Adoption information
Rescue group
PetRescue ID
1009030
Location
Ferntree Gully, VIC
Age
3 years 7 months
Adoption fee
$650.00
Microchip number
991001003805050
Source number
RE176236
Last updated
27 Apr, 2024
Pre-adoption checks
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Desexed
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Vaccinated
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Interstate adoption (VIC only)
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Wormed
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Has received heartworm preventative
I'd prefer a home that
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Doesn't have cats
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Doesn't have kids under 5
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Doesn't have kids from 6 to 12
About Harvey
BIO👇
Harvey is a 3 year old Male Bordoodle (Border Collie x Toy Poodle), very sweet and looking for a second chance at finding happiness
⭐️⭐️⭐️He is toilet trained, house trained *very good indoor* and yes he is an indoor dog with access to outdoor when he needs to go toilet.
He knows basic commands SIT, STAY, WAIT
Extremely intelligent thanks to his border collie genes! So easily trained
Sleeps in his own room no issue but of course would never say No to an invite on your bed, lol.
Pretty chilled, hardly barks *provided the environment is calm at home and not chaotic*
🙂😊Walks well on Leash
🏡Harvey will need a nice quiet, calm & relaxed environment where he can decompress and rest. He has NOT had the best start with humans and has been through a lot! 😥
📋WHAT HAPPENED YOU ASKED?
Unfortunately his first trainer was unethical, using punishment whenever Harvey barked, teaching the family & children to throw a bunch of metal utensils at Harvey whenever he barked! He was also teased and tormented by the boy which resulted in Harvey growling at the sight of him. They used to take away his toys & chews too, so at first he can be protective of these until he knows you. You can imagine the stress Harvey was in and what this has done to his confidence in us humans, however, he had a beautiful relationship with his smaller human sister. She would play with him and he would let her do anything with him.
Given his past experience and trauma, Harvey will take some time to trust you and his new environment, but once he does, you will build a beautiful relationship and bond, and with your help he can begin to heal from his emotional trauma and you will see his playful, fun loving, cheeky personality come out.
You will also see Harvey play bow and play bark at his chew, toy or bone when he first gets one, it’s so cute!
Some Key points to Note:
Until he knows you, Harvey does not like to be startled, especially when sleeping, as he lacks trust at first, so you should not approach him while he's sleeping or resting on his own, without first calling out his name. This is completely understandable given his past experience. He needs time to get to know you and build that trust and bond, this can take some time but will be so rewarding because he has so much love to give. We can see he is so desperate for affection, you just need to be patient and let him come to you.
We are starting to build trust with Harvey, we began with very limited interactions, gave him his own dedicated bedroom, so that he can retreat when he needs, allowing him enough space and time to properly decompress without expecting too much from him. A hands off approach is best with him in the beginning, even though he loves pats and affection. He does come to us when he wants affection. Even then, we don’t overdo it. We don’t go up to him when he’s laying on the floor, in a corner, or on his bed, we read his body language. You need to treat him like a cat for the first 2-3 weeks.
If you give him that time to get to know you, soon enough he will learn trust you and become more confident and comfortable and open up and you will start to see his quirky and cheeky personality, but it will take time. Harvey also does not like his feet touched, he is getting better as he becomes more comfortable with us. This may be related to his past trauma.
Harvey is recovering from an old shoulder injury. Harvey was also diagnosed with Hypothyroidism in our care. Harvey is on daily thyroid meds (twice daily)
Sadly both conditions were left untreated, so Harvey had been experiencing pain and lethargy for a long time. His underactive thyroid caused him to rapidly gain weight in a short few months, going from 15 kgs to 21.1 kgs… you can imagine the burden the extra pounds added to his shoulders and joints, *which understandably would make any dog unhappy or grumpy *, but we are doing everything we can to help him return to the happy dog he once was, running around and playing with all his doggie friends.
Now that Harvey’s health needs are being met, he is doing well and losing weight, he is ready to find his forever humans who will give him a chance to find love and feel safe in his home
DIET: He is on a natural non processed diet eating cooked chicken, beef mince or fish with veggies, and natural low sugar treats to reduce the inflammation.
His energy levels have increased, and he is looking and feeling better. Harvey’s weight is down to 18kgs, so we are half way there 😊
ACTIVITY & EXERCISE: While Harvey is still in recovery we keep Harvey's activity very low throughout the day. He is quite chill and happy to rest and sleep while you watch tv or work from home. He is allowed 3 x 10 min walks daily although we have started taking a longer 15-20 minute walk in the morning, and a 10-15 minute walk in the evening.
Harvey does Physio exercises twice daily to help strengthen his joints and core.
While in our care Harvey has been attending hydrotherapy and laser treatment on his shoulder. The meds and treatment have made a big difference in Harvey life, even the staff at the Hydro Centre have noticed he is a different dog to the one they first met.
Being intelligent and a herding breed, Harvey will need some mental stimulation throughout the day to keep his mind healthy, ie. Puzzle Gamesetc
FRIENDLY: Harvey is good with other dogs but best with calm mature dogs that aren't too over the top *due to his current state* so It would be best for Harvey to be placed in a home where this is met or with no dogs at all to allow Harvey to have the best rehabilitation journey and focus from his adopter.
HARVEY'S IDEAL HOME:
⚠️⚠️Harvey will need an experienced adopter who understands the needs of a rescue dog, respect his boundaries, understand body language and able to provide him with safe environment. Someone who can give him the time and space he needs to properly decompress and learn to trust you. A person who has the patience and commitment to help rehabilitate Harvey both physically and emotionally, earn his trust and let him know that everything will be OK. As mentioned previously, limit your interactions with him at first when he first comes home, so he can start to feel safe without worrying about you approaching him. Having said that, he is a very friendly guy and does come for attention and loves pats, but definitely on his own terms, while he is still learning to trust you. We just don't over do it or overstay our welcome So letting him approach you first in the beginning is A MUST.⚠️⚠️
Harvey should have his own dedicated space (his own room or Crate) in the house where he can go and rest whenever he wants to be left alone. You should not approach him when he is in his room or crate. This is HIS safe space and he needs to know he doesn't need to worry. He will let you know when he wants to come out and engage.
FORCED interactions will NOT work in gaining trust with Harvey. He is quite independent in his thinking so it needs to be on his terms.
he is fine being left at home 🏡 no separation issues.
He loves car rides he is so good in the car. Loves to lay down or sit up and watches out the window. He does not bark in the car either
Also loves giving you kisses while watching TV on the couch *again on his term*
So yeah as you can see Harvey is suited for adult home , easy going calm humans, no fuss dog lovers with lots of patience and zero judgment towards him.
REMEMBER, none of this is Harvey's fault! He was just NOT in the right environment, so we are seeking people who are willing to help Harvey restore his trust in human
✅ Good with other dogs but prefer home without
❌ NOT GOOD with Cats
❌ STRICTLY NO kids please
If you would like to give Harvey a second chance at happiness please send us your interest by completing the ADOPTION form below 👇
https://zfrmz.com.au/8lV6kTX7SZ6DGEJ6wqiC
Medical notes
Harvey was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and is on thyroid medication to help regulate his hormones. This will be ongoing
Harvey is currently undergoing hydrotherapy sessions to help his shoulder recover and improve his overall mobility
Harvey had his cartrophen injection 02/02/24
Harvey is overweight due to the Hypothyroidism being left untreated. He needs to lose 2-3 kgs to be at his desired weight
Watch videos of Harvey
Adoption details
We have a mandatory house inspection
Shortlisted adopters will be contacted to arrange a meet & greet with the animal. **Depending on our foster's availability
We do follow-ups throughout the life of the animal
In the event that you are unable to care for the animal anymore, you must contact us to seek verbal advice
Some animals will require mandatory enrollment to professional training/behaviorist - this will be noted on the animal's profile & adoption agreement, we will require proof of enrollment before we are able to complete the adoption process/transfer of ownership