The day I first met him he had just arrived at OHS. He was curled up into a little ball in his kennel, shaking. I sat with him and talked softly to him until he came up to me, but I still couldn’t convince him to go for a walk with me that day. I couldn’t even convince him to leave his kennel. I came back a couple days later and went to see him right away. Well, our shy boy had come out of his shell! I think he must have just had a rough few days. Now he acts like a normal cattle dog puppy. Lots of energy, playful, happy, and ready to go out on walks and play in the dog runs and chip yards. He’s a love bug, wrapped up in a tiny bit of Tasmanian devil (most cattle dogs have a LOT of energy, and our sweet Karmel is no exception)!
Last weekend, Karmel got to take a trip out of the shelter with one of our OHS staff members. They went on a hike in the Gorge together. Here’s what staff member, TJ, had to say about their day:
Initially Karmel pulled slightly on leash/harness but was responsive to stopping and eventually got into a habit of walking nicely on a loose leash. He rode quietly in car, alternated between lying down and sitting looking out window, with no chewing, barking or trying to get in the front seat. He walked well for 7+ mile hike and would dramatically flop down in the shade when he wanted a break but would jump up to go again when he was ready. He nervous about crossing some bridges, needed to be carried over log crossing water, didn't want to go all the way in water but wanted to drink from streams. Interested in other dogs, he pulled in slightly. He was allowed to meet a few with whom he would try to initiate play with big play bows. He did pretty well walking past dogs who we weren't going to greet; he pulled towards them slightly but would continue walking once past. Greeted people nicely though sometimes with some jumping, no mouthiness seen. He would try to walk towards anyone who talked to him or gave him attention and at one point buried himself in the lap of someone giving him pets. We ran for short stretches (1/8 - 1/4 mile at a time) and he did very well, keeping pace and running next to me on a short leash. Awesome hiking dog!
If you live an active lifestyle and are looking for an adventure buddy, Karmel just might be the pup for you! If you’d like to meet him, please fill out the questionnaire at the bottom of his profile and arrange a time to come in and meet this sweet fella in person!