Basalt

My story

Basalt DOB 1/16/22, is an intelligent, resourceful, loving, playful, beautiful, 50 lb, preventatives up to date, spayed female, mixed Labrador dog. Basalt's beautiful jet-black fur is gently interrupted by a striking white marking on her chest that resembles the "Bethlehem star". She underwent Heartworm treatment in mid-November 2024, followed by post treatment procedures and needs her final exam August 15, 2025. She is up to date on all her preventatives and vaccines. She demonstrates affection and prefers belly rubs and enjoys treats. After the first 3 days in my care in July, she eased into our (me and my dog Daisy) home and routine to include walks, having a doggie bed, eating near and living with another dog, going outside, getting on the sofa, bed to rest or sleep. She enjoys tossing and shaking toys and even more enjoyable for her is taking the stuffing out of them. She is calm when inside, sleeping or playing with her toys; and watching & chasing squirrels and birds outside. She learns new behaviors quickly to include knowing to stay out of the kitchen unless invited (since it is the exit into the garage). Responds to basic commands and does not pull when on a leash. She has been around adults with some frequency, a teenager a few times, and lived with me and my 20 lb Rat Terrier Daisy (DOD 10.22.24) from July 2024 to current date. I brought Basalt home for a STAYCATION in July, and after a few weeks decided to FOSTER her because of her temperament, playfulness, endearing snuggling up to me on the sofa and bed, and playfulness with Daisy. She comes onto the sofa and will stretch out beside me or at my feet. She often places her head on my legs, abdomen or shoulder to sleep. She stands still for lower back rubs and ear/body scratches. Her favorite is getting on her back for belly rubs whether using my hands or feet. She allows her nails to be clipped without any resistance, as well as being cooperative while having sweaters, collar, muzzle and harness placed on her, although she often becomes overly excited and plays. She also offers her paw, for handshakes. She responds well on walks, does not pull or attempts to run. She responds to "this way" when changing direction, with gentle movement from leash, sit, no, outside?, eat? let's go to bed. She uses her snout to get attention. She prefers being indoors but does go outdoors to do her business and oftentimes stays out longer to bask in the sun, or chase squirrels and birds. Since I am often gone from my home for more than 3 hours, I have training pads for her use. She rolls on her back after being outside for belly rubs & allows her paws to be cleaned and fur to be dusted off. She does suffer with separation anxiety, and because I don't have a large kennel, I block exit doors to prevent her from scratching doors and wood frames when I leave. She has never chewed on furniture but does enjoy chewing her toys, paper or cardboard. She thoroughly enjoys going on car rides and jumps into my car without hesitation and rides calmly and with minimal movement between front and back seat areas. Even when the garage door is open, and she walks outside the kitchen door into the garage, she immediately goes to the passenger side and waits for the door to be opened so she can jump in and into the back area. She eagerly responds to "lets go". We're still working on her responding to NO, when she occasionally jumps up on me, and has learned to accept new dogs and people without aggressive barking. A tremendous improvement. She knows some commands and responds to down; up; no; over here (with hand motions); inside; outside; this way; bed and ride. She is a gentle dog and I believe will be a wonderful companion for walks, indoor cuddling and playing with her toys and for long rides.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Basalt, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.