Midge (Midget)

We are currently taking expressions of interest for Midge - the link for the non-binding EOI form is here: https://www.4lyfe.org.au/adoption-application. Please do NOT use the giant green petrescue button to make an inquiry as your inquiry will not be processed. Midge will not be available for re-homing outside of the ACT.

Midge is a Kelpie X Jack Russell Terrier, both very energetic and smart breeds. Midge displays both of those traits in spades and will require a home where these particular aspects of her personality will be catered for with time, enrichment, training and company.

She is a loyal, confident and alert. She has a beautiful temperament, loves a cuddle and wants to help with everything you are doing. She is already displaying a loveable, sassy personality and will let you know if you’re not paying enough attention to her!

She loves her food, is very trainable with treats and particularly loves having a chew on a goat horn. She will currently sit and wait for her meals until she is given the ‘okay’ command and will sit when asked at other times. She is mostly house trained however she is still prone to accidents particularly if it’s wet outside. We have started basic lead training and she is walking well with a harness. So far, she travels very well in the car in a crate, where she goes to sleep. She sleeps well overnight in her crate in the bedroom and will whimper when she needs to go outside which is between 6am and 7:30am. She would not be suitable as an outside dog as she just wants to be with her people. She is not displaying any resource guarding tendencies with food or toys nor is she being reactive to traffic, thunder and many other loud noises.

She loves meeting new people and is very interested in other dogs. As she is still very young, she has not been socialised with many dogs, only others who are around the same age or very gentle with her. She plays very well with my older dog and given the right socialisation, I feel she will be very friendly towards other dogs in the future and will be suitable in a household with another dog who could be gentle with her although her energy levels might be too much for an old dog.

Midge has not been exposed to cats, pet rabbits, ferrets, rats or birds. She is already displaying prey drive and shaking toys vigorously so I would be hesitant introducing her to a cat that might run from her or to pet rabbits, ferrets, rats, birds etc. For this reason, I don’t think she would be suitable in a household with a nervous cat however with the right training and socialisation, I feel she would become friends with a more relaxed cat. She will not be suitable for a home with pet rabbits, ferrets, rats or birds.

She has not been exposed to many children however given how she loves people, I’m sure she would be suitable for older children (8+) who would treat her with calmness and kindness.

Given her breed mix, she will need intellectual stimulation and enrichment and will need ongoing training and boundaries from her people. She would be best off in a home that will not leave her alone every day for long periods of time. Although as a puppy she looks very cute, working dogs like Midge need ongoing intellectual stimulation (not just physical exercise) and company or they will create their own fun and mischief, which will not be fun for humans to arrive home to after work!

Midge will require a reasonable sized backyard for exploration, toileting and play. She will not be suitable for an apartment with no yard.

Please note that Midge is still a puppy so should not do any hard exercise (long walks, jogging, alongside a bicycle, frisbee) until she is at least around 14 months old and has finished growing. Until then, she should do short walks and gentle exercise only. Accordingly, if you need an exercise buddy right now, Midge will not be the right fit for you. If you have the patience to wait, she will be a fabulous exercise buddy.