Roxy

Roxy — When She Gives Her Heart, She Gives It Completely

DOB: 26 November 2023
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog (Blue) — purebred, without papers
Weight: 23 kg
Children: Friendly, patient and gentle
Other dogs: Dog-friendly
Cats: Has shown little interest, but has not lived with cats

Apply here:
https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/

Meet Roxy, a petite Australian Cattle Dog with a gentle, submissive nature and an extraordinary capacity to bond with the people she loves.

Roxy has been a much-loved family dog and is being very reluctantly rehomed. She currently lives with two young children and a 13-year-old Mastiff × Great Dane, whom she adores, although Roxy will choose the company of her humans over another dog every time.

With the company of the other dog, she is comfortable being at home during the day while her family is at work and school and has adapted well to the familiar rhythm of their routine. Her difficulty arises when the family goes away and she is left overnight with only the other dog for company. On those occasions, she becomes distressed and may howl and bark. Roxy needs the security of knowing that her people are nearby and will return as expected.

At first, Roxy can be aloof and cautious with unfamiliar people. Her new family should expect her to take about a week to begin feeling at home. She must be given time, patience and space to adjust without being pressured for affection.

Once Roxy decides that you are one of her people, however, she gives her heart completely. She looks at those she loves with the most wonderful expression of unbridled devotion, offers a paw when they look at her, smiles and gives magnificent koala-style hugs.

Roxy is highly intuitive and quite naturally takes her lead from her humans. Although she has never received formal lead training, she simply walks calmly beside her person on a slack leash. She does not pull, lunge or react to passing people or dogs, making outings with her easy and enjoyable.

She has grown up with two young children and has been patient, tolerant and affectionate with them. Her family has never had concerns about her behaviour around the children, and she is happy to sit beside them for as long as they are willing to provide pats and attention.

Roxy is also very good with other dogs. She lives happily with her elderly female companion and has played well with neighbouring dogs. She could share her new home with a compatible male or female dog, although she would also be happy as an only dog in a home where someone is around for much of the time.

Although Roxy has not lived with cats, she has visited homes where cats were present and showed little interest in them. Any introduction to a resident cat would still need to be gradual and carefully managed.

Roxy does not jump up at people and is not a fence jumper. She even waits to be lifted into the back of the car because jumping in is simply something she has never been expected to do.

Roxy is not "officially" house-trained because she has always lived outside exclusively. However, she has never soiled on the verandahs where she spends a lot of time. She is, however, intelligent, eager to please and very responsive to her humans, so we're confident she would learn indoor manners readily.

Roxy’s Ideal Home

Roxy needs a calm, patient family who will understand that her reserved manner during the first week is not a lack of affection. She simply needs time to observe, adjust and get to know her new family.

She would suit:

✓ a home where she will be welcomed indoors and included in family life
✓ someone who is home much of the time, or whose routine does not involve frequently leaving her alone overnight
✓ a family with children who will treat her kindly and respectfully
✓ a home with a compatible male or female dog, although another dog is not essential if she has the company of her humans the vast majority of the time.

Most importantly, Roxy needs people who will allow the relationship to develop at her pace. Their patience will be rewarded many times over when this lovely girl begins offering her smiles, raised paw, koala hugs and wholehearted devotion.

Interstate Adoptions

ARK welcomes interstate adoption applications. Our volunteers are happy to explain the available transport options, obtain quotes and assist with making the necessary travel arrangements to help your new dog reach you safely and comfortably.

To apply to adopt Roxy, please complete an application here:

https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/