John

John (aka John Deere Green) is a Bloodhound/English Coonhound mix. He was rescued from the Mercer Co. Animal Shelter in WV. When John was picked up (as a stray) he had a severely swollen and infected hind foot. X-Rays revealed bullet fragments. Surgery (and antibiotics) was able to repair most of the damage but the bones in one toe were too badly shattered to be repaired so he has had one toe amputated. This does not affect his willingness to use that foot and he gets around just fine. John also has permanent pressure sores on his legs (probably from being kenneled on concrete) and also has some dental damage (his front teeth are angled out of place and a few of his canines are chipped - most likely from chewing on something inappropriate.) This is not painful and does not affect his ability to eat - the vet says at this point it's just cosmetic (this is not externally visible - you have to open up his mouth to see). John also doesn't have much of a voice - he can bark but it's hoarse and not very loud. John is estimated to be between 2 and 3 years old. He has a very laid back and friendly personality. He seems to like everybody he meets and even enjoys going to the vet! He also loves going for walks, playing in water, and going to the local dog parks. He is good w/ other dogs and very happy to meet them but he doesn't seem to understand how to play with other dogs or with toys so he is slowly learning (by watching the other dogs in foster care and at the park) what playing is all about. Because John is a hound he is NOT always reliable off the leash - but he enjoys leash walks and has progressed a lot with his leash training. He is NOT a high energy dog, so a few good leash walks a day tire him out. With his moderate energy level John would do just as well in an apartment or a house, but b/c he's a big guy at 95 lbs he probably wouldn't do well in a smaller apartment. John is good in a crate and is also a very good rider in the car. He's not aggressive w/ cats but he's very curious and b/c of his size tends to intimidate cats that aren't used to larger dogs. He's also fine around horses and cattle. He's also gun shy (understandably). John is Neutered, UTD on vaccinations and Frontline, and is heartworm negative. He would like to find a home where he will be allowed indoors at least at night - so NO OUTDOOR ONLY HOMES. There is also an adoption fee to help cover medical expenses while John has been in foster care. To find out more information about John or to schedule a time to meet him contact his foster dad at [email protected]. John was adopted around Sept. 1st, 2008 to a nice married couple in NOVA w/ one other dog (female beagle) and a cat.