Available - Wau

My story

Socialization:  Wau has been friendly meeting people in my neighborhood, at the vet's office, on his long transport to me and when he comes along on an errand. He is friendlywith new people and my friends met him the one weekend and he was gentle and excellent with their kids. He has done well with other dogs and even doesn't get upset when a dog comes towards him acting aggressively (my neighbor has a chihuahua that is fairly aggressive towards other dogs). He is friendly and will play a little with other dogs, but he prefers to happily coexist and do his own thing in the yard. His own thing being patrolling for squirrels, watching the neighbor's bird feeder station and chasing rabbits. He is friendly towards other dogs, but earlier this week he has demonstrated some signs of toy aggression and he directed that aggression at my dog.  It was surprising because he doesn't seem very interested in playing with toys.  He's only played with them for a handful of moments in his 10 weeks with me.  Although his foster in Greece mentioned him coexisting well with cats indoors, here has wanted to chase cats every time we have seen them outdoors.  So I don't believe he would do well in a home with cats.   Training: Wau knows sit, down and back-up (used around doors and gates to the backyard).  He understands come, but sometimes will need it repeated if he is hyper focused on a squirrel.  He is very calm in the house and enjoys following me around as I work on chores, etc.  He enjoys relaxing on dog beds or occasionally the kitchen floor if he is curious what I am baking/cooking. He has never counter surfed or chewed any items inappropriately.  He's been perfect with housebreaking.  But it is important that you give him opportunities to potty.   Crate trained: Wau is crate trained and settles in his crate on his dog bed. I normally put some treats in with him and a bowl of water and he seems to lay comfortably in there.  He may bark or howl for a little bit when you first leave.  On weekdays he spends the workday (~9 hours) in a crate, but gets a break mid day from my dog walker and plays outdoors for 20 minutes or so. He needs a good amount of exercise first thing in the morning so that he will be tired/calm for when he enters the crate.  He then needs time to play in the yard once I get home from work to burn off additional energy.  He has a dog bed and bowl of water in the crate with him and has never tried to destroy them.  He may be ok one day soon without a crate.   Leash trained: Wau is leash trained and walks pretty well on the a leash.  Although he doesn't heel, he is usually not pulling at the end of the leash.  He will pull for squirrels and rabbits, but has sat calmly if a barking dog was coming at us.  Wau is friendly to other dogs he meets on walks.  He usually has a wagging tail and will happily greet the other dog.   Activity level/requirements: Wau is fairly energetic.  He's probably been walking 5 miles a day on nicer weather days when we can manage it.  He loves running around in the back yard and patrolling for squirrels.  He needs an active home that can ensure he gets in sufficient walks every day.  He absolutely needs at least one walk a day of 45 minutes or so.  He only has pooped on walks for me in all his weeks here.  He also likes to mark in a dozen + spots along a walk, so that is the only way I have seen him empty his bladder fully.  In the yard he will pee a bit, but never fully empty his bladder there.   Fence requirements: Here I have a 4 foot split rail fence with wire.  He has gotten over it once in the chase for a squirrel, so it may be better to have a higher fence.  He hasn't attempted it again and has listened to my down/off commands when I find him standing up on his back legs next to the fence.   A physical fence is desired, due to his high prey drive for squirrels, rabbits and even birds.   Personality: Wau is a friendly and loving dog for the most part.  He enjoys getting his belly rubbed and will roll over to ensure you get the hint.  He hasn't been big on playing with toys and seems uninterested in the squeaking variety of toys.  So far he has played a bit with soft toys, enjoyed chewing a ball or enjoying playing chase with my other dog in the back yard. He is affectionate but not cuddly.  He can be goofy when running around the backyard and will come check in with me and then wait for my command to go back to sniffing/running.    He loves to follow his person/people around the house to keep an eye on what they are up to.  He enjoys being brushed and is cooperative for trimming his nails.  At night he likes to curl up on a dog bed located across from a fan in my room, or he likes to sleep under the bed.  He's a bit afraid of thunderstorms and fireworks, and I think that is why he has been sleeping under the bed more often.   Health history: UTD on vaccinations, is neutered, microchipped, & on monthly heartworm preventative.  He had some respiratory illness when he first came to the US, but has been cleared by a follow up visit with an internist.  He does tend to sneeze fairly often throughout the day, but the internist was unconcerned.  His next leishmaniasis test will be due no later than 12/06/2025, or immediately if any symptoms are seen. This dog originates from Greece where leishmaniasis is endemic. They tested negative before coming to the USA, but the parasite can remain dormant in the system for many years, so potential adopters must be willing to commit to annual testing for the next 7 years. Typically, the test needs to be sent to a special lab, but any regular vet can draw the blood and send it to the lab. The cost of the test seems to vary widely by area, but is approximately $150-$250. or if your vet is willing to send the test to a veterinary college lab, cost can be as low as $80. Foster comments: Wau is a very good boy and has been largely easy to settle into our routine.  He loves activity and is eager to please.  Taking care of him has been easy because he settled in quickly and seems to learn commands quickly.  He was very sick when he first came to me, so he has gotten used getting food that is both kibble and a bit of wet food mixed in.  It helped encourage him to eat in those initial weeks and now he is used to it. He's been a dog who I could quickly relax restrictions for based on how well he has behaved in the house.  He enjoys praise and pets and cheese.  He has played well with my other dog, but they haven't played often.  He enjoys playing in the yard and running around.  He loves walks!!! Foster Location: Manassas, VA Volunteer transport can be arranged in the Continental US within a 1,000-mile distance between adopters & foster home. If interstate transport is provided for your adopted dog, there will be an additional charge of $75.00 for the required Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).  Typically, we are able to transport your adopted dog to within 2 hours of your home. *Dogs can be adopted outside the 1000-mile transport distance; however, adopters must be willing to either fly their adopted dog, drive to a location within the 1000-mile transport range, or make independent transport arrangements for their adopted dog. Transports to far Western states, from Eastern states, may have additional restrictions. ##2397535##

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