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Strider is a large
black and tan male GSD that came to GSRNE following sad circumstances.
Strider had lived in a loving country home for seven years before his
owner passed away after a long illness. Strider’s owner had asked that
his family take good care of his beloved pet in his absence, as
Strider was the apple of his owner’s eye. True to their word, the
family took Strider into their home, but soon realized that their busy
city household with two other dogs was not an ideal home for Strider.
Although it was a
very difficult decision for the family, they realized that Strider
needed different circumstances to truly be happy. After careful
thought, the family called GSRNE for help. The family felt that if
they could find a loving, devoted home, they would be looking out for
Strider’s best interests.
When he first
arrived at his foster home, Strider seemed indifferent to his
surroundings and appeared uninterested in really getting to know his
foster family. However, Strider’s foster home happily reports that he
is now settling in and starting to show his true personality. It
seems that Strider is an independent kind of guy.
Part of Strider’s
personality is his playful spirit. Strider’s favorite pastime is
playing with his Frisbee and will happily retrieve a Frisbee tossed
over and over again. It is the object that makes him most happy.
Strider also loves to swim, and if you live near water, or have a
pool, he’ll be in heaven. Strider is also extremely intelligent. He
has been known to carry his food bowl over to his owner as a gentle
reminder that feeding time is near or present a toy as a request for a
play session.
Strider needs a
confident handler who will be able to demonstrate patience and allow
Strider a period of adjustment. If allowed, Strider will try to
establish the routine in the house. Strider is not overly pushy with
these gestures, but he would benefit from an owner/family that can set
clear expectations for him and help his settle into a routine.
A confident handler
will also help Strider realize that he does not need to vocalize in
new situations, meeting new people, or in response to strange noises.
Strider’s foster home has been working with him to let him know that
barking is not a desired response in certain situations, but this is
still an area where Strider will need continued work. He will most
likely always be a great “alert” dog to let you know when there is a
strange noise, but needs to learn that after he’s praised for alerting
you, that you’ll handle the situation from there.
Strider’s bark
betrays his gentle and friendly manner. Although he will announce the
arrival of a visitor by barking, he does enjoy the opportunity to meet
new people. Those people who greet Strider in a friendly and
confident manner find him friendly in response.
Strider currently
lives with another dog in his foster home, but seems to only tolerate
her presence. Strider has also made if very clear to the resident
female in his foster home that he regards himself as the dominant
canine. Fortunate for Strider, his foster sister is a very laid back
female who did not mind allowing Strider to have the impression that
he was top dog. However, given Strider’s history as an only dog with
the undivided attention of his owner, we feel Strider would be best
place in a home where he can continue to regard himself as top dog.
Strider has
experienced a great deal of upheaval in his life recently, but remains
resilient and ready for a new forever home. Strider will need some
time once he transitions to a new home to become comfortable and
secure. A family or adopter who can clearly communicate to Strider
his place in the household and expectations for behavior will benefit
Strider greatly. Strider has always had a role and a purpose, and like
many GSDs, he needs that structure in his life to thrive. Strider’s
intelligence, loyalty and independence will make him a wonderful dog
for a confident and GSD-savvy adopter.
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