Cain

Barks and  Meows Rescue introduces Cain.  He is an 8-year-old Shepherd mix weighing 155 lbs.  Cain has a typical Shepherd double coat and was surrendered due to the fact, his owner had died.   Cain is an absolute sweetheart.  He loves people and attention.  He arrived at our Rescue obese.  Our Veterinarian placed him on a strict Veterinarian Diet and he was getting 1/4 mile walks daily.  When it was found he wasn't losing weight, the Veterinarian checked his thyroid through bloodwork and found him to be Hypothyroid.   This is an easy and relatively inexpensive condition to manage.  He is given two thyroid tabs a day and the weight has started to come off.   Due to the heat, he cannot be walked in it, but early am and later PM walks are the best in this hot weather.    We have found that Cain has a bit more energy now having started on this medication. Cain is a quiet dog unless he hears something.  He will bark to let you know someone is at the door.  He loves sleeping on a doggie bed.  He is perfectly housebroken and gets along with all dogs in a multiple-dog household.   He loves being outside in the grass, especially with family members in the cooler weather.   He loves to be brushed and petted and was good for his groom including with the air dryer. He is on a specific calorie intake as per our Veterinarian.  He is fed Performatrin Healthy Weight food, twice daily, 1 1/2 cups each time with his medication. He has a very good appetite and eats his food right up.  He gets zero treats if he gets any canned added to his food. Cain walks like a dream on a lead currently.  He strolls along with a flat lead and collar.  He has a ramp that came with him to get him into vehicles and which he uses with ease.  He loves car rides and is fantastic in the car.  We noted a lump on his side which our vet withdrew fluid from and found it to be a fatty lump so not cancerous.  It is not impeding him at all at this point.  His adopters may or may not choose to remove it. Cain is so very loveable, like a big Teddy Bear.  We promise you he is worth the price of his thyroid medication and bi-annual blood test.  He is no trouble and we brush him outside as he sheds quite a bit in Spring and Fall. The ideal home for Cain is one where his family will continue his weight loss regime with two walks daily and a strict Caloric Diet under their Veterinarian's guidance.  He does not require another dog in the home.  He would love cottage life, as would most dogs.  He has come from Alabama so we are sure he will love being outside in the snow during our winters. Cain is neutered, up to date with vaccines, 4DX tested negative, on heartworm/flea/tick prevention, and microchipped. A fully fenced yard and a Veterinarian History of Compliance are mandatory to apply for our sweet Cain.  Hobby Farms will be considered depending on the dynamics of the home.  We do not know how he would be with cats so are looking for a cat-free home.