Have you ever watched the movie or read the book, “Matilda”?  Matilda is born into a home that is different than her.  Her mom, dad & brother are involved in the car business and lie, cheat and are generally not the best people.  They think Matilda is weird, does not fit in with the family, and they generally leave her alone while they go off and do their thing.  It’s a great movie (hint – it works out great for Matilda in the end.).  It shows how a person can feel like a stranger in his/her own home.  We think this guy is similar to Matilda (without the nasty family).

This young man was placed as an agility prospect as a puppy.  His owner has had 3 of my dogs before and they all did great.  But this guy is a bit different.  He is a great dog – just not for agility.  His owner is a drivey, competitive, agility person who loves it and wants to continue.  His housemates shine in the agility arena, and enjoy going to lessons – but he does not.  They have fun competing – but He does not.  He has been to several trainers (with his mum) with little success.  Although he does not get car sick, He does not enjoy car rides and needs to be loaded into his crate every time.  When they arrive, He prefers to stay in his crate - covered.   You can tell He would prefer not to be there and will guard his crate.

However, when He is home He comes alive and enjoys going through the equipment in the backyard, going for walks, hanging out with his toys and just generally being a great dog.  He has been around the grandbabies and does fine.  Having company does not stress him out at all – at home.

This guy is not an unusual aussie/mini – some just prefer to be a homebody.

His owner has agonized about this and took a LONG time to come to the conclusion that this guy would thrive in a different environment.  He has never been abused or neglected and his owner is retired so home most of the time.  He is a house dog and shares it with an elderly Gottabe dog and another neutered Gottabe male.  Though they get along, his mum has never left them alone, feeds them separately, and makes sure there are no toy wars.

We believe this guy needs a retirement home where he will get lots of walks, or play time in the back yard.  He would NOT do well left alone all day as he is a young Mini American who needs to be part of a family and stimulation to keep his brain in a healthy place.   He would be fine with another dog if they got along, would enjoy a couple, single person, or family with older children.  He has been neutered, is up to date on all shots, and comes from parents extensively health tested.  He is under 18” so  in-size for our breed.  He lives in the bay area of CA and would need to be placed within driving distance.  Any prospects would require a home inspection.

If you think you might be a great fit for this guy, send me an email & your contact info, explain about you, your family, dog history, and I will respond.  All inquiries will be passed on to his owner and she will be responsible for placement.  You can send me an email through our “Contact Us” tab, or click here.
Best regards,
Lori McClelland