Meet Baxter

NY Times article on obsessive-compulsiveness in dogs

2010-01-19T17:10:00.000-08:00

Today's NY Times has an article about obsessive-compulsive behavior in dogs, and it sounds a lot like what's going on with Baxter, right down to boredom and stress being a trigger, onset between 1-4 years of age, and having its origin in a traumatic event. The article is available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/19/science/19dogs.html?sudsredirect=true.

Baxter--the video clip

2010-01-07T13:37:00.000-08:00

Chip-in to help Baxter!

2009-09-17T18:37:00.001-07:00

Doing Great!!

2009-08-08T08:59:00.001-07:00

Baxter's been doing great in daycare for the last two weeks. He hasn't chased his tail, even though he's stopped wearing his e-collar in his kennel. In addition, he's been fine with the other dogs at daycare - not showing any agitation around them. It might be that once he settles into a space, he's fine, or it might be that the fluoxetine is working well for him (he's been on it for 6 weeks now, and it usually takes 4-6 weeks to take effect). He does seem to do best in more open spaces - he gets really stressed when he feels closed in, like in cars, crates, kennels, and elevators.

This is the most positive news for this great guy in a long time, which is so wonderful - he's such a loving dog, just looking for someone he can bond with. Having him find some peace is a huge relief.

Baxter - In the News!

2009-07-28T19:13:00.001-07:00

The Daily Dog Scoop featured Baxter this week, in connection with an article on the needs of working dogs. Not to blow her cover, but "Scoop" is a Homeward Trails adoptee. She also spent some time in daycare boarding when her enthusiasm made it hard to find her the right home. However, after she found a great foster, and then the perfect adopter, she settled right in and became incredibly well-mannered--I couldn't believe it one day when I saw her walking around DC, heeling nicely and sitting at street corners. Dogs like her give me hope that Baxter will settle in beautifully once he finds the right home.

Vet Appt

2009-07-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

Baxter has been doing better since moving to a daycare boarding facility than he was in an apartment - when he's with the other dogs he's calm and doesn't worry about his tail - but when he's kenneled at night he continues to chase his tail unless he's wearing an e-collar. He has an appointment on August 13th with Dr Meyer, who is a veterinary behaviorist - we're hoping she can figure out what's going on with him!

Meet Mr. Baxter

2009-07-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

This sweet boy is Baxter. His mother is a purebred Australian Cattle Dog; judging by his facial markings his father is a beagle or hound mix. Baxter is 1 1/2 year old, and very very very sweet. He's not a big boy - maybe 45 pounds - but like any blue heeler he's got energy to spare!

Baxter LOVES people, especially men - all it takes is a little kindness and he tries to melt into you! He's proven himself to be every bit as smart as the typical cattle dog, picking up housetraining and basic commands in no time. He's cratetrained, walks nicely on a leash and, in general, responds well to direction. He mostly just seems eager to figure out what's wanted from him.

Baxter has been great with the children he's interacted with at adoption events. He would prefer to be your one and only pet - he loves attention that much! The only thing we've discovered he dislikes so far is riding in a car (he will bark and move around out of nervousness). Like any young cattle dog he is energetic and playful (he's always up for a game of fetch), so he needs a home where he'll get plenty of exercise for both his body and his mind - the sooner he starts obedience training so that he knows what is expected of him, the better.

Baxter has come to the DC area to find his forever home. You see, while he had a home previously, it wasn't a good one. He lived outside, and a neighbor was impressed at how quiet he always was, not barking at the squirrels running through the yard or the other dogs in the area. Until one day she heard him bark, when a neighboring dog barked and Baxter responded. Almost immediately a house window was opened, and Baxter was shot. We don't know if it was with a bb gun or a pellet gun or what, but it quickly became obvious *why* Baxter was usually so quiet. When he ran to the front of the house, the neighbor heard him yelp, then a door slam shut.

The neighbor was able to convince Baxter's owner to relinquish him and, more recently, his mother and a litter of his half-siblings have come in as well. Baxter is a sweet boy and, despite his experiences to date, he has no aggression in him.

Baxter seems to be do best in a very particular type of home. As a cattle dog mix, he needs a job to do. We believe his ideal home would be on a farm or other large property where he could spend his days roaming and exploring, being mentally stimulated, and his nights indoors with his family. When he's stressed or bored, he does self-mutilate (attacks his tail) so it does need to be a stable environment. As you might suspect, these homes are few and far between in the DC metro area, so we're hoping someone in a more rural setting sees Baxter for the super-sweet and special dog that he is. Until he finds his forever home, he's spending his days at a doggy daycare, which is great for him mentally and physically, but a bit lonely emotionally. Please contact us if you think you might be able to offer him a wonderful, stimulating and loving home!

Breed Guess: Australian Cattle Dog (blue heeler)/hound mix
Sex: male
Weight Estimate: 45 pounds
Approximate age: 1 1/2 y.o.
Location: DC area doggy daycare boarding facility
Housetrained: yes, and cratetrained
Coat Type: double coated - beautiful
Personality: friendly and loving but self-mutilates when he's stressed or bored