ADOPTION PENDING
Please read our dog bios carefully to be sure that the dog you are applying for suits your family and lifestyle. At Pound Dog Rescue, we believe in the benefits of post-adoption training for our dogs and their families. This allows for continued socialization, and learning and helps to create a well-mannered and balanced dog. Post-adoption training is a requirement in our adoption process.
Due to an unforeseen development in the family dynamic in his prior adoptive home that made it clear that Whiskey was not going to be able to live the life he deserves and we want for him, and become the dog he is capable of and wanting to be, we have welcomed Whiskey back into our care where he has proven himself to be the happy, active and fun dog he always had been. He is now looking for his second chance at happily ever after!
Let me introduce you to Whiskey, an 8 month old playful, energetic, super intelligent and supremely fun loving Shetland Sheepdog and Collie mix. This guy never gets too tired for action, and firmly believes in giving everything 110 percent. He is full of life and enthusiasm for everything. Whiskey is ready to move on from his difficult background as a mill dog to an exciting future as a close companion, and maybe potential champion in a challenging sport or activity. He’s even agreed to let his forever family help him decide which activities would be the most fun.
Whiskey is a gorgeous pup with beautiful sable fur, white markings, and a flowing tail. He’s currently about 35lbs and likely won’t get much bigger, maybe up to 40-45lbs when full grown. His eyes are a rich chocolate brown, which he can easily use to melt your heart. And if that doesn’t work he’ll climb into your lap and roll around while giving you the most adorable expressions, usually with a lolling tongue and a big smile. When he’s chilling with you he likes to lie right at your feet.
When Pound Dog Rescue first rescued Whiskey and we brought him in as a foster about a month ago, we expected a slightly timid or maybe even fearful pup but we couldn’t have been more wrong. He hasn’t shown any fear, and while a bit wary at first of some new things, he’s truly excited for everything. His biggest challenge was actually learning to relax while enjoying himself. It was almost as if he was so sure everything would be taken away from him that he needed to experience as much as possible as quickly as possible, which for Whiskey is at lightning speed. Like he thought that because he was getting a later start to puppyhood he needed to play catch up. Over these last weeks Whiskey has learned that life only gets better from here. He can enjoy himself at a more relaxed pace and take breaks from playing knowing that the people and things in his life will still be there for him. He will need someone who can help him continue this journey, and more importantly kick off his lifetime adventure with his forever family. Someone who will be patient with him as he learns, is very dedicated to training (he has so much incredible potential here), and can help him learn boundaries and good manners.
Learning new things is what Whiskey was born to do. In the short time we’ve had him he’s not only learned how to simply be a family dog (which is way more work for him than it sounds), but he’s also housebroken and will go on command, learned some obedience like sit and down, learned that his crate is a great place to be safe, chill, and to sleep, and that being in a car usually leads to fun places. He’s learning that walks are exciting but that he shouldn’t pull on the leash and needs to sit calmly before starting fun activities, learning not to jump up on people when he’s excited to see them, that dog toys are for him to play with and household items are not, and learning that calmness has benefits like attention and sometimes even treats.
Whiskey is an incredibly intelligent dog coming from a background of likely little to no interaction, let alone affection, rules, or training, and as a very high energy pup he can get quickly over-stimulated. He has come a long way in the short time we’ve had him but will require ongoing training and support to help him channel his energy into constructive activities, and maybe even competitive pursuits. I can easily see him excelling at things like obedience and agility. As an enthusiastic herding breed pup he barks when unsure or excited. He will need to be introduced to new places and things slowly, but in time as his confidence and experience grows I know he’d love to go on as many outings and adventures with you as he’s able. He is such a friendly, fun-loving goofball who just needs a bit of time and training to help him learn how to behave in different situations. I think he will form a very strong bond with his new person or family and this will be a great source of motivation, trust, and affection for him.
Whiskey is very happy to cuddle with you and adores attention, but he lives his best life outdoors where he can put his mind and body to an activity. He is active most of the day, and prefers it that way. At the end of the day he’s content to relax in his crate to bring down his energy
before bed, at which time he will sleep through the night and be ready for whatever the next day brings. He absolutely loves a good bouncy ball or frisbee chase, and likes to shake and throw around his toys only to then pounce on them and repeat. He also does this adorable (and admittedly messy) thing where he likes to dig and play with any little crumbs floating in his water bowl, so have a towel ready. He’s also quite fast and loves to run and play chase, especially with our family dog. Whiskey is very friendly with her, but he does bark at unknown dogs out of excitement and so will require further training. He’s already improving quite quickly here though so with ongoing training and exposure this should be a non-issue in the future. Because of Whiskey’s excitement he should be introduced slowly to any new dogs, and he can play a bit rough so he would be best as an only dog at first, or perhaps with another dog who is fun loving and understanding of this play style until Whiskey learns to be more relaxed and gentle. Whiskey would do best in a home without kids or with older children/teenagers as he’s still learning how to be gentle and calm, and while he hasn’t been exposed to cats yet he likely wouldn’t do well with them, he has a prey drive and sometimes tries to chase small animals like squirrels.
As an active boy Whiskey definitely can’t be described as boring or lazy, but he is quite happy to relax outdoors in the yard, even by himself. He’s learning to be calm inside the house and has made huge strides here, but for now when outside in the yard he’s in his element and feels most relaxed and at ease. Whiskey does alert to anything he’s unsure of by barking and occasionally barks when he’s excited or wants attention, and so will not do well in an apartment or condo. Whiskey needs a safe, secure yard to run, play, and relax in, and one or two good walks daily. Because he’s super smart and active he requires exercise, mental stimulation, and an understanding of what’s expected in different situations to ensure he’s well behaved. Thankfully teaching him how to behave is just a matter of exposure, patience, and basic training. For example he has learned that when left alone in certain situations it’s ok for him to play with his toys or nap, or at bedtime he should go into his crate to wait, get a treat, then curl up and sleep until morning. He’s also progressing fast with his leash training and rarely pulls on the leash, responding to his name and leash corrections very well.
Whiskey’s ideal person or family is active, outdoorsy, has space for him to run and play, and is dedicated to training so he can continue 
learning boundaries and manners. Someone who is looking for an affectionate and energetic dog to do all kinds of things with, and is also patient enough to introduce Whiskey to new places and activities slowly at first so he can learn how to behave in different situations. He needs an experienced dog owner who would be looking to take him along on their adventures, and to test his skills to see just how many things he can learn. He really has the potential to be one of those dogs that understands a ton of words, commands, and even body language. This will require enthusiasm, patience, training, consistency, dedication, and of course love, but given how fun and loyal Whiskey is he’ll make a fantastic companion when these things are in place.
So if you lead an active lifestyle and you’re looking for a happy and affectionate companion to share it with, Whiskey will go the distance and maybe even beat you to your destination!