Adopted: Duff

Quick Facts:

  • Breed: Shepherd Mix
  • Gender: Male, Neutered
  • Age: Approx. 2 years old
  • Size: 45 pounds
  • Good with…
    • Dogs? YES! Most!
    • Cats? Nope, sorry!
    • Kids? With confident kids 10+

Hi, I’m Duff and I am a spunky Shepherd mix originally rescued from Florida!

** Duff is not a CDR dog but please fill out an application and it will be forwarded to his humans!***

History

I was transported to a shelter up north to make room for other dogs in need before a big hurricane came last year. No big deal, I’m super adaptable and I’m very brave – and turns out I love the snow.

I was very stressed at the northern shelter, but thankfully was adopted from there in November. I made myself right at home with my new dog brother and the great humans in my home! They give me lots of things to do, and I’ve been learning lots of manners and tricks, like “down,” “sit,” “wait,” “gentle,” and “off!” I’ve even learned to walk on a harness (so much better for my neck). I’ve made a ton of friends, and I’ve even heard some humans call me their “favorite,” whatever that means! I love to have a good time!

Personality

Everyone thinks I’m super cute and wants to see my ears up close – yep, they’re like that all the time! I am a huge fan of snuggling, and I like to flop upside down while putting my head under your chin. I have so much love that it is hard to express sometimes and I end up looking super silly. Once I even flopped off of the couch LOL! I can be a little clumsy sometimes, but that’s just the puppy spirit still in me. That reminds me, I’m also a huge fan of naps on the couch, there’s a window that lets the sunshine in just right and that is my favorite spot!

I am kind of a ham, if you couldn’t tell, and I really love any physical attention I can get. I usually will try to greet you with a BIG kiss! Then I remember I am working on staying on the ground when meeting new friends. I get so wiggly from excitement! I just love meeting everyone! I really enjoy being involved in what everyone’s doing, so that’s when you’ll see my big smile, and I’ll even sit before you ask me to. Once I’m relaxed and comfortable, I like to do random acts of kindness and give super gentle and really sweet kisses throughout the day to remind you that I’m thankful to be around you. I always remember to run to give a quick cuddle to my person after I finish a meal, too!

Walks are one of my favorite parts of the day. Since I was a stray, I walk kind of freely back and forth, but ever since I got a harness, I don’t pull, so it’s been easier to focus on smelling all the smells! I have basically perfected “here” and “wait” while on walks as well. Coming from being a stray, to a shelter, it took me some time to realize that I needed to go potty outside, although it seemed to make a lot of sense to me. In my time at my new house, I have figured out what signaling works to tell my humans I need to go out, I paw at them and make eye contact!

I said earlier that I learned “gentle” and I have been working on taking treats very nicely from my humans. I like to use my mouth to express my excitement so this was a very good trick to learn! I don’t want to hurt anyone, and don’t even really notice when I am being mouthy. Redirection with a toy helps me be on point with that habit.

FOOD is another huge motivator for me. Training treats always hit the spot and I’ll work super hard to earn them! I also love basically any veggies and fruits that are safe for me to eat, but I especially am a fan of carrots, bananas, strawberries, and blueberries. When my humans eat food, I politely sit down and wait for my share, but I don’t always get a piece. That’s okay, I’ll be a good boy until I get something!

Cohabitation

I just adore my doggy big brother– we play tug, get lick-mats, and swap bones & kongs all day. He is very understanding of my energy, he used to be just like me! I appreciate other dogs who do not mind being a little rowdy, and who can nicely let me know when I’m overstepping or am being a bit “too much”…I just need a reminder! I love seeing other dogs on walks, although I haven’t had the chance to meet too many because I am still practicing my “meeting” manners. Apparently other dogs take my jumping up at them as being “too excited,”–I can’t help it, but I’m getting better at it over time! On my walks I’ve seen cats, squirrels, birds, and bunnies… they look super fun to chase! But I work hard to stop myself if I’m told I’m not supposed to do that. I’d much rather have your approval and a treat.

Favorite Activities

  • Any attention I can get (Petting, cuddling, belly scratches!)!
  • Getting a carrot when you open the fridge! Heard of the carrot tax?
  • Learning tricks/ working for my food, like scent work!
  • Lickmats with frozen peanut butter, pumpkin, or yogurt
  • Taking a nap on the couch next to you!
  • Chasing my brother in a fenced in yard!

Why I am looking for a new home

From Duff’s Perspective:

There is a cat that lives with us, and I don’t think we’re friends. She wants nothing to do with me and I just want to play play PLAY! We’ve had a few run-ins and I’m starting to become afraid, so I definitely do not want to share space with a cat where I live next, too high maintenance in my opinion!

From the humans perspective:

Our cat and Duff are not able to share space together. Duff wants to chase her, naturally, and she will run to the nearest safe space. They cannot safely be on the same level of the house together. The cat has attacked Duff out of fearl, which has instilled fear within Duff, creating a cycle of fear between the two. This has also created stress for our other dog who tries to be the buffer between them. She used to be a very outgoing and bold cat, and she is now reclusive, and only comes out when she is sure he’s in his crate. At this time we keep a gate against the stairs and Duff is not allowed upstairs, but it is not fair for our cat to live her life on the second floor in fear and stress. We do not want to rehome Duff, but we’ve tried everything we can and we know this is the best decision for the both of them. We’d love to keep in touch with the adopting human!

Medical

No medical issues at all. Needs ear cleaning fairly often. Neutered and up to date on vaccines!

Summary

My ideal home is one with humans who are excited to work with me on training and teach me things, and who are understanding that I’ve only really had a home for a few months, and I’m still learning. I am silly, have a big heart, and a lively and curious mind. I like having other dog siblings to play with, but I’m totally fine being the apple of your eye. Cats are not for me. I love the outdoors, and a home with a fenced in yard would be amazing, but I’m happy to go for leashed walks if I get to wear a harness and keep my neck safe. I need toys and mental activities to keep me occupied and tire me out, it’s fun to play with my humans but I’m happy to keep myself busy with those as well!

So if you think Duff might be the perfect addition to your family please fill out an online adoption application and live close to Ithaca, Syracuse, Binghamton, Rochester, or Elmira. We do home visits on every applicant, and can’t do home visits where we don’t have local volunteers. The rescue will forward it to my current humans, who will a) be in touch with you and b) make all decisions about my placement!

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