UPDATED 11/17/09:

Socially, Sherlock has made great strides. There were a number of resource guarding fights during his first 2 weeks here. However, once the pack order was established, the attacks lessened. This was also due to Sherlock’s fear of a new situation lessening. I gave him pets and treats when he was comfortably settled with the others. However if he was near me and started growling at the others, the privilege was taken away.

He has also come to know the other dogs in the park as not threatening. When one does get too close to his face, he growls a warning. Previously he would bare fangs, snap and attack. Again, this stemmed from a general fear and confusion of being in a new situation.

This behavioural change shows that, despite Sherlock's background, he is a loving dog that can learn to socially adapt and ease comfortably into a new situation. However, Sherlock’s primary love is with humans. He will respond warmly and lovingly to people who stop on the street. He pushes his big head into their shins for a head scratch. He then looks up with those big, black eyes and people just melt. He loves the attention and responds in kind.

I have a wonderful story that really reveals the true nature of Sherlock. Our local dog park is behind a community centre. The entrance is a long sidewalk that goes along side the centre. The community centre was the site of an H1N1 Vaccination clinic. The first day the clinic was open it was for pregnant mothers and children under 5. There was a long, long lineup when we got to the entrance. There were restless children and impatient adults all along the sidewalk. Well, Sherlock set out to work his magic.

He has a habit of stopping when something new, interesting or confusing enters his zone. He just needs to get his bearings, sniff the air or approach if it is a person. Once he is satisfied, I say “Sherlock, Come” and he starts his journey again. Well, this lineup represented a gold mine for Sherlock’s love. We had to stop at just about every child. Sherlock would sniff their hands (which I’m sure had snack smells associated with them.) He would then lower his head, those big bat ears touching the toddler’s chest, as the adult would squat down and give him a pet. It took us about 20 minutes to pass the line we stopped so many times. Sherlock left behind a trail of smiles, laughter and good feelings.

Sherlock, one of the “Manitoba Six” rescues, is ready for his forever home! At eight years old, Sherlock is finally enjoying the life he deserves, which for him is hanging with his person, whether that’s sleeping close by foster pops when he works, or getting his belly rubbed. It’s true, Sherlock says, that he was crated quite a bit in his former life, and he’s got the scars and stories to prove it. Sherlock has limited spinal mobility and the top digit and nail on his left paw is gone, replaced by a second digit that has grown at an inward angle and is uncomfortable if walked on for too long. Both of his eyes have been diagnosed with Keratitis. Medication is not needed, though he will need regular tear tests. His left ear has a deep growth that narrows all the way into the ear canal, but is not a concern other than he will need regular ear cleaning. He was taking Otomax frequently to clear up an infection, and his ear will need to be monitored for any reoccurrence. Sherlock enjoys his raw diet and his foster pops notices the health benefits it has brought him.

Due to his life spent in a crate, Sherlock experienced some separation anxiety when he first arrived in his foster home, but this was alleviated when his foster dad desensitized him by leaving and returning. Once Sherlock understood the routine he slept in his absence just like the other dogs.

Sherlock is protective of his food, laps, and attention, and is looking to be the only dog in his home. At his age and with his background, he’d really prefer someone who is home more often than out. At the park Sherlock shows some fear towards the larger and/or energetic dogs, but does okay with smaller dogs. A home with a small, mellow senior dog might work just fine, and your cats are safe with him. Sherlock loves meeting (and being petted by) people, so a home with lots of visitors would suit him, as would children twelve and older who understand his physical limitations.

Once, a person at the park that Sherlock had previously met stooped down to pet him and without warning, attempted to remove some crustiness on his nose fold with his fingers. Sherlock’s eyes were sore as he was recovering from a case of pinkeye. When the man's finger dug in to remove the gunk, Sherlock growled and nipped him in the palm. The skin was pierced and there was minor bleeding, but a doctor's visit was not required. It is very likely that Sherlock reacted in fear of pain rather than aggression, as Sherlock has not behaved this way on any other occasion.

Sherlock’s housetraining will likely need a tune-up in his new home. Sherlock slipped upon arriving in his new foster home but responded quickly to the praise and treats for doing his business outside. He is crate-trained, and knows “Sit” and “Come.” Sherlock sleeps when left alone for 3 -5 hours, but will need to have bathroom breaks before departure and upon arrival to prevent accidents.

Sherlock can handle a couple of stairs but not staircases—his foster pops carries him up and down the flight of stairs to his apartment. A bungalow with a few steps and a fenced yard and ramp would be ideal. Sherlock does fine with short walks, off-leash roaming in a fenced yard, and being pushed in a stroller.

An office may be work for you, and Sherlock would be very happy to join you. He will contentedly nap in a crate with a soft bed under your desk. If you get up he will want to follow, so be prepared to offer some reassurance until he adjusts to the routine.

Sherlock’s devoted foster dad has this to say about him:

Sherlock had a pretty rough life in the past. However, he has not let that life affect him, as he loves his human companions and will gently smoosh those Frenchie jowls into your cheeks and shower you with licks and kisses of appreciation. He is a joy to be with! I have a dog bed in each room so if I go into the kitchen, I hear Sherlock slowly get up, shamble in, look up at me with those gentle eyes and then plop down on the kitchen bed. When I get home from work, he is sleeping by the door, waiting to give me licks and kisses. At night, he sleeps undisturbed in the dog bed or on the big bed.

Sherlock loves the outdoors and enjoys the scents, sights, and especially the people who stop to pet him. At the park, he ambles around the trees and grass until he lets me know he has had enough. Some days he will walk a fair distance, as he is feeling no discomfort.

Sherlock will be your best friend and loving companion, and will be eternally grateful for the kindness you show him.

Sherlock’s been around the block a few times, and he’s looking for his person(s) to pick him up and love him to pieces. He’s napping in Southern Ontario, Canada, and he won’t be shipped.

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