Fred *deaf*

Fred - male - cattle dog x
DOB 01/01/2016
Desexed: Yes
Vaccinated: Yes
Heart/intestinal worm, flea/tick treated: Yes
Microchipped: Yes
Location: Leichhardt Q
Adoption fee: $595

Hi I'm Fred!

I was given away by my owners and ended up in a council pound. I was absolutely terrified in there and completely shut down. I would hide my face, hoping that nobody hurt me. I could hardly move I was so terrified.

While not much of my history is known, it is very clear I have had to worry for my own safety at times. I carry a few scars on my face, and am cautious of new people. However even in my darkest moments, when I was so terrified I would wee myself... I never harmed anyone. I simply hid, and hoped they'd be quick with whatever was about to happen. And then one day, I was let out of my cage for the last time, and carried to a big trailer. I was nervous about what was happening to me...strange faces, dogs in cages next to me...where were we going, what was going to happen to me!

We drove for what felt like ages, and I saw a sign saying 'welcome to Queensland'. And then the doors opened, the bright sun came in and warmed my crate, and I saw a sign saying 'Off The Chain K9 Rescue Qld'. I didn't know what that meant... but soon a nice lady came along, scooped me up and sat me in her lap on the ground. She smelled different to my old humans which made me worried, but she kept patting me for a long time, and then put me in her car, and I ended up at my foster home.

The food here is super yummy and everyone gives me a ton of attention, which makes me pretty happy. It took me a few days of foster care and a lot of patience and love, to realise this place is safe though. It's happy, it's loving, and I can be free here. I now love belly rubs, pats and hanging with my humans. I love to play with them, and the other dogs here.

I am mostly deaf, so calling out my name is pretty useless- instead, you should flick on the porch light if it is time to come inside eg. Please be mindful of not scaring me by accident when you're approaching me from behind. I won't snap or bite you, but I will yelp and run to hide from you if you frighten me. I am slowly learning sign language which is quite simple but effective in communicating with a deaf doggo.

I love the company of my human and dog friends. While my humans are away from home, I hang out in the yard with the other dog. I am medium energy, so we like to play chasies and then nap in the sun. I don't like other animals being near my food, and my carers think that is pretty reasonable- why should I have to share my meals? We simply keep me separate at meal times or if we are having a bone to chew. And by packing up my things after each meal, I don't feel like I need to guard my bowl, and can instead get on with my day.

I am slowly learning that leads and harnesses aren't a death trap. I sometimes see them and panic, thinking it is going to harm me- but my trainers are spending a lot of time, lovingly and patiently teaching me that leash/harness = treats and fun! I don't mind car rides, but haven't got the hang of getting in or out yet- so sometimes I might need a lift! These are things that will improve for me with time, and with an owner who makes a consistent, gentle effort to train me positively with them.

I have met cats and tried to play with them, but I was a bit too rough for their liking. So for their sake, and mine- let's just keep it to dog friends! I haven't met many children, and while I am a gentle soul who would probably be amazing with them, I do get a fright easily and truly deserve to live my life in peace and safety. Children can sometimes be fast and wave things around, which would make me very scared. So maybe the big ones, say 13yrs + would be ok?

I'd love to have a 4ft fence or higher and have a committed, loving owner to continue my training and in return, I'll give you all the love and loyalty you could ever wish for!