Sulley - Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever Dog for Adoption in Amherst, Massachusetts

Meet Sulley!

A sweet five-year-old Australian Shepherd/Labrador Retriever mix currently in Fairview, NC, whose affectionate spirit and golden coat with white accents are matched by a brilliant herding-dog mind and an irresistible love of snuggling.

At 55 pounds, Sulley considers himself perfectly lap-sized and is happiest curled up beside his favorite person on the couch! This intelligent boy enjoys sniffing adventures, especially after the rain, working on chew toys like Kongs, running in a securely fenced yard, and soaking up affection. His seemingly constant smile makes his cuddly personality even more endearing!

Sulley has completed professional training and a behaviorist evaluation. He knows sit, stay, place, drop, and leave it, and he generally handles short periods alone well. Predictable routines, mental enrichment, exercise, quiet time, and continued positive reinforcement help this clever companion feel secure.

Sulley experiences significant anxiety and dog reactivity. Other dogs, loud or unexplained noises, bicycles, large trucks, and wildlife can trigger barking, growling, lunging, darting, or nipping. He has bitten another dog and, approximately 4.5 years ago, redirected a bite toward his guardian during an intervention involving another dog and a toy. No medical care was needed. Sulley is possessive of toys so thoughtful management is essential.

Sulley needs an adult-only home with no dogs, cats, or other pets. His future pet parent should have experience with anxious, reactive dogs, be comfortable handling a strong dog, spend considerable time at home, and provide a securely fenced setting away from busy roads and frequent dog or bicycle traffic. He must not be crated and can experience motion sickness on longer drives.

Healthy overall, neutered, house-trained, microchipped, and current on vaccinations, Sulley requires medication to manage anxiety: Clomipramine every 12 hours, daily Gabapentin, and Trazodone for high-anxiety events. Continuing his veterinary and behavioral care is important.

For the right person, Sulley offers intelligence, loyalty, laughter, couch cuddles, rainy-day sniffing, and the special connection of being someone’s one-and-only companion. Could this smiling, snuggly boy be the companion you have been hoping to welcome home?

If you're interested in providing Sulley with a loving home, please email adopt@joyfulpets.com for more information on adopting him! Please note that Sulley will remain with his current family until a suitable new home is found for him.

Also, Sulley is open to a long-distance adoption, love knows no distance when finding your perfect companion!

Content Notice: This pet is represented by Joyful Pets. All photos, descriptions, and behavioral summaries are proprietary and may not be republished, altered, or used by third-party platforms. Any unapproved aggregation or rewriting of this listing is strictly prohibited.

The Australian Shepherd is a highly intelligent and energetic herding dog known for its loyalty and work ethic. Originating in the United States, despite its name, this breed is prized for its agility, trainability, and versatility in various dog sports and activities. Australian Shepherds have a distinctive medium length coat that comes in different colors, often with unique merle patterns. With proper training, socialization, and exercise, these dogs make excellent companions for active families and individuals seeking a devoted and playful four legged friend.

The Labrador Retriever is a popular and versatile dog breed known for its friendly demeanor and high intelligence. These dogs are often used as guide dogs for the visually impaired, search and rescue dogs, and excellent family pets. Labradors are known for their great sense of smell, strong build, and love of water, making them exceptional hunters and swimmers. With their loyal and loving nature, Labradors have rightfully earned their reputation as one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world.

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