Dusty came into foster care as an urgent plea from a local shelter. Dusty had been dropped off for no fault of his own but it quickly came apparent that he was quite ill and within a few days of being in the shelter stopped eating. Dusty was diagnosed with a severe upper respiratory infection and a skin infection. Within a day of coming into foster care, Dusty started eating and responded quickly to medication. His infections required several rounds of antibiotics and medicated baths. Dusty was also underweight but within a month was able to put on over six pounds. 

Once Dusty's energy returned, he quickly made it clear that the crate life was not for him and broke out of his wire crate several times. He is not crate trained, but is very smart and not yet to be trusted in the home unattended. Dusty requires a heavy duty impact crate or gunner style kennel. We are working on the crate training and despite not wanting to go in to the crate, he is starting to settle.

Dusty is a snuggle bug and loves to be with his humans. He jumped on the couch and bed as soon as he was able and it was noted that he had been used to sleeping in the bed prior. Dusty is an energetic curious shepherd who loves to play. He has a high prey drive and will try to chase any animal - squirrels, cats, frogs, and even caught a duck (it was unharmed). Dusty walks well on leash but will pull and jump towards something he wants to chase. He knows sit, down and working on stay and leave it. 

Dusty is very sweet with my resident 8yo female shepherd and has played with the neighbors dog at length. He is also cleared to play at the local dog daycare and has had several successful visits. Dusty was unsure of males at first, but now will go up to anyone and lean in for pets. While Dusty has not been around kids too much, he is still a mouthy shepherd who is learning manners like only chewing toys, not jumping, etc. I would recommend only older children. Dusty loves to play and is highly dog social, I would recommend he find a home with another dog to play with. 

Dusty is an escape artist whether digging, jumping or squeezing his way through. He could not be unattended even in a fenced in yard, and I do believe he could clear a 6ft fence if he was motivated too. He has springs for legs. 

Dusty is being scheduled for his neuter but is available to meet interested adopters!