Hercules

*HERCULES – BIG, BOLD & BEAUTIFUL!* 🐾❤️

Wow! At first, I thought Hercules was a black stallion! 😂 To be TOTALLY HONEST, I was a little scared of him on that first day and wondered, “OMG, what have I done agreeing to foster him?”

Well, let me tell you… this boy is just a *GENTLE GIANT with not a mean bone in his body!*

I'm Hercules, and I'm only 18 months old. I'm a big, strong boy weighing 30 kg, and I'm still learning just how big I am!

I play beautifully with my 15 kg Australian Terrier mate, Ziggy, although I need frequent reminders to be gentle. I don't always realize my own size!

### 🚗 I'M A PRETTY GOOD STUDENT!

Somebody has already taught me a few things.

I travel well in the car and remain seated for most of the trip. I know how to sit, and I've been working on “wait” and “stay” before eating.
I sleep beautifully in my own bed at night. My first night, I was put in the laundry and cried. Then my bed was moved into the bedroom with Ziggy, and I didn't make a peep until morning. ❤️

I eat well, enjoying two meals a day, but food isn't necessarily my biggest motivation but I do have a huge appetite.

I do have a couple of bad habits, though. I like jumping onto the lounge and bed, so I'll need to learn the house rules in my new home.

### 🚶‍♂️ WALKIES — A WORK IN PROGRESS!

The first time my foster carer took me for a walk, she didn't have the right equipment. We made it halfway up the street before she decided it was safer to turn around and head home!

At 30 kg, I was walking HER, not the other way around! 😂

A new harness and a better lead made a HUGE difference. I'll need someone who is experienced and comfortable handling a big, strong dog and who is prepared to continue working with me on my lead manners.

### 🏡 HOME SWEET HOME

I'm quite toilet trained, and I can even squeeze my big body through a small-to-medium doggy door to come inside from the yard. However, because there's a ramp on the inside, I can't get back out through it on my own.

My foster carer has learned to watch for my signals. As I was helping her write my story, I started pacing, she recognized that I needed to go outside, and bingo — off I went to the toilet! Clever, aren't I?

I love having a yard to explore, but please remember that I'm a big, powerful boy. *Good, secure fencing at least six feet high is a must.*

### 🧸 WHAT ABOUT PLAYTIME?

We've tried balls, tug-of-war and a few squeaky toys, but I haven't quite discovered my inner toy fanatic yet. There's still plenty of time for me to find my favourite things!

I get along with my doggy mate, but because I'm a big boy, I'll need reminders to play gently. At mealtimes, please feed me separately from other dogs.

### ❤️ WHAT SORT OF HOME DO I NEED?

I'm looking for someone who understands that *BIG comes with BIG responsibilities — and BIG rewards!*

I'd be best suited to a home with no young children. My foster carer thinks teenagers aged 14 and over would be more appropriate because of my size and strength.

I need someone confident, patient and willing to keep teaching me. Someone who will give me guidance, help me learn good manners and understand that I'm still a young dog with plenty to learn.

Please don't take me on unless you're prepared for a lifetime commitment. I don't want another let-down.

Give me the right home, the right guidance and someone who understands me, and I promise to be the most loyal dog ever.

*I'm HERCULES — BIG, BOLD & BEAUTIFUL!*

Are you the special person who can see beyond my size and give this gentle giant the forever home he deserves? 🐾❤️