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Sherlock has absolutely flourished in the month or so since he arrived in Iowa. He was so terrified the day he arrived from Houston that he tried to become one with the ground as he trembled from his soul. Trusting people was NOT something he was accustomed to!

  I realized in short order that he had been thru immortal hell in Texas. He was scared to death whenever he saw a leash, and thought that every man he came into contact with was surely here to harm him. Axl and I got to work immediately!

  Axl would last toys at his feet and lay near him unassumingly, getting a bit closer each time.  I had male friends sit  on the floor across the room from him and toss him treats, closer to them each time until he’d allow them to FINALLY pet him. I put a leash on him and let HIM be in control of IT as he wandered the house. 

  Within about a week, he was coming to me when I had a leash in hand and walking on it like a perfect gentleman. He learned that Axl wouldn’t lead him to any harm and began getting excited to follow him whenever and wherever to explore new things. He began to nudge a men’s hands for a quick pet on the head. He started to see that a dog’s life is pretty darn cool!!! 

  Since day one, he has rung the dog bells on the door when he has to potty. Instead of trying to flee at the sight of an open door, he now goes out with Axl and his other K-9 buddies to the potty area and can’t wait to come back in for lovins

  He still has hesitation with new people but warms up much quicker these days. He went right up to the mailman the other day whom he’d never met before! (Can you say HUGE progress??)

  Sherlock’s perfect home would either have another dog that’s his size or larger, or someone who is home the majority of the time. He’s very puppy like when he plays, as he just learned how, so little dogs may get inadvertently squished. A constant human companion would be preferable in the absence of a K-9 friend as he THRIVES on companionship! I do believe that small children might cause too much stress for him as he gets extremely scared if someone just approached and invades his space. Older children who understand the need for both a calm approach and patience in letting Sherlock ease into trusting them would be just fine. 

  This amazing guy is kennel trained (which is HIGHLY recommended at the beginning of his new life with his forever family as he can be destructive when left alone due to separation anxiety), potty trained, and the best little leash walker you’ve ever met! He LOVES to go on walks and is also the best couch potato ever! He would love to wake you every morning with his slobbery kisses Once you love on his squishy face you’ll be hooked!!! He is pure love

To complete an adoption application, click here: /forms/form?formid=5879