ADOPTION PENDING!
Breed: Australian Shepherd
DOB: Jan 2022
Sex: Neutered male
Fostered in Waterford
Foster home: Nicole C.
122-22
Murphy is fully crate trained. He sleeps through the night quietly in the crate, and happily goes there whenever we leave the house and intermittently throughout the day. We have been working through potty training, but he is not fully potty trained yet. He can hold his potty overnight and in the crate for 4/5 hours during the day.
Murphy’s a very smart puppy, and he listens very well, but the ability for him to learn commands will be limited due to his more limited mobility.
Murphy was diagnosed with Cerebellar Hypoplasia. This diagnosis affects the cerebellum part of the brain and affects coordination and walking. This is not a diagnosis that will get worse with time, and tends to improve as the puppy gains more muscle and learns how to use their legs. Murphy has moderate symptoms. He can walk, run, play, and potty as any normal puppy does. Indoors we sometimes allow him to use socks with grips to help his legs from sliding so much. However, in his time with us his walking has improved greatly and is continuing to improve.
He has trouble using stairs but has been able to do 2 or 3 at a time. Other than that, Murphy is a perfectly happy and healthy puppy.
He has trouble using stairs but has been able to do 2 or 3 at a time. Other than that, Murphy is a perfectly happy and healthy puppy.
Ideal parents for Murphy would include someone who isn’t gone 4+ hours a day to help him get through his potty training. The ability to lay out some rugs or carpeting to help with his mobility around the house. A home that doesn’t have stairs, or the ability to block them off to avoid potential injury. Also, someone who is able to provide mental enrichment activities for Murphy. Since he is a working breed, and has quite a bit of energy with limited mobility, it will be important to provide him with mental enrichment activities throughout his life so that he gets adequate exercise to avoid behavioral issues. Murphy would do well with another dog as long as they are patient with some of his puppy antics. Murphy has displayed some resource guarding behaviors with toys and food, so this will be something to watch as Murphy gets older.
If you have any questions, please email tzupoomom@gmail.com .
If you would like to apply for this dog, click here: Adoption Application
