About Sol

The sweet (and spicy) pup is named Sol. I adopted her a few weeks ago from a rescue organization. I didn't realize in the adoption how heeler she was even though she's 14 pounds. I did the DNA for her- she's 47% cattle dog, and then a mutty mix of chihuahua, pomeranian, toy poodle, chow chow, and spaniel. Her high energy and need for stimulation, work, play, and exercise are thrilling, and sadly, these qualities also mean she's out of my league in terms of me being able to give her the life she deserves. I live in a studio apartment in the city and I need to travel for a few days every two months. Sol is largely friendly and neutral to people outside the home but takes a moment to warm to new people coming into my apartment and is sensitive to new people handling her at first. I don't see her as a dog that should be living in an apartment. I think she'd thrive outside the sound and motion filled city or at least in a bigger house with a yard and/or other dogs. Basically, she needs a higher octane life- more space, action, and owners with familiarity and love for working dogs. Some challenges: Sol can be skittish with sound and motion (though was unfazed by fireworks and she has a quick recovery time when she is startled). She can be nippy and will need help redirecting her mouthiness, but the nips are play and herding, not aggressive. She has some sensitivity with handling. For example, she seems to be comfortable with and enjoys most touch from me but doesn't like getting a harness or collar put on. I am working on desensitizing her slowly to this, but I also use a lick mat to distract for now which works great. The good- so much! She's such a dreamboat, I really wish I had a different living situation and life right now so I could make this work. She's brilliant and very food motivated. She seems to get along great with all dogs. She's a decent leash walker and has improved a lot over 2 weeks and can mostly now do a loose leash walk now but will need continued support to not pull with excitement towards squirrels, birds, and other dogs. The pull towards dogs has no aggression, just happy play vibes with low but improving impulse control. Sol is cuddly but not an all the time cuddle dog- she's up early ready for play and work and then cuddles come later. She has a strange impulse to try to fit her whole body into the crick of my neck when I'm laying down. It's cute and weird. Like her. She's crate trained and not a huge barker. She loves being in the car. Her personality is so strong and endearing- she's sassy, hilarious, eager for adventure and play, and deeply devoted and loving. Sol is going to be a bright and brilliant companion to whoever adopts this special soul.

Alameda County
Oakland, California