Age: 1 Year (as of 10/01/17)
Weight: 50 lbs (as of 8/30/17)

Location: RI
  
This dog has been spayed/neutered, is up to date on shots, on heartworm preventative and is microchipped.

Did someone say Taco?

Everyone loves a taco and everyone is going to love our Taco! He's an absolute sweetheart and a fabulous dog! He appears to be a Blue Heeler and Black Labrador Retriever mix. He is the size and build of his mom who was the Blue Heeler, but he has the coloring of a Black Lab. His siblings were adopted through SOS several months ago, but Taco was kept by the mother's owners in Arkansas. He recently started to chase their cattle, and they did not want to tie him up, but instead thought about shooting him. The neighbor contacted our southern rescue partner so he would be safe.

 

Taco gets along well with other dogs, especially with females. This is most likely because he lived with his mother since birth. He puts up with his kennel-mate's antics - she bites on his ears, jumps on him and does everything possible to get him to roughhouse. His sweet mother taught him well and he doesn't react to her! We do not know how he is with cats or children. It took him a few more days to trust and not to be shy with his male caretaker than his female caretaker. He now LOVES to be petted by both! He is currently staying in an indoor/outdoor kennel and has not experienced "home-life." He will most likely need to be house trained, crate trained and leash trained. He will need a family who will be prepared for some herding dog characteristics and is willing to work with a trainer. He will need slow socialization to a human environment, which includes house manners and training. This may be a 2-5 month transition period. He is somewhat apprehensive in new situations. Taco would do best in a home that doesn't have a lot of chaos and people coming and going, at least not for the first few months, so he can take it slow and go at his own pace. He would likely do best in a household with another well-balanced dog. He does not seem dominant but does stand up for himself. He did growl at the dog in the next kennel when she got too near his dish, but he and his kennel mate will eat of the same dish. He is quiet and does not play much. He rides well, while crated, in the car. Caution will need to be taken around open doors or gates as he may try to escape out of fear. He may need a little more TLC than other dogs, but the payback will be so rewarding knowing that you saved him and changed his life forever. He'll be a wonderful dog for someone wanting a loving, young dog and who will be willing to teach him all the basics. He still has a lot to learn. For his age, he's very gentle. He hardly barks, doesn't jump on people, and loves to sit by some of the older dogs and watch some of the younger ones act crazy, or just be puppies.

 

If you would like adopt Taco, and give him a home and the love he deserves, please fill out an application. You may not be able to change Taco's past, but you can rewrite his future!

 

Medical Note: This dog was treated for demodectic mange while in the SOS program. The dog has responded well to this treatment. Please note that demodex can flare up in any dog in times of stress (eg, transport, transition to a new home, change in food, etc). As such, the adopter is advised to discuss this condition and best next steps with their veterinarian. SOS recommends that dogs with a history of demodectic mange be kept on regular NexGard or Bravecto for flea/tick prevention for at least 3 months or until 18 months of age. Please see here for more information on demodectic mange: http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/mange-demodectic-in-dogs/741 . Please check with your vet if you should have any questions or concerns about this condition, and discuss any concerns you may have with your SOS Adoption Counselor.

Adoption Fee: $425

To apply for this dog, fill out an adoption application on our website:  www.sosarl.org/aa/

**Additional info you should know -  For most of our dogs, we are only guessing at predominant breed or breed mix.  We get to know each of our dogs as an individual and do our best to describe and place them based on personality not breed label.   Some dogs may not yet be in New England, nor ready for immediate adoption.  There may be additional vetting, quarantine, waiting periods and/or fees depending upon your state of residence. If you have questions or concerns on any of this, you can discuss this with your Adoption Counselor.