Adoption information
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On Hold
About Max
Looking for someone special to fall in love with a broken dog. Max is a gorgeous boy who has been broken and may never be entirely put back together again. He’s come such a long way in the last nine weeks but now needs to bond with his special forever person who will accept what he is.
This dog will need ongoing time and effort from you to live his best life. He’s a one-year-old Blue Heeler cross who was terrified and totally withdrawn when he arrived at AWAR – as you can see from the photo where he is cowering. He’s still very anxious, even in the house where he feels safest, but has progressed to where he loves playing ball, puts his feet up on the bed in the morning and burrows his nose in for a Good Morning pat and kiss. As he started feeling safe and came out of his shell, it became apparent that Max totally lacked any socialization skills, both with humans and another dogs. He’s a long, long way down that road now though.
He is very good with his toileting and there have only been two accidents in the nine weeks, both because his human wasn’t paying attention to his cues. The one thing about Max that amazes me is the fact that he has never shown any aggression whatsoever, no matter how scared he is. He will bolt or cower, not bite.
Max feels safest in a quiet structured environment, preferably with a slightly older, calm female dog to guide him. Even moving a piece of furniture has him very worried until he gets used to it. He needs to have a place he feels safe to bolt to (the house) and cannot be left outside in the garden without access to the safe place so something like a dog door is essential for him. A garden with good fencing and someone willing to spend time exercising him by playing ball and just being with him would be perfect. He’s gotten used to so many things. The sound of the kettle, the sound of the microwave (still isn’t convinced it isn’t hiding monsters), the air fryer, the mower, the TV. Really not good with the vacuum cleaner though and is terrified of the car and other people. I’m not sure that Max will ever be a dog you can take for walks or a ride in the car, although we’re working hard on that. But they are NOT on his list of all-time favourites.
The reasons this dog has won my heart, and that of my dog’s, is that he’s goofy, curious, playful, loving, totally believes he’s a lapdog, hasn’t an aggressive bone in his body, is smart and so faithful! No, he’s not brave in the conventional way but he tries so hard. And you will never pee alone again so don’t have to be concerned about the loo-monsters. Max has that covered!
Max, despite his size and power, is still a juvenile. He loves chewing things (preferably chair legs and his bed but will chew his toys instead if you really insist), will push your buttons and test you for the next year or so. But he’s smart and already sits on command, drops, stays and enjoys learning new things. He’s well acquainted with the words ‘No’; ‘Max!!!!’; ‘bloody hell, dog!!’ and ‘Good boy!’
Max would best be suited to a home without children, possibly even a single person home, although I believe he will adapt to a couple. You need to live reasonably locally as this adoption is not one where the dog will be going home with you after the first meet and greet. This will be a process taking a couple of weeks where you will meet with Max frequently so that he gets to know you and you have a chance to build some trust before he goes home with you.
Adoption details
Adoption applications, interview & property check for dogs.
Payment up front & three week trial period. Refund if returned within trial period.
For cats; F4 vaccination, flea treatment, intestinal worming, microchip.
For dogs; C5 vaccination, flea treatment, intestinal worming, microchip.
For dogs and cats; NSW council registration & vet records to new owner after trial period. Support if required.
This pet has been adopted and found love with its new family.
The rescue group has removed this pet and it is no longer available for adoption.
The rescue group is no longer taking adoption applications for this pet.