Meet Striker

Striker: He is definitely the more active and toy-driven of the brothers. He is absolutely ball crazy. As soon as you pick up a ball, he is ready to go. He already plays fetch really well and would probably let you throw the ball all day if you were willing. He loves running, playing and toys in general. He also does that very intense Border Collie-type stare when he wants you to throw the ball or give him something he wants. Even with that energy, he does have an off switch. When I tell him playtime is over, he will settle down. He is also incredibly affectionate. When he wants pets, he basically turns into a noodle and will go completely limp in your lap. Striker has been fantastic with our three cats. He has not shown any real interest in chasing or bothering them. For puppies, I’ve been really impressed with how respectful he is of the cats. He also is doing great with my Blue Heeler mix. He has a VERY enthusiastic and physical play style, so they needed a little time to warm up to him. He has been extremely tolerant of his overzealous playfulness, though, and now they play really well together. People/kids: He great with my 12-year-old and have had no issues with adult men. He has not been around younger children while he’s been with me, so I can’t really evaluate them with little kids yet. Kennel/house training: He is kennel trained. We use “bed” as the command and usually give him a treat for going in. He is kenneled at night and when we’re away. He has not been pottying in the kennel, and will whine/bark when he needs to be let out. He is not completely housebroken yet, but he is well on the way. He still needs to be monitored when loose in the house so you can catch his signals and get him outside. We use sound buttons with our own dogs for going outside, and Striker has actually started showing interest in the outside button, so we’re working on that too. Training: He knows “sit,” and we are currently working on “lay down.” We’re also working pretty heavily on manners around food and mealtimes. This is where the jumping-bean description really comes in. He can jump about four feet straight into the air when they see the food bowls coming! We’re working on getting them to settle and wait instead of bouncing all over the place. Overall, he has a really great temperament. He is playful, affectionate, smart and has adjusted really well to living with our dogs, cats and family. Personality-wise, Striker seems like he would be a great fit for someone wanting a more active dog who enjoys fetch, toys, running and training but can still settle and cuddle. If interested, please complete the Adoption Application on our website at www. NeedyPaws.org and we will contact you. Adopters must live within an hour’s drive of St. Louis, MO. Our $295 adoption fee includes up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spay/neuter and microchip. We are a 100% foster-based rescue and all of our dogs live in approved foster homes. We are dedicated to finding the best Forever Homes, and will perform home visits and conduct veterinarian and reference checks for each potential adopter.