Opie Wan Kenopie (On Trial 6/9/14)

Opie is a 9 month old Staffy cross Kelpie; a distinguished young man, tall, dark and handsome who will win your heart with his bright inquisitive eyes and little thoughtful Staffy frown.

While he appears a rather sensible and quiet boy at first a few kind words and a friendly pat turns him into a wriggling ball of joy. He is independent but still likes to stay in the vicinity of the humans in his life. He loves to snuggle on the couch and will sneak a cuddle in bed with you in the morning if he is allowed but also is quite content just being in the same room as you. He loves supervising housework and is particularly intrigued by food preparation of any kind.

Opie loves most doggie games but is particularly fond of tug a war. He likes a good squeaky toy or rope toy but totally loves fluffy toys. Opie adores the company of other dogs and loves a good rowdy play with his new foster sister Bindi. He would love to have a doggie friend to share his world with but would need a rather active friend. He has not been observed with cats and other smaller animals so caution should be exercised.

He loves a good walk or run and would make an excellent training buddy for an active person. He is quite well behaved on the leash and stays calm around other people, bikes and dogs. He is totally obsessed with food, is very intelligent and has responded well to training. He knows basic commands and is picking up impulse control training. He does love to investigate the top of tables or benches for any abandoned morsels but is quickly learning that this is not appropriate. He is still rather puppy like and does jump up to say hello when excited but is learning to control these urges.

Opie is toilet trained, uses a doggie door, and does not bark at passer-by’s. He appears to really enjoy being bathed and will just sit back and enjoy the water with a contented expression.

He is still teething so provision of chewable items for him to sink his teeth into is needed. He will gnaw on anything from brisket bones to carrots. He is a a health nut, eating most vegetables and appropriate fruits such as bananas. He has shown no food aggression and happily swap bones with Bindi, share water and food bowls and will allow you to retrieve inappropriate chewables from his mouth.

Opie has spent some time, at least, living in an outdoor area in a large doggie house with another pup his age but appears much happier indoors with people around. His current carer has only observed him interacting with children for a brief time and he seemed quite good but caution should be exercised with young children because at the moment he can get excited and jump up. Opie seems like he would be a great family dog but would also make an amazing and loyal companion for anyone.

For more information or to meet Opie please phone foster carer Ryan on 0422 677367 or email ryansreef@gmail.com

Opie is in foster care, Charlestown NSW 2290 and is available for adoption interstate.

Opies's $400 adoption fee includes his desexing, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, microchipping, and lifetime registration. You can see all our available dogs at www.dogrescuenewcastle.com.au