LEARNING TO TRUST:  Approx. 4 years old / Approx. 45 lbs.

Hi, my name is Austin!  I was at animal control when Mostly Mutts came for me.  I’m very grateful, but I was also quite scared and shut down. The volunteers and trainers are helping me get ready for my new family by being patient with me while I gain confidence to be a great companion.  Are you looking for a sweet boy who needs the love and patience of an amazing family to help me open up in my new home?  If that sounds like you, read on and let’s see if we’re a match! 

• OTHER DOGS/CATS/KIDS:  I came in with another scared dog named Dylan and we do love each other a lot!  Right now, we are both settling into shelter life and learning some independence from each other. I am the follower and Dylan the leader with a little more confidence than me. It’s not required that we’re adopted together, but if we can be, I’d be so happy! If we’re not adopted together, my trainer does think that I should have another dog-friendly dog in my new home to continue learning from. The tricky part right now is that I’m still a bit too scared to play with other dogs yet, though I have not shown any aggression.  So, if you have a dog that you think may be a fit for me, let’s meet and see if we can be pals. / Cats unknown. / I haven’t met kids yet at Mostly Mutts, but I think I would do best living with older, mature kids who have calm natures such as 15+ years old.  Let’s meet!

• PERSONALITY/ENERGY LEVEL:  I am a nice boy who came in very scared and insecure.  I don’t remember my past, but it had to be hard. I definitely need extra time to settle in at the shelter as well as the love and patience from the shelter volunteers and trainers who are working to help me build confidence.  They are slowly seeing me start to smile and I’ll let them give me some love, but I do still try to find a way out. A dog savvy family that understands I didn’t have a normal dog’s upbringing and will need lots of time to adjust in my new home would be a great fit for me. I just know that the heart-shaped spot on my left hip is a sign that there is a loving nature ready to be revealed – with patience and kindness. No apartment/condo type home please as that would just be too much commotion for me. / My energy level is 4-6.   

• SKILLS/CRATE/POTTY:  I am a student in the Mostly Mutts University training program, where I’m working with a trainer to become more comfortable with normal dog things. I am a puller on my leash and deemed a flight risk, so only an experienced dog walker should walk me for now. Also, a secure fenced yard will be best. / My crate manners are good at Mostly Mutts. / I've only had a few accidents on the shelter schedule, so hopefully I’ll do well in my new home on a good schedule.

• LIKES/DISLIKES:  Right now, the volunteers are working to learn what things I like and what makes me nervous or unsure.  I will need a patient and loving owner who will open their heart and give me time to adjust and relax in my home.  Then, I will surely open my heart to you. / I don’t like to be rushed or forced into new situations too fast.  Otherwise, I’m sure I wouldn’t like it if I didn’t get enough love, attention, exercise, and training.

• MEDICAL:  I'm current on annual vaccinations, micro-chipped and neutered. I’m on an anxiety medication called Fluoxetine to help me with the stress I’m feeling.

I am looking for a home with a dog savvy person who will use patience and love to help me adjust in my new home.  My adoption fee is $299.00, and I’m located in Kennesaw, Ga.