Video: Leasherly leash walk with Ozzy.
Video: More leash walking with Ozzy
Video: Ozzy appreciates the treats.
Foster needed for 10-year-old male Lab mix "Ozzy"
Background: Ozzy's owner is moving to Florida on Wednesday and unable to take Ozzy with him.
What Ozzy's Foster Says: We got Ozzy six years ago from a local shelter. He is very gentle and easily scared. He was abused before we adopted him and he tends to shy away from people he doesn't know. Ozzy is house-broken and is allowed access to the entire house during the day when we are at work. Ozzy is a super sweet boy that presents with a history of abuse. We adopted him from the shelter when he was estimated to be 3-4 years old. He's come a LONG way since then - he used to cower in corners. Our friends couldn't get near him, sometimes he would even pee from fear if cornered. Now he can be around new people, he just needs to be given space. But if we have a party, he's actually downstairs around everybody (he used to hide upstairs until everyone was gone). He really likes to be around other dogs. He plays well with other dogs. He's just a big boy and he has zero spatial awareness. School-age kids that have a LOT of activity (like kids in/out yelling, running, etc.) would probably be stressful for him. He would do so well with someone that works from home or someone that needs a therapy-type dog that just wants to snuggle and be around. I think he'd be very happy with animal friends. He used to want to play with our GSD "Jag", but Jag played less and less as he aged. Ozzy does fine being alone for long periods; he's potty trained and also knows how to use a doggy door if there is one. He loves people food and treats. He now walks pretty well on leash.
What Our Evaluator Says: Initially a bit scared, Ozzy warmed up to me after lots of treats and was so gentle. I think a really calm home probably with another calm dog to give him confidence would be good. The owner has young kids but given how scared and timid he is I probably wouldn’t do that to him right off the bat. Doesn’t care much about food or toys but liked my treats and took them out of my hand. No issue pulling the bowl/treats away. We met several dogs (golden retriever, 2 small dogs and a German shepherd) and he did fine with them. Not reactive at all. Light sniffs and kept walking. Didn’t react at all to other dogs barking at him. No issues and very friendly/easy encounters with all the dogs he encountered.
What Ozzy's Rescue Rep says: At ~95 pounds, this gentle giant would do best in a quiet home with another adult dog. Not a dog for a home with kids due to his skittishness. He would be happy with two short walks each day; walks very nice on leash; not a big puller. No idea how he is with cats, but we suspect he would be just fine.
Medical: Neutered, microchipped, and current on vaccinations. no known health issues. We will get him to our vet for a full check-up.
Located In: Alamo
If you can foster Ozzy, contact Rescue Rep Dave at david.c.ely@sbcglobal.net
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