NEMO

**ADOPTED 1/25/2010!!!** Nemo, 14 month old Australian Shepherd, STAAR ID#4392, Boise, Idaho Nemo was recently returned by his adopter after a year, because they realized they didn't have the time and energy to properly exercise him. They report he was wonderful with their three boys, a loving family dog, and a lot of fun, always wagging his fluffy full length tail. However they were not comfortable having to crate him if they were gone during the day, so they left him unattended in the back yard at those times, hoping he would get out some of his normal puppy energy. Like any typical, Aussie puppy/adolescent without a playmate or structure, when left alone outside with a whole yard of possibilities, he amused himself by digging and chewing on things that were left around the yard. My evaluation after assessing him back in the foster home is that he is a normal, happy, playful, smart Aussie, medium to submissive, who needs an active home with another young, active dog to play or a home that is willing to crate/securely kennel him while away from home for the next year or two until he is past his adolescent behavior. If a dog is getting some big exercise before and after crate time, we do not feel that crating while the owners are away during the day is at all harmful to the dog. On the contrary, it prevents a young dog or puppy from getting into trouble. Nemo is very well socialized with dogs and people ages 10 and up. He knows some basic obedience, as his previous adopter completed a puppy kindergarten class with him early on. He and his next owner would benefit from taking the next step into a basic obedience class, so they can bond and build their relationship as Nemo finishes his training. **A commitment to attend an obedience class preferred** Nemo is already neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped. He is house broken, crate trained, and he does not jump up on people. He has the potential to be a good 4-H dog for a responsible, older child, and he would probably enjoy Agility or Rally Obedience. Most of all what Nemo really needs is a loving home where he can be part of the family, continued guidance as he grows up through his adolescence, and another active, young dog to play. If he does not have another doggie playmate, he will need interactive, big exercise, like fetching a ball for 20 minutes three times a day or a big hike or jog daily. One 15 minute walk a day is not enough exercise for any young Aussie. Potential adopters must come to Boise, ID to meet Nemo in person. This is a STAAR Aussie, and he is only being listed as a courtesy by IDAWG. We do not ship dogs. Please fill out an application at http://www.staar.org/adoptApp before contacting Tiffany Myers at [email protected]. Thank you! If you are interested in possibly adopting this dog, please email us for an adoption application today.
Upon approval and home visit, adopters will be asked to sign a contract and pay an adoption fee (which covers the cost of spay/neuter, vaccinations and other necessities).