Scotty is a 2-year-old husky mix who came to MCACC as a stray with no known history. Just 11 days after arriving at the shelter, he found himself on the e-list because he was inconsistent with shelter handlers. The noisy, stressful shelter environment was simply too much for this boy, and his stranger danger senses were extremely high. When one of our volunteers took the time to let Scotty warm up at his own pace, he showed us that he is a sweet, affectionate dog who just needed patience and understanding. We knew he deserved the chance to decompress in the right environment, and we’re so glad we were able to give him that opportunity.
Scotty took a few days to settle into his foster home and begin to trust everyone in the household. He can be especially cautious around new people (especially women it seems), but once he feels safe, he’s incredibly loving. He found his place among the other large dogs in his foster home after initially wanting to be “the boss,” and now coexists well with the pack. Scotty is a medium-energy boy who loves meal time, treats, belly rubs, cuddles, and affection. He walks nicely on leash with minimal pulling, does well in a crate, and responds very well to verbal correction and treat-based redirection.
In true husky fashion, Scotty came with a few habits to work through, including marking in the home, counter surfing, jumping up on people, and some “warning” mouthiness when he felt unsure. To help him become the best version of himself, Scotty completed a board-and-train program, where he made wonderful progress with both his behavioral manners and his confidence around strangers. Many of his initial behaviors have improved significantly, though his future family will need to continue reinforcing the training and consistency he’s worked so hard to learn.
Scotty is looking for a patient home that understands trust is earned, not rushed. He needs time to decompress and should be allowed to approach new people and ask for affection on his own terms. Because of his anxiety around strangers and new situations, we do not currently recommend a home with children. He would do well with another dog (or more!) or as an only dog—Still unconfirmed about cats! Whether you are an active individual, a retired couple, or somewhere in between, Scotty’s ideal family is one that will give him the consistency, patience, and understanding he needs to continue to thrive!
