Chelito

Chelito is available to apply to adopt, but will not leave foster care until 7/28 at the earliest. Does anyone remember this guy, this face? He was getting shared everywhere on FB to save him as he was on his final day at the shelter, alive! ACDRA grabbed him just in the nic of time and gave … Chelito a 2nd chance! Chelito has been in foster care since April, but before going into foster care he was at an overcrowded shelter for over a month with no interest in his sweet face. On one Monday afternoon, he was about to be led to a back room for his final time ever since they just couldn’t justify keeping him any longer. It was his final hours until a foster came through and committed & ACDRA made the save. ACDRA saved him, just for you! Chelito came into foster care HW+ and has completed his HW treatment like a brave boy (needs 6mo check-up following). He was a saint for HW treatment (restricted activity). He is kennel trained and kennels nicely. He sleeps in his kennel, but would 10/10 prefer to sleep in bed with you. He loves toys, but doesn’t shred/destroy like a raptor in seconds, at least not yet. He likes to accumulate and play with one and change his mind. He is very gentle. He’s your lets Zoomie in the yard together and next he’s your Netflix+chill-type heeler. He will follow you and look for you. He’s not super active and I personally don’t believe he needs (or wants) 5 miles walks each day, like some, but a fenced yard to run and play when he’s energetic and then a comfy safe home to chill out and relax. (oh, he will chase squirrels and he’s a fly biter.) He’s pretty tonal-sensitive. Firm “No’s” can upset him easily, but also stop a bad action in one command. He walks well for walks with just a collar, not a puller. Foster home has 6 cats, never an issue with him. He can be iffy with getting in a car here and there. At first I think it is mostly due to his changing of stays in the last few months and the uncertainty/fear. He is kenneled in the car and rides quietly and has never had an accident while driving. He has gone to some dog sporting events with me. He gets excited seeing other dogs barking, playing. But, he’s manageable in that type of environment. He has gone into a lake into the water chest deep, likely could swim with more time. He is potty trained, has never had an accident inside or in his kennel. However, going outside to potty requires supervision… he prefers it! He can be with other dogs, but I strongly suggest a very slow introduction process. (3-4weeks, 2 weeks of adjustment and slowly incorporate meetings in small amounts.) He did best with this scenario and he is BFF’s with foster mom’s persistent naggy (but calm and mostly well mannered) 1.5-year-old (intact male) ACD and co-exists with him and a 7-year-old (fixed male) ACD. Kids have been untested, but I will try before he goes somewhere. But, when he is acting more himself, he does jump up on you (though, not like a dinosaur) and does nip heels in a gentle fashion in play. If I had to mention negatives: He does growl with barriers if another dog is on the other side up close. He has improved a lot with this since being in foster care, but it is still a thing. He can/will start a minor scuffle with a dog if over-stimulated whether dogs are all barking at something (like a favorite human coming home/through the door) and or when sharing some toys/bones. Again, firm NO or a yell, and he breaks out of it but don’t put it past him. Again though, very manageable. He doesn’t like getting pulled with his collar leading him, and isn’t 100% all about getting handled for groomed. He doesn’t like baths or getting sprayed or being restrained. He is not aggressive, has never bit, but he is unsure and could benefit with more sessions targeting that. All in All, this boy is a HAM and just loves being with you. Cat-home approved and low dog numbers preferred. He is a perfect fit for a less active/stay at home lifestyle. Heeler/cattle dog experience will be required. Let’s get Chelito into his new forever home to show him a forever family will not give up on this boy to be led to the rainbow, ever again! He resides local to Raleigh, NC. He is 2 years old and weighs 35-40 lbs. Please contact [email protected].

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