Interested adopters contact Kelly @
kelpaw@msn.com
Courtesy Post: Meet Ernie, 45 lb neutered mixed breed, 5 years old :
Ernie is a good-natured, silly dog who is an excellent lounger but also can be moderately active.
He has bursts of playful energy. Although he's mostly gentle when interacting with people, he is still learning not to jump when excited (but making good progress).
Is the dog currently on vaccinations?: Yes
Date of last heartworm test?: 4/25/2021
Heartworm test was:: Negative
Is the dog spayed or neutered?: Yes
Fecal exam results?: Negative
If positive, was the dog treated?: Yes
Is your dog housebroken?: Yes
Dogs? Dog-Friendly — Ernie currently lives with a small 15lb dog. Ernie is brought to the dog park about 4-5x per week and engages in polite play with dogs of all sizes. He will generally leave shy dogs alone and prefers to play with rambunctious dogs that directly invite interaction. Ernie has humped on a few occasions, but is easily redirected. If provoked, or a fight instigated, Ernie will respond back.
Handling/Strangers? No handling sensitivities. Ernie is timid but friendly with strangers. He generally will ignore strangers, unless they try to interact with him.
Does the dog like children?: Yes
Are there children in the home?: No
Where does the dog sleep?: Either on the couch or in his crate
Is the dog allowed on your furniture?: Yes
Is the dog crate trained?: Yes
How does the dog react to being left alone?: May cry for a few minutes, but settles in or in his crate. He is not destructive.
Please list any particular fears your dog has.: Ernie is occasionally startled by loud or unfamiliar noises, including fireworks or gun shots in the distance.
Training? Ernie knows how to "sit" on command and has learned to sit in front of a door when he wishes to be let out. He knows "no." Ernie is currently learning how to "leave it" and "stay." He is still learning new things!
Does the dog have any known health problems?: No
Does the dog like riding in the car?: Yes
What is the dog's favorite : Soft toys, but he will rip them up if too soft. He loves his durable soft toy; Ernie loves running around in an open space, like a dog park. (Note: he can be independent at the dog park but is still good about orbiting you).
Ernie loves laying on couches and being pet or hugged gently. He also loves car rides and is learning to be more relaxed when walking on a leash. He walks fairly well on a leash, but he can be easily startled by new sights. (It seems that Ernie had minimal exposure to the outside world in his past life).
More on Ernie: Ernie has the happiest, most innocent smile. His background is a little sad: according to CCSPCA staff, Ernie wasn't treated well in his first home, and he ended up at the CCSPCA (Fresno city shelter) in 2020. He was adopted a second time, but after a year, his second owner relinquished him back to the shelter for euthanasia, because they couldn't afford the medical treatment for his mange. The shelter treated his mange, but he remained at the shelter for a relatively long time (for a high kill shelter) before I adopted him.
Ernie still tends to pace in circles because he was kenneled for so long (unable to walk in straight line in a kennel), but this tendency is already getting much less severe.
Are there any things you think a new owner needs to know?: Ernie does not get along with cats or small animals. He ignored our cats at first, but eventually he came to see them as prey (stalking behavior). It is uncertain if he can be trusted with cats. Ernie is not safe with small animals (except for small dogs) and has bit a baby chick through chicken wire.
Ernie had a yeast infection in his left ear when I adopted him. I had this treated with medication provided by West Davis Vet, but it could be good to monitor it.
Ernie's fur is a little oily.
Ernie has been calm with children petting him and will ignore children (and other strangers) at the dog park. Ernie would likely do well with kids who are old enough not to be knocked over by him.
He is good about not running away if off-leash, unless he sees another dog.
Please provide a summary of the “ideal” home: It would be fantastic if Ernie could be an indoor dog in a home that showers him with love and attention. It is okay if someone doesn't work from home, as long as he's given adequate mental stimulation (play time, training sessions) and/or exercise (walks, dog park) in the mornings or evenings. I would prefer if he's allowed up on the couch because he really loves being on couches. If someone doesn't have a yard, then it would be beneficial if Ernie was taken to the dog park regularly or somewhere else that he can run freely. The ideal home would not have any cats or chickens but may have another friendly dog that is similar in size to Ernie. It would be good if Ernie was provided with dog chew treats and kept at a healthy weight.