Adoption information
I've been adopted!
About Steppa Quartermain
Please note: Steppa would be best rehomed with another dog and/or cat.
Steppa is one of the smartest dogs we have ever met! He figures out puzzles and his interactive toys SO quickly and then tries to cheat at them (e.g. flipping them over to get all the treats out!).
Steppa is a well-mannered gentleman who wants to be part of your life. His favourite place in the world is pressed up right against you on the couch, with his head on your leg, as you gently pat him. He may be called Steppa as he follows every step that you take, and is always one step behind you! He just wants to shadow you and make sure you aren't going anywhere without him. What could you possibly have to do without him? He is an affectionate boy, but he is still nervous and will be startled by sudden movements, pats, or noises. Steppa is not keen on being picked up but will tolerate without reaction. He needs a very gentle, calming family who will give him the time and attention he desperately craves. He's a little cutie who is very easy to love - especially when he tilts his head to the side to understand what you are saying, rolls his eyes at you, or launches his body on to the couch with a strength you would not expect!
He has met quite a few dogs (big and small!) and has always been interested in approaching with a wagging tail. Once face to face he freezes up - but when the interaction is over he walks away wagging his tail again. He has had some positive interactions with small dogs and loves his walks so much. He has spent some extended time with a dog around his size and they loved exploring together, but he is not keen on dogs or puppies that are overly enthusiastic. He seems to have recovered from the trauma of being taken to the pound with his dad who was subsequently killed there.
An ideal home will be with an adult family or couple, or family with children no younger than around 16. They will be a gentle family who will spend the time to coax Steppa out of his shell. They will find his tendency to follow you around endearing (and for this reason, is probably not best suited to an older person as he will get underfoot and may cause trip ups) and will include him in the happenings of their everyday life. Steppa especially loves weekends as he gets to go to new parks and spend uninterrupted time with his humans. Ideally Steppa will have company for most of the day. It is important to note that despite him being very small, he does have a lot of energy (a typical JRT) and will need an active life, within reason. Ideally, Steppa will be able to snuggle up against you at night (or on a comfy couch). He just loves being nestled up against his favourite people! He will have an animal friend to keep him company - but his friend will have a calm temperament and will not chase him, bark at him or swipe him. He just wants to be friends and would benefit from a friend that is around his size. As a bonus, Steppa is also very cat friendly!
Steppa has luxating patellas on both his back legs. To prevent them from worsening, Steppa enjoys his 5 minute daily massage, supplements, and stretches. Steppa can't be walked off lead or engage in too much vigorous exercise due to his knees. He will pretend that he's allowed, but don't let him fool you. He has a tendency to jump up on couches, so it would be best to have some wide steps or a ramp to allow him to reach his destination (you!) safely.
Steppa walks well on lead but does have a tendency to want to follow every car (likely because he thinks it will take him to a pet store for some treats). It's important to exercise caution around main roads, and walk him in quiet areas instead.
Steppa just wants to be a fully-fledged member of a family he can call his own. He's "a step above the rest" - and will be your best friend for life.
Medical notes
Weighs 4kgs - Miniature Jack Russell
Victorian Dog Rescue offers the services of our trainer free for six weeks if needed for any settling in issues.
All dogs that come into the care of Victorian Dog Rescue are tested for heart worm.
Victorian Dog Rescue has a six-week full refund policy and a lifetime takeback guarantee that includes 50 per cent of the adoption fee refunded.
Adoption details
We are a community fostercare network, not a shelter, and our dogs and cats are cared for in private homes. Note that we are very careful where we rehome our dogs and cats and we have an intensive process. If you want a quick turnaround we are not the group for you. If you seem like a good match for the dog of your choice we will organise a telephone chat, a meet and greet and a property check. We offer a six-week full refund, free assistance for six weeks for any issues, and a lifetime takeback policy with a fifty percent refund of the adoption fee, and of course an invitation to our adopters’ Christmas party.
We care for our dogs and cats and we want you to as well. We know that genuine applicants have no trouble with this process and understand that if we refuse you a dog or cat, it is because you are not the best match for that pet.
Our commitment to the dogs and cats in our care is total and we treat each one as if we are passing on a family pet. This may not suit you so we point out that there are equally great dogs and cats available in pounds, shelters and with other rescue groups.
If you are still interested, please download an application form from our website:
http://www.victoriandogrescue.org.au/about-vicdrg/adoption-and-foster-application-forms.html
The application form must be emailed to us:
adoptions@victoriandogrescue.org.au
Please note that we do not take/make telephone calls prior to receiving an application.
Commonly asked questions and their answers are provided when you email us. Unfortunately we usually will not have time to reply to enquiries in more detail and will give priority to completed applications over enquiries. Priority will also be given to typed applications which are easier for us to read and to copy relevant parts.
We look forward to receiving your application.
This pet has been adopted and found love with its new family.