Our boy Gourd is ready for his forever home! Talk about a fun dog. He is sure to keep you entertained and on your toes. Gourd was found as a stray in the city of Buffalo. He was shut down at the shelter. We can’t say no to our local shelters when they reach out for help. So Gourd was welcomed into rescue. He has come a long way in the last couple of months. He still needs some help boosting his confidence but nothing his new family can’t help him with. He does have a few quirks so please make sure you read his entire profile. He is not ideal for first-time dog owners.

We are unsure of Gourd's breed but we know he does have that herding instinct in him. He has a lot of energy and would like to go to a home that will keep him busy. Gourd loves to go for walks. In fact, he demands it daily, no matter if it’s raining, sunny, or snowing Gourd wants to go. He will sit in front of the door until you take him. Gourd is excellent on a leash. If you are a jogger, he would probably enjoy being your running partner. On his walks, Gourd will run after the leaves and the squirrels. If he hears another dog bark or a large truck goes by he gets nervous. Even passing a new garbage can, he can be afraid. He will cower down and try to sneak by it. The more he walks though, the more confident Gourd becomes. He is completely leash trained. Due to the fact he’s so good on leash, a fenced-in yard is not required for him. Please no electric fences though. He’s too nervous for them. He has nervous energy so if he does not have enough activity, Gourd gets himself into mischief. Gourd loves to play with the toys, with you or alone. He will shake and throw the toys in the air then run after them. Gourd thinks balls are the best toys ever!

Gourd has quickly picked up the routine in his foster home. He is crate trained and doing excellent on his house training. He knows exactly what to do when he’s outside but it is up to you to take him out. Gourd does get along with some dogs. He’s selective about who he likes. He tends to prefer small females though. So he will need to be the only dog or a smaller older dog. Please no cats. With his herding instincts, if a dog moves too fast, Gourd has been known to nip at them to slow them down. Gourd does not like to be picked up, and he doesn’t like when other dogs are picked up either. Again he has nipped at them. If you can read Gourd's body language you can easily tell what the boy is thinking. A firm “be nice gourd” helps him to check his behavior. He’s practicing impulse control.

Gourd is extremely loyal to his family. He protects them from strangers and will alert you when someone comes into your home. He is all about the love of his people. Gourd seems to think he is a lap dog. He will sit on you while you attempt to watch tv. If you are home, Gourd is right behind you, on you, or touching you all the time. Gourd gives amazing hugs and kisses. He is still working on manners but, Gourd does know how to sit immediately and is working on down. He does let his nose get him into trouble sometimes. He’s a counter surfer for sure. Food needs to be pushed back a bit, his longer legs allow him to reach food very easily. Oh! And Gourd is a jumper. He gets so excited! He’s not going to jump the fence outside but if you have a baby gate up, and he’s in a different room, don’t be surprised if you find him next to you. He’s going to jump over the baby gate to get to you. That’s how loyal he is. Gourd just doesn’t want you to be lonely. If Gourd can't see you, he wants his family! He will be nervous and shy initially but once he warms, he can’t help but love you. It seems to take him longer to warm up to men than women. But he gets there.

Because Gourd is an insecure herding dog, he will not be placed in a home with small children. He would do best in a home with children over 12. After a long day, Gourd is the first one in bed. He loves to get under the covers and snuggle in as close as possible to his people. He likes to sleep with his head on his foster mama's leg or curled up in a ball pressed against her. He doesn’t move all night, be prepared to move around him Tetris style. If you think Gourd is a match for your home, make sure you apply today. You won’t be disappointed by his fun antics and all the love he will shower upon you!

Gourd is neutered, up to date with vaccines, microchipped, flea/worm treated and tested neg. for heartworm.  His adoption fee is $400