• Address: Palisades Park, NJ 07650 (map)
• Date Posted: 11/05/09
• Offered by: Shelter

Australian Shepherd - Medium - Adult - Male - Dog - Jasper
Description
Jasper is a beautiful young dog that was rescued from a crowded high kill shelter. He had been severely abused before ending up at the shelter and he cowered when approached, and shivered at the back of his cage. Because he was so young and had that look in his eyes that just seemed to be reachingout to us to help him (everyone knows the look), we had no choice but to give him a chance. Here is what we have found out about Jasper: His underlying sweet temperament and gentle disposition are still intact. He has just been waiting for someone that he could trust enough and feel safe enough with so that he could show the world what a loving, responsive, enthusiastic boy he is. We have started to develop that trust in him and he has eagerly responded. He still cowers a little bit when approached and slowly backs up until he realizes that everything is okay. He still needs very much reassurance and patience, and to be interacted with in a calm and gentle manner. Once he is comfortable he approaches slowly and immediately becomes very submissive, belly up . Once he gets that first rub on his tummy thats it! His tail begins to wag a mile a minute, his entire body wiggles with delight and he just cant wait for hugs and kisses and he is completely secure and ready for whatever activity is next. He is becoming slowly braver and more confident. Once he has established a relationship, he is a happy, playful, and very easygoing dog. He also plays very nicely with other dogs, and he is especially good at sharing and making friends. Jasper has wonderful potential to bond with a family and he will be an especially loyal and loving companion. This is not a dog for an inexperienced dog owner. Someone may see Jasper and think he will readily and easily adjust to any new home situation. That may very well be the case but his new family must be aware of his difficult first year as a puppy, and make sure that he always feels safe and confident. This has implications for the type of training he will respond to as well. For instance, he becomes fearful more easily than a more secure dog might and he needs an especially gentle hand and even tone. Even in the situation he is in now, if he feels threatened at all, such as by a raised voice or a broom being swept too closely in his direction, he will immediately run and hide, and begin to shiver as if he was back at the shelter all over again. Once coaxed out, he will be very subdued and submissive for a while and need lots of reassurance again until he is absolutely sure he is safe. We believe Jasper is an amazing dog with a beautiful and resilient spirit. He has overcome a puppyhood of beatings to learn to trust and love. Because he is a submissive dog, his tendency is to run and hide rather than to become aggressive. He will bond with his new family in a very special way because they will teach him the meaning of love. He has become more cuddly the past few weeks and is very ready for a home of his own so that he can begin the process of bonding with his new family. Also, Jasper is very housetrained but he is still very much a young puppy at heart because he has not yet had a chance to be a puppy. He will need to start from the very beginning to learn manners such as not jumping and chewing but he is so eager to please and responsive that if someone is willing to invest in this dog, he will blossom very quickly. If you are having difficulty emailing us directly through this site, please email digdoggies3@aol.com or call 201-519-4708.
Characteristics
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Age: Adult
Size: Medium
Gender: Male
Offered by: Shelter
Petfinder ID: 14308842
additional information
Pet is house trained
Fly Away Home Inc. | Palisades Park, NJ | 201-519-4708 | digdoggies3@aol.com
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