Interested?! Please fill out our adoption application (https://www.bowvalleyspca.org/adopt/adopn-application/) and submit to adopt@bowvalleyspca.org. Upon approval you will be contacted to arrange an appointment time!