Aston-adopted!

Update 3/23/09: Aston arrived in foster care over the weekend, and at first he was confused about the house. He'd never been inside one before, because he'd been kept in an outdoor pen. Now that he realizes how great it is to be warm and comfy with plenty of treats, he doesn't mind being indoors at all! In fact, in rather suits him. He's got huge velvety ears and sweet, droopy puppy-dog eyes that make you just want to snuggle with him, and he loves to snuggle. He is well-mannered and so good natured.

Aston bears most of the Bassett traits: although his legs are a little longer than most Bassetts and he has those big black spots of a cattle dog. He has gotten along great with his foster family's two dogs- one who doubles his size and one who is around the same size as him. Aston is playful but not hyper.

He wasn't sure about the crate at first, since he has probably roamed a yard or pen his whole life, but he is getting better about it and now sometimes goes in on his own when the door is left open.

Aston seems grateful to be here. He warmed up to his foster family quickly and he seems smart and VERY trainable. He is working on house-training, and seems to be getting the idea already. Like most rescue dogs, Aston hasn't had any formal obedience training and he'd benefit from classes.

Aston seems like a pretty straightforward young guy. He's happy with a walk, a few chew toys and a comfortable dog bed. He would do great in a house with other dogs, and so far he has barely noticed his foster family's two cats. Overall, he's settled in well very quickly, and his foster mom believes he'd make a wonderful addition to just about any household.

Notes from our partner shelter: Lexus, Aston, Capri and Jetta are Basset/Heeler/?????? Mixes – aren’t they adorable! . They are certainly original looking! Their legs are just an in or two longer than a basset hound.

These pups were born April 16, 2008. There were originally seven (7) pups, but the owner was able to find homes for three of them. Their mom was run over. The remaining pups started to chase the owner's cattle so he decided that he must get rid of them ASAP. So sad. We are just grateful that he has decided to work with a rescue to place them, instead of just letting them go.

Aston is about 8 months old in these pictures taken November 22, 2008. He is more outgoing than his siblings. Aston does ok on a leash and is friendly. He has only played with his siblings, but Aston did not show any aggression when we introduced him to another dog. Aston didn't mind getting attention from the 7 year old volunteer, but was a little shy when the volunteer first approached. When we cat tested him, he just sniffed and walked away, both times. Aston weighed 40 pounds when he went to the vet on December 1 to be neutered. We do not think he will get much bigger.

These pups are a little shy when they first meet people. They have not been off the farm other than to go to the vet and come to the shelter to get shots and have their picture taken. So being a little afraid is understandable. The owner says the pups are very friendly and playful around the farm with each other and people they know. With some love, stability and consistency, they will be great family members. Let’s get them a home by Xmas!

All known information is listed here. If it is not listed here, then we do not know if this animal is good with cats or kids. Before sending an inquiry, please read our "How To Adopt Page & FAQ" pages of our website. www.almosthomerescue.net.

Or Click HEREto visit our site.

This dog is available unless it is marked as Pending, meaning "pending adoption".

If this Dog is marked Urgent, it is because the Arkansas shelter where he/she resides is overfull. Please do not ask local shelters to take this dog in, there are many reasons why they cannot. Please also do not send us letters about why we euthanize, AHR does not euthanize, but the shelters we work with do. We are a rescue and we pull as many dogs as we have foster homes and funds for. We, like the shelter, do not have unlimited resources. Please, please: foster, adopt or sponsor a dog to help save their lives.

FOR PUPPIES: HOMES CONSIDERING PUPPIES MUST BE PREPARED FOR:

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES FOR POTTY TRAINING-THEY CAN ONLY "HOLD" IT FOR ONE HOUR PER MONTH OF AGE.

CRATE TRAINING FOR THE NEXT 10 MONTHS TO KEEP THEM FROM CHEWING EVERYTHING IN SIGHT.

SUPERVISION WITH CHILDREN, AND OBEDIENCE TRAINING.

SOCIALIZATION-A GOOD DOG MUST BE EXPOSED TO ALOT OF STIMULUS AS A PUPPY SO THAT NEW PEOPLE AND ENVIRONMENTS DO NOT INTIMIDATE THEM AS ADULTS. THE MORE POSITIVE EXPERIENCES -IN AND OUT OF THE HOME- AS A PUPPY, THE BETTER.

HOMES THAT WANT TO HAVE GOOD DOGS, MUST BE PREPARED TO PUT THE TIME AND EFFORT INTO TRAINING A PUPPY. IT IS ALOT OF WORK!!! THEIR BEHAVIOR AND STAGES ARE EQUIVILENT TO A 2 OR 3 YEAR OLD CHILD. IT TAKES A FULL YEAR TO HAVE A CALMER, WELL ADJUSTED DOG! PLEASE DO NOT CONSIDER ADOPTING IF YOU HAVE NOT THOROUGHLY THOUGHT THROUGH THE PROS AND CONS OF A PUPPY...SO MANY PEOPLE END UP RETURNING THEM IN 3-5 MONTHS BECAUSE IT IS CHEWING, JUMPING AND HYPER. THIS IS NORMAL PUPPY BEHAVIOR.

PATIENCE, CHEWIES, SOCIALIZATION, SUPERVISION AND OBEDIENCE TRAINING IS A MUST!!

. We pay a Transportation Service from Arkansas to bring the dogs to New England. The adoption fee is $250.00 for altered dogs. $350. for unaltered puppies, with $100 refundable after spay/neuter. All Senior dogs 6 years or older have a reduced adoption fee of $200. This includes vaccinations, spay/neuter and transport from Arkansas to Maine on a USDA approved transport, with a Health Certificate. All dogs are quarantined 14 days prior to leaving Arkansas... All dogs will be tested for Heartworm prior to adoption. Almost Home Rescue will process your adoption. Applications can be found at www.almosthomerescue.net and can be e-mailed attention of Adele to [email protected] for this particular dog. Click HEREto visit our site.