Fred *On Trial in His New Home*

*FRED IS CURRENTLY TRIALING HIS NEW HOME - NO MORE ENQUIRIES/APPLICATIONS PLEASE* \ Fred is a quiet, thoughtful little boy who, once he gets to know you, doesn’t mind a pat and a cuddle. He is looking for a caring and compassionate home who will help build his confidence and understands he is a bit shy when meeting new people.

We don’t know much about Fred’s history (if only he could talk…) as we rescued him from our local pound, but what we do know is that he’s a sweet little fella who once he realises you’ll do him no harm will make some lucky person a very loyal and loving companion.

One thing we did manage to find out was his name which has helped settle him into foster care as he knows it well. When Fred first arrived he was so unsure it took a bit of gentle coaxing to be able to get close enough to give him a pat – in saying this he is in no way fear-aggressive, he hasn’t got a nasty bone in his body; he’d prefer to run and hide when unsure. After a couple of weeks in care he’s getting more confident and likes to snuggle up near his foster carer while she watches tv and she can pick him up for cuddles without him going stiff. He’s more accepting of pats from visitors now too – a few Schmackos won’t go astray either when winning Fred over! You can tell he wants to be loved :)

Enjoy a short video of Fred: http://youtu.be/sDH5vG38ddw

Sweet Fred isn’t in your face or yappy though he will give a few warning barks (along with the other dogs) when someone is at the door making him a good watchdog. He’s terrific on a lead and doesn’t pull, just trotting along beside you. He loves his food and isn’t at all fussy and he doesn’t dig or chew. We doubt Fred’s ever had a doggie toy as he’s quite baffled by what to do with them, though he seems to like the squeaky ones. He’s also fine with his carers own dogs and has started trying to initiate play with them. We haven’t tested Fred with children though we’re fairly certain young, boisterous ones would frighten this little sweetheart.

Being a Maltese/Poodle/ShihTzu mix Fred doesn’t lose any hair though he’ll require a good brush once a week and a professional clip a few times a year to keep his coat in tip-top condition. As he sleeps inside at night (on his foster carers bed if he can get away with it!) he would be best suited to an indoor/outdoor lifestyle in a quiet home with another dog for company if his humans were going to be away at work all day. Secure fences, chicken necks to chew on plus love and reassurance in his forever home will help Fred to thrive.

If you’ve got the patient, loving home we’re after for gentle-natured Fred then please download and complete a SARG Dog Adoption Application form by following this link: http://www.sarg.net.au/adopt-a-pet.html