About Bolt

Bolt is fostered in Bradenton, FL (Manatee County). We are a foster-based rescue and always looking for foster families. Bolt is a some kind of small rough collie mix, large bi-black sheltie, or a combination thereof. He is about 2 years and 33 lbs. He is looking for just the right person or family to make him feel at home. He came from a rural shelter loaded with ticks and refusing to eat or drink. He has come a long way with the help of his foster family, especially his furry foster siblings who have been showing him the ropes. Bolt is happiest and most secure when another dog is around, so at least for now we are requiring he go to a home with a balanced companion dog. A secure, physically fenced yard is also a requirement. Bolt is still learning how to be a house dog, but is quickly learning that inside is a fun place where meals and couch snuggles happen! He has a lingering quirk about walking through the back door into the house, but is already doing much better and can be easily managed by an adopter willing to continue working with this. Bolt is an exceedingly sweet boy with not a mean bone in his body. He is very friendly toward strangers out on the town, and quite well-behaved and appropriate at restaurants and on lead at the park. In the house he can be a bit skittish at first, but once he knows you will put his head in your lap, asking to be petted, or climb up next to you to cuddle. He does get spooked sometimes by noises and motions, but this will improve with time. Out and about, he is friendly toward all people, including children. He would be happiest in a home without toddlers or inconsiderate children that might frighten him. Bolt is tolerant of grooming and needs to be brushed daily to keep his coat in good shape, and his nails need to be well maintained especially since he has hind dewclaws. Bolt's mild nature helps him get along with other dogs - I have not yet seen a dog correct him for a single thing. That said, he should not go to a home with a dog that will bully him. He loves to play with the younger, energetic dogs in his foster home and coexists nicely with the less outgoing one. Cats are unknown. He is showing interest in chasing a ball and we suspect will end up liking toys once he becomes more confident. His routine is pretty well set, confidence is our current goal, and the next step will be learning basic commands. As a young herding dog, Bolt will need a patient, loving home where he gets plenty of one-on-one training, mental stimulation, confidence building and exercise. This holds true for any dog new to a home, but he is absolutely not an off-leash dog. This means no dog parks, no unleashed hikes, and no off-leash dog sports currently (even in fenced areas). Bolt loves to go hiking, out to eat, for walks in the park, and snuggling up to watch Netflix. He will not currently jump into the car on his own, but is doing much better and not showing signs of anxiety while riding in it. Bolt is crate trained and housebroken, and his home should continue to use a crate as it is an anchoring spot for him in a new home, and the place that he feels safe enough to eat in. He is neutered, up-to-date on vaccines and preventives, microchipped and heartworm-free, and tested negative for tick-borne illnesses.

Manatee County
Bradenton, Florida