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A PET IS FOR LIFE -
THINK ABOUT THE INVESTMENT!
MICHAEL was saved by a small rescue based in Kabul, Afghanistan. he was saved from the streets, neglected and starving to death. Michael had been hit by a car in January 2020 and taken to the clinic, limping and in pain. X-rays didn't show any fractures or broken bones, so it could have been nerve or ligament damage. He was treated. Michael gets around great now, he just walks a little funny, almost like he is stiff, which is a result of his injury. The vets have stated he isn't in pain, but taking joint supplements would be beneficial.
Michael is neutered, rabies, core vaccines, heartworm and tick disease tested negative and is on monthly preventatives. He weighs around 40 pounds and has an estimated date of birth of 1 January 2017. We cannot say for sure what breed he is, so it is up to YOU to decide what breed you think he is and after research and careful consideration decide if you have the lifestyle that he needs.
Michael arrived at the rescue on Saturday 22nd May and has been a bundle of love and joy since he arrived. He is great with other dogs, although at first he was obviously cautious of them. He loves to be wherever I am and tries to predict where I am going to get there ahead of me. When I am sat working he is lying at my feet, when I get up, he is either in front of me or by my side. He is a very loving boy, he is desperate for love, affection and a life of being spoiled and having the best time ever.
We cannot say how Michael will act around cats or livestock so families must be prepared to safe introductions and to be committed to make it work, even if that means, having animals separated in different areas for safety. If you are not willing to make it work, we ask that you look for a dog that has been exposed to the animals you have. We do not want a dog being returned because the family is not fully committed, knowing he has not been exposed to cats or livestock.
When outside Michael's nose is to the ground, of course being in a different country brings lots of amazing new smells and he enjoys running through the grass and then stopping, back tracking to check out something that interests him. He has not had any training and of course is used to different culture, but he is very responsive and has been learning to adapt to living in the house with the rescue dogs very well.
He does have some slight separation anxiety which is to be expected and so leaving him alone for short periods to get him used to being alone is definitely needed so that he can adapt and adjust and considering he has been here less than a week, he has transitioned so far extremely well.
All dogs should be considered a "flight risk" meaning, they will potentially run off, for at least the first few months and until lots of recall training has been carried out in lots of different environments and distractions - just because a dog acts like it won't run off, doesn't mean it won't. Dogs should only be let off leash in a secure, enclosed area.
We are looking for a family that go on hikes, walks, treks, adventures, to the beach, the lake, anywhere and everywhere that is fun and would give this beauty a wonderful fun filled life. He is going to need training, he is not fully house-trained, but does use pee-pads if they are put down - he just needs to learn to let his family know he needs to go outside. Michale
is a medium/large high energy dog and so she needs an active family who already have an adventurous and active lifestyle they can incorporate him into. He is a smart boy and so training and continued mental stimulation is also very important to make sure he gets the healthy, both physical and mental lifestyle that he needs and deserves.
More pictures and possible video's can be found on his page on the rescue website.
You MUST understand that dogs need time to decompress and adapt to their new environment and home. It is a HUGE transition they make from the kill shelter, being vetted, on transport for 3 days and arriving in Maine where the temperature and such is very different to what they have only known. In rescue there is what is known as the "3 Point Rule" Days 1-3 your dog is stressed, anxious, confused as to where they are now. Weeks 1-3 your dog is adjusting, settling in, learning things. At the 3 month point, your dog understands they are home, and have built up a trusting relationship where they feel loved and secure.
All dogs are fed Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Natural Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Western Grasslands Recipe with Bison. Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Dog Food receives the Dog Food Advisor’s second-highest tier rating of 4.5 stars.