Diesel, STAR #1878

Diesel is a handsome, blue merle male, approx. 60 lbs., 2-3 years old.  He came to STAR (stray found in Louisiana) and was HW+ and he’s been treated and recovered nicely.  He’ll be ready to move to his furever home early in March.  Please complete an application to adopt (on our webpage, under “adopt”) if you’d like to learn more about Diesel.

From Diesel’s foster mom:

When Diesel came to our home, he was timid and stinky! After three baths, the stink went away, but it still took him a while to warm up. It was evident that Diesel had not been inside before, as everything was very new to him.

Immediately, all Diesel wanted was love from humans. Diesel quickly warmed up to our other Aussie and decided he would tolerate the other dog. In the first few weeks, Diesel wanted to be free like he was used to. He attempted an escape out of the yard so he could do his own thing.  But, when he did get out, he wouldn’t run or go anywhere. He was just not used to being confined.

Now, Diesel has adjusted to the yard and loves spending time lying outside in the grass. He knows to wait until he is allowed to go out the back gate or any outside doors. In going with Diesel’s need to be free, when he first came, he did not enjoy his time in a wire kennel. He would escape when alone, which often led to destructive behavior. After getting an airline kennel, Diesel started to do a lot better. The kennel has now become his safe space and he goes in when told and quietly lays there until let out. When there are loud noises that scare Diesel, like thunderstorms or fireworks, his kennel is a great place for him to go and feel safe.

Diesel loves any toy that squeaks! He does not destroy his toys and does good playing alone. He loves to go in the backyard to throw his toy in the air and prance around with it in his mouth. Diesel is never food or toy aggressive. He will let out a low rumble as a warning sign to other dogs and then walk away.

As time goes by, Diesel becomes more and more comfortable inside. He still follows you from room to room if you are going somewhere he can’t see you. Diesel gets on the couch and loves to cuddle right up to you any chance he gets. He has started to become more independent and will lay beside you versus on top of you. He does not try to get on the bed but loves to get on when invited.

Due to Diesel having to have a few damaged teeth removed, his lip often gets caught on one of his canines, creating a snaggle look. This goofy look goes along just well with his personality. There are no cats in our home, but Diesel has not shown any reaction to cats when walking in the neighborhood. Diesel is a good boy on walks..they are his favorite part of the day! He does not pull on the leash, he is not reactive to other animals, and he walks right by your side, often looking up at you to make sure you’re still there.

Diesel is a very sweet boy. He loves all people and is eager to please. He listens well, comes when called, and knows most basic commands. Diesel can be a little timid of new things but once you show him it is okay, he quickly follows his master. Diesel will need a home that is patient and understanding of him. He has a lot of energy, so a home that is able to take him on walks and play with him will combat some of his neediness. There are still some manners (mostly just pawing) he is learning, but with training, I know he can accomplish anything!

We have truly loved having Diesel in our home.. we had a rough start, but now he has adjusted and decompressed. He is a silly boy who is shy about receiving love but doesn’t have a mean bone in his body.

Found abandoned in Louisiana, Diesel was transported to STAR on New Year’s Eve. He needs everything. Blue merle male, approx. 60 lbs., 2-3 years old. He will be vetted and evaluated in Houston.  Depending on the results of a HW test, he should be available for adoption around the first of February.

UPDATE:  Sadly, Diesel does have heartworms. He has been neutered, vaccinated and chipped but will not be available for adoption until the middle of March.