SPARKLE - Siberian Husky and Mixed Breed Dog for Adoption in Santa Cruz, California
SPARKLE
Siberian Husky, Mixed Breed
🇺🇸
Santa Cruz, California
July 2nd
female, large, adult
DESCRIPTION
Looking to adopt a dog that adds a bit of glitz and glam to your life.. meet Sparkle! Sparkle is an 8 year old husky mix gal who has stolen the hearts of volunteers and staff members. Upon entry to the Shelter, staff observed that Sparkle seemed to have trouble seeing her environment and would bump into things. Our medical team has been overseeing her care and consulted with a local ophthalmologist who determined that Sparkle is functionally blind. Although she appears comfortable at the moment, she may need both of her eyes surgically removed in the future. Because of this, Sparkle needs a very special adopter that will commit to her and her needs in the future. Our clinic team is available to talk to any potential adopter moving forward. More about our girl Sparkle.. She has gone on a sleepover with a volunteer who reports: Although Sparkle certainly doesn’t see well (if much at all), she never seemed stressed being in a new environment. She spent a long time (~1hr) just exploring the room, sniffing every last corner. She did occasionally bump into walls/furniture, but quickly got better at navigating the space. Sparkle definitely kept a mental map of the area. For instance, she had to go up a couple steps to enter the house, which involved some hesitation on her first attempt. After that first time, she happily went up/down without any assistance. She only ever made it halfway-up the in-house staircase, but I also didn’t spend much time practicing it with her. Hopping on/off couches and beds was no trouble at all. In general, she did great at navigating the house. She happily followed me around, and knew very well the position of her water and toys and could locate them independently. Her lack of vision did not seem to bother her in the slightest. She loved her walks, and would even position herself in front of me instead of by my side. That being said, she would bump into walls or trip off the curb if I didn’t stop her, although she remained unbothered by it all. While Sparkle was content riding in the car, she did refuse to enter it. So long as I went slow, she was very tolerant of being carried, so I picked her up to plop her inside. Finally, some short personality notes: Super snuggly! She demanded more attention with stubs, paws, and soft boofs Enjoyed squeaky toys, and happily squeaked them for literal hours Very food-motivated, but I did have to put treats directly in front of her mouth in order for her to locate them Mostly house-trained. She tried to poop inside once, but I stopped her and took her outside before she could Adores dogs. The moment she senses a dog she’s instant wiggles and wants to play If you have the resources to care for an above average needs dog and are looking for a dog to fill your days with love and laughter - come to the Shelter to meet Sparkle today. On July 4th, the Shelter is hosting a Red, White and Woof adoption event where all adoption fees are reduced to $17.76! The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation is now offering “Pawsitivity Bucks” with every dog adoption. This $200 training voucher is a way for newly adopted canines and their guardians to connect with local positive reinforcement based behavior consultants and get their relationship started off on the right paw! Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.
ABOUT: MIXED BREED DOG BREED
The mixed breed dogs, often referred to as mutts, are a diverse and unique group with a blend of different characteristics from various purebred dog breeds. These dogs come from a mixture of lineages, resulting in a wide range of sizes, coat types, and temperaments. While each mixed breed dog is distinct in its own right, they are known for their resilience, adaptability, and often have fewer health issues compared to purebred dogs due to their genetic diversity. Mixed breed dogs make wonderful companions for families looking for a loyal and one-of-a-kind pet.
The Siberian Husky is a medium sized working dog breed known for its striking appearance and friendly demeanor. Originating from Siberia, these dogs are well adapted to cold climates and are recognizable for their distinctive wolf like appearance, including piercing almond shaped eyes and a thick double coat. Siberian Huskies are known for their high energy levels, intelligence, and strong willed nature, making them best suited for active families and experienced dog owners who can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
