<font color="#FF0000"> *** COURTESY LISTING *** PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL THE PERSON LISTED. DO NOT CONTACT WARF AS WE HAVE NO FURTHER INFO. </font></b> Meet Griff, an approximately 5y.o. neutered German Shepherd-Pit mix up to date on vaccines who is looking for a home. Unfortunately we have seen a lot of unexpected changes in our lives recently surrounding work and a serious injury with surgeries looming, and it's become difficult to give him his best life. He's happy and healthy, gets exercise and walks and visits with friends, cuddles on the sofa, and his needs are met- but we just can't give him the 100% we were able to before our lives changed. Griff had been abandoned overnight at a construction site in 2021 where the owner was working. Someone left him tied up in freezing temperatures with a bark collar on, unneutered and unchipped at the time. Police and Animal Control never found the culprits. He is a sweet, energetic, loyal, alert, and very intelligent dog who loves his human and canine friends. He loves to go on hikes, backpacking, trail runs, follow you on a bike, chase a ball, perform his many tricks, and is eager to learn and train. He's great at home and snoozes on the couch when we're gone, and is crate trained and great on leash. That said, he's a complicated dog. Not long after we took him in we started to see significant behavioral quirks. Whatever past trauma or lack of socialization he had likely led to his reactivity with new people and new dogs. Griff had a lot of success working with a great dog trainer and has gained confidence and a sense of safety out in the world since then. Nonetheless he struggles to meet new dogs and new people in the way that most dogs do. With a structured routine he is able to safely meet others and welcome them into his life and be friends, and he's loved living with other dogs we've fostered. What he can't safely do is suddenly meet other dogs while he or they are off leash, and strangers can't come right up to him and pet him; he needs to feel safe and calm before engaging. There have never been any serious altercations but we are diligent to avoid any situation that could lead to trouble. We are hoping to find someone looking for a new canine companion who can provide a structured, engaging life for this handsome dog. With these things in mind, this new family should be reactive-dog savvy and live an active lifestyle. We don't think he's a great fit for a home with children or cats. If you happen to know of anyone who might be a good fit for Griff please reach out- he is in Tahoe and are owners are willing to travel with him for the right situation. Contact 612-323-6762 or email acarl08@gmail.com
