January 20, 2009

Meet Nico!

Nico (pronounced Nee-co) is a 2 year old red rough Brussels Griffon who weighs about 15 pounds. A humane neighbor in Portland, OR rescued Nico, just before the New Year. His former family neglected Nico, and even though the home included children and cats, he rarely was allowed to play with them. He was either outside all day in the cold and rain without shelter, or crated inside at night (in a very small crate) with a blanket over it.

Needless to say Nico is happy to be ‘FREE’. He is very good at escaping (probably a learned behavior from his past), but his foster mom is noting improvement. He is training very easily on most things. He was house trained within two days of being fostered, by use of a doggie door that he had never been introduced to before. His barking behavior has also improved significantly and Nico usually quiets down upon command.

Nico enjoys playing with other dogs and cats, but is still a bit rough with them. Some smaller dogs and cats may not be so accepting of his roughhousing. Nico expects full use of the couch, bed and any other furniture he can get onto. Although he has been crated much of his first 2 years of life, he still goes to his crate willingly while you are gone and at bedtime. His foster mom and dad have allowed him to sleep on the bed a few times, and during the night he sometimes jumps down and goes to his crate at the side of the bed.

While Nico is crate trained, he still very much prefers you to be home. He is a lover, and willingly shows it by standing up tall on his back legs and prancing around next to you, so that he may be closer to give you a kiss. He’s quite the little circus performer and bounces 360’s, army crawls, and log rolls all over the place during play time. He plays well with people and races around the house as fast as he can. Nico loves squeaky stuffed animals and is particular to his little ‘Piggy’. He also enjoys rawhides and his Kong.

Leash training was accomplished very quickly as well, and Nico thoroughly enjoys taking walks with his foster parents. He is a very smart little guy and knows wrong from right. Sometimes wrong actions get the best of Nico still, and he gravitates to the wastebasket to shred that wonderful tissue or paper towel to bits (and eat some, too)! He loves paper… and the chase is on.

Nico rides well in the car – and absolutely would rather go with you for a ride than stay at home. Nico has no problem putting his shirt and harness on when it’s time to go ‘bye bye’ – either for a walk or ride in the car. He still has separation anxiety, though, and needs some further time and training to keep from barking when you leave him in the car alone. He adores being the center of attention and wants to please everyone and anyone he comes in contact with.

Last but not least – Nico has received his first hair cut, and passed with amazing results. He holds still during the process and very quickly adjusted to the noise of the clippers and scissors. He’s a great little guy – and would love to be placed into a family with children and/or dogs that share his eagerness to play hard.

Nico is neutered, microchipped,, and up to date on all vaccinations. He is located in Salem, Oregon.

If you are interested in adoption please fill out our adoption application. If you would like more information, please contact Leah.

Keep in mind that we prefer to place dogs within driving distance of where they are being fostered. If someone from outside the local area is approved for adoption, they must be willing to fly in to get the dog and that can only happen if the dog is stable enough to travel in the cabin with the passenger.