https://foha.org/pet/dino2026/
Meet Dino!
ABOUT THIS ANIMAL:
Some dogs get rescued through carefully planned missions. Dino apparently had a different strategy: find some nice people in the Jardin in San Miguel de Allende and follow them home.
That spontaneous decision eventually led this sweet boy from the streets of Mexico all the way to FOHA in Virginia-with his very own passport along for the journey.
Dino's previous caregivers absolutely adored him. They described him as a very sweet boy with a fun personality who isn't particularly high energy but seems as though he was "born to play all day long." He especially loved playing with other dogs and was known for being particularly fond of the ladies!
At FOHA, we're meeting that same sweet dog, but we're also seeing a Dino who is still trying to make sense of a LOT of change.
Dino is hesitant but curious and can be very alert to everything happening around him. Loud barking, sudden movements, and unfamiliar dogs can currently make him nervous. Rather than completely retreating, Dino tends to stay watchful-taking everything in and trying to figure out what's happening around him.
On walks, he's generally easy on leash but may stop periodically to observe his surroundings. He likes toys, although treats apparently require a little more quality control-this boy can be picky!
And we've already gotten a glimpse of just how smart he is.
During a visit to our medical manager's office, she worked with Dino on "sit" and "down," and he picked them up right there, even while he was still feeling anxious in his new environment. He even gave her a few kisses along the way.
There's clearly a playful, affectionate, clever dog underneath all that vigilance. Right now, Dino just needs some time to realize he doesn't have to keep track of absolutely everything happening around him.
HOW AM I WITH DOGS:
This one's a little more complicated!
My previous caregivers described me as a dog who LOVED other dogs and especially enjoyed playing with female dogs. They considered me a fantastic canine companion.
Since arriving at FOHA, however, I've seemed nervous when encountering unfamiliar dogs, even when those dogs weren't behaving threateningly toward me.
That's important information, and my FOHA friends aren't going to assume that either environment tells my entire story. I've experienced international travel, a brand-new shelter, unfamiliar people, unfamiliar dogs, and a completely different routine in a very short period of time.
They'll continue assessing me as I decompress so we can better understand what I'm comfortable with and what kind of canine companions might be a good fit.
HOW AM I WITH CATS:
My history with cats is unknown. Just ask my friends at FOHA about a cat test!
HOW AM I WITH KIDS:
My previous caregivers report that I've done well with children and adults, although I haven't interacted with children yet during my time at FOHA.
Because I'm currently sensitive to sudden movements and loud noises, my FOHA friends will help determine whether I'm comfortable with the children in your particular family.
I KNOW THE FOLLOWING COMMANDS:
It turns out I may be a pretty quick study!
During some time in our medical manager's office, I was able to learn "sit" and "down" while working with her-even though I was still feeling anxious about everything happening around me.
I'm also generally easy to handle on leash and walk pretty nicely, although I sometimes stop because I need a moment to observe what's happening around me.
Positive training could be a great way to exercise my brain while also helping me build confidence and strengthen my relationship with my new person.
MY HOUSEBREAKING AND/OR CRATING:
My friends at FOHA are still learning about my housebreaking and crating habits as I settle in.
THINGS I LIKE:
Playing Toys Going for walks Exploring Learning Giving kisses Spending time with people Observing my surroundings Using my brain Other dogs in my previous environment Apparently being a bit of a ladies' man
THINGS I'M WORKING ON:
Feeling safe in my new environment Relaxing around unfamiliar dogs Building confidence around loud noises and quick movements Learning that I don't have to stay on alert Continuing to show everyone how smart I am
Dino has experienced a lot of world in a short amount of time. He went from wandering through San Miguel de Allende, to following the right people home, to being rescued, to getting a passport and traveling all the way to Virginia.
Right now, he's still taking everything in.
But between those watchful moments, we're already seeing pieces of the Dino his previous caregivers knew: the sweet boy, the playful boy, the smart boy, and the affectionate boy who sneaks in a few kisses once he's feeling comfortable.
The dog who once decided to follow some people home is now waiting for someone else to make a decision of their own:
Follow Dino home-and this time, let him stay.
FOHA ADOPTION POLICIES AND PROCESS:
Click Here!
ADOPTION FEE INCLUDES:
Spay/neuter, vaccines (rabies, distemper & Bordetella), 1-month access to Petcademy for training and behavior support, slip lead leash, 1 bag starter food, 1 month flea/tick & heartworm preventatives, diagnostic testing, and additional medical procedures as recommended by our vet.
ALVIN
Domestic Short Hair
🇺🇸
Aldie, Virginia
male, large, adult
Domestic Short Hair
Aldie, Virginia
