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posted:
May 18, 2007
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He started his life as 'Thunder', but when he did not react well to that
name, he was renamed Cruiser. For weeks after he came into foster care, he cruised; first the yard, day after day, from morning until night. Then he started including the house in his cruising, but fled at the least effort to catch him.
His bravery has been impressive! He has gone from a dog that managed to
evade us for the first 2 days in the yard, to one that would tremble, and look at us fearfully when we approached, to one that gladly comes when called and sleeps in our bedroom. Every step of the way Cruiser has fought against his fears, and overcome most of them.
His morning routine now includes sitting a couple of feet from the table
waiting for toast crusts - he can catch even the smallest tossed piece.
Toast was his first human food. One morning he cruised through at breakfast time, and a piece of toast disappeared from the table as he cruised by (He knows that's a no-no now). He continues to enjoy his toast and peanut butter crusts in the morning.
Cruiser is a gentle soul, who takes treats very carefully and enjoys long pets. He likes playing ball, is well behaved in the car, and knows "Sit", "Down", "Come", and we are working on "Stay". He munches occasionally on dry food in the morning, but almost inhales his dinner when there are tasty extras on it. Then he's ready for his milk bone and then the sometimes beef bone.
The bedtime signal at the house is ½ a frozen hot dog. Once he was cruising the house, it took him only 2 days to respond to the sound of the freezer opening. He does learn quickly as long as a fear doesn't interfere.
Much of what he has learned, he learned from the 2 dogs that were in
residence. One is male and one female. He gets along well with both. He has not shown any aggression toward other dogs on walks, and ignores other dogs when we all go to DQ for ice cream and socialization times. He has not been tested with cats.
Cruiser still has plenty of energy for an 8 year old; he loves walks, car rides, and going for ice ream. He walks well with his harness. He would do well with a doggie companion because he does like playing and hanging out with the two resident dogs.
Special Requirements
Although Cruiser has come a long way, he will need a special home with
someone who has lots of patience and is willing to spend time continuing his socialization. Cruiser needs a family who will understand his fears and help him deal with them in a calm and gentle manner. He is very sensitive to tone of voice, fearful of angry voices, and a stern "NO" makes him cringe and flee. He does respond very well to praise and training should consist of positive reinforcement methods to help him learn to trust and bond with his new family.
His forever home should come equipped with a toaster and peanut butter, and someone who has lots of time for pets and grooming. He is a wooly boy and the long fur takes care and patience to brush.
Cruiser will be considered for a family who is able to spend time visiting with him in his foster home before taking him home.
If you have room in your heart and home and wish to help this sensitive boy discover more of the joys that life has to offer, please take the time to fill out an application to adopt a Malamute from the AMHL at:
http://www.hedges.ca/amhl/app/adoptapp.php
For more information, please call or e-mail:
Diana MacTavish
dianamac@shaw.ca
lease note that this dog has not been evaluated by the AMHL, and that all information pertaining to this dog has been supplied to us by shelter staff. Given that it is impossible to predict with complete accuracy how any dog will react in a given situation, especially without complete knowledge of its life experiences. The AMHL urges the adopter to exercis e caution in introducing the dog to new situations until the dog has become fully adjusted to its new environment, and the adopter has had an opportunity to become familiar with the dog's unique personality. All contractual obligations concerning this dog will be between the shelter and the adopter.
Given that it is impossible to predict with complete accuracy how any dog will react in a given situation, without completeknowledge of its life experiences, the AMHL urges the adopter to exercise caution in introducing the dog tonew situations until the dog has become fully adjusted to its new environment and the adopter has had an opportunity to become familiar with the dog's unique personality.