Meet Turbo!

nekomania

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So since my Fiance and I have moved into our own apartment we decided that we wanted to add a dog to our family. This is an idea that we've been tossing around for the better part of a year now and finally decided to act upon. It was a nervous decision but now that it is done and over we are both very happy that we made it!

Turbo's Photobucket Album

We adopted him from the Oregon Humane Society today. They estimate him to be about 4 years old. Originally we actually went there intending to adopt the American Eskimo that we saw on their webpage. His ad turned out to be very misleading.

They said he got mouthy during "play" but it turns out he actually attacked and hurt a small child, not only does he fiercly guard food items like rawhides and bones but also balls and toys. The volunteer who showed him to us also said that he bites at your feet while you are walking him on a lead.

For a moment I considered him because I feel insanely bad that he will most likely be put down, which is a shame for such a beautiful breed... but my fiance and I are planning on having children sometime within the next few years and I cannot absolutely have a dog that attacks small children.

So we asked to see Turbo afterwards and as soon as he came into the meeting room it was an almost instant bond. Very eager to please, bum wagging excitedly, more interested in running up to us than playing with the many toys in the room.

It was
at first sight.

I don't think he is pure mini aussie either, his face looks more like a chihuahua to me. Don't mind his dirty appearance either. Aparently the humane society is too busy to bathe them before neutering them so now he has to wait 10 days to get a bath. Although I did cut out about 5 mats in behind his ears and down on his forelegs.

After being through two shelters you would think that someone would have given him a bath along the way...


But stinky or not, he's cute as heck. Can't wait to get him trimmed up a bit more proper and smelling like baby shampoo.

Bean Bean is SO curious and just wants to play but Turbo is terrified of the cat. I think because my kitty is almost twice his size! Although I found it to be a bit odd that a herding breed would be scared of a cat, at 4 years old you don't really know his past. I'm hoping he loosens up in the coming weeks and becomes a bit more playful instead of just wanting to follow and watch.

It feels nice to finally have company in the kitchen though!
 
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nekomania

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Me too!!! How exciting to find a dog at the shelter who already has an awesome name!
 

Willowy

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Awww, he's cute! How big is he? Do they know he's a mini Aussie or were they guessing? Most shelters aren't very good at breed identification. My guess is that he's a mix. Papillon, Chi, etc. Which is probably a good thing--mini Aussies are like a magnet for bad breeders, and a lot of them are nervous and snappy. Although there are a few good breeders out there. I love getting adult dogs because you can already tell what their personality is like. And I love the name, too! Have fun with the little guy.
 
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nekomania

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Thats what I was thinking! He looks more like a chi/papillion to me.

But he does have a docked tail and I think that makes him look a bit like a mini aussie.

He was found as a stray so no they aren't for sure exactly what breed he is. Whatever it is, its definitely a mix, and a good mix too because he's sweet!

He is also 12.8 pounds and feels very skinny. All that fur makes him look like a good weight and the humane society said he was a normal weight but I can feel every rib and he has extremely protruding hip bones.

He doesn't have much of an appetite either although he's been picking a bit at his food he still hasn't eaten a whole cup yet. But he takes treats very well and willingly.
 

miagi's_mommy

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He's adorable! He looks like Shadow the mini aussie that goes to the dog daycare I work at.
 

white cat lover

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I know of a purebred Mini Aussie who came through the shelter here. He has the same "bug eyed" look like Turbo - we guessing Jap Chin (underbite), Chi, Pap X.

(His owners later came forward to say he was a purebred Mini Aussie)
 

otto

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Awww, what a beautiful doggie and how lucky to find his forever home with you.

Congratulations to all of you.
 

milk maid

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He looks lovely
, I am sure he will settle down and enjoy having a cat as a friend.
 

cmedeiros17

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Congrats- Turbo is an absolute cutie!!!! And good for you for thinking about your future while planning to adopt this dog and not the other one. It stinks.....but in the long run is the best decision. (especially if you are planning to have children).
 
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