About Tucker

Tucker is a 6 year old double Merle Aussie. He was born blind and deaf but full of love and that smart Aussie spirit! Tuck was surrendered by his owner through no fault of his own in August 2020 and has been fostered in Michigan since then. It's hard to call Tucker disabled because he does such an amazing job navigating his surroundings but he certainly is special! He has an amazing sense of smell that can alert him to visitors up to 100 yards away (observed by his foster mom) and he insists on meeting those visitors promptly with a sniff. He loves everyone and will hop when especially excited to greet people. Interestingly, it's been noted by his foster parents, that Tucker gets very excited when meeting humans who also have special needs such as a foster uncle with intellectual disabilities and a family friend with physical disabilities. Tucker is very easy to fall in love with but in the beginning he can be tricky to live with. For that reason he needs a home and family that are ready to make a commitment to him with the understanding that the first several weeks may be rocky. This may mean making changes to what the humans are used to in order to be flexible for Tucker. When he is adjusting to new surroundings he can be very vocal and this has caused him to be returned by potential adopters. A deaf blind dog can easily get their days and nights mixed up and due to their limited senses are very sensitive to change. He thrives on routine having a specific bed and bedtime routine and activity during the day. He is used to being kenneled when humans are gone but will not tolerate being locked in the kennel once you are home. When Tucker is unsettled he barks, a lot. His endurance in barking should not be underestimated and should be prepared for until he settles and adjusts. He is great with cats and loves other dogs however he does not follow the other dogs cues and this has often led to them becoming aggressive with Tucker. It's recommended he is the only dog or with another that is very accepting, laid back and patient. Tucker can walk on a leash when he's in the mood to but for routine potty breaks and exercise he requires a fenced in area. He is happiest having free roam of the house during the day when humans are home and will not tolerate being limited to one room. He can manage stairs and is trained via mats for texture and knows several tap signals. His nose and love of extra food (he's a big boy weighing in at about 85 pounds) can get him into mischief like opening cabinets with his teeth when seeking an extra treat! His hobbies include running circles when he's bored and occupying the couch with or without the humans to snuggle, but he'd prefer with. Tucker can be a lot of work but every ounce you put into him he will give back in love and companionship over time. He will be a faithful and diligent guard (that nose again)! for the right home. If you think Tucker is a good fit for you, please fill out our application: https://www.australianshepherdsfurever.org/adoption-application

Coldwater, Michigan 49036