Tippy

My story

Name, age, breed: Tippy, 3 years old, Australian Shepherd (Double Merle)Likes: Other dogs, attention from his people, gentle affection, playtime, and exploring the world at his own pace. He loves leaning in for pets, giving you his paw, and wiggling his whole body with excitement when he feels comfortable.Dislikes: Loud or unpredictable environments — Tippy is visually impaired, so he can be startled easily and prefers calm, quiet spaces.What would be the ideal home? Tippy would thrive in a calm, structured home with a secure yard and another confident dog to help guide him. Because of his limited vision and energy level, he’s best suited for a house (not an apartment) with patient adopters familiar with the breed or willing to learn. A consistent daily routine and gentle handling will help him feel safe and build confidence.Good with other cats? Yes, Tippy has lived with cats and could do well with them in the right environment and with proper introductions.Good with dogs? Absolutely! Tippy loves other dogs and would benefit from living with one who can match his energy and help him navigate the world.Good with children? Tippy is best suited for an adult-only home or one with older, dog-savvy teens. He’s a gentle soul but can be overwhelmed by fast movement and loud environments, so young children are not a good fit.Temperament: Affectionate, energetic, and sweet. Tippy is a shy, sensitive boy who bonds closely with his people and loves to be near them. Once comfortable, he’s playful, silly, and full of heart. Despite his visual impairment, he’s curious and eager to engage.Motivators? Treats and gentle affection. He responds well to a calm tone and physical touch, especially when encouraged with patience and consistency.Any commands? He knows his name and is learning to respond to voice cues and touch guidance. Because of his vision loss, Tippy’s future family should use consistent verbal and tactile communication.House trained? UnknownCrate trained? Unknown, but he could be introduced to a crate with patience and positive reinforcement.How long will it take to settle into a new environment? A few weeks. We recommend following the 3-3-3 Rule to understand what to expect as he adjusts. Tippy may be nervous at first, but with love and consistency, he’ll blossom into a happy, affectionate companion.Any special needs or traits an adopter should know? Yes –

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