In early February Skittles was featured as Pet of the Week, the article ending with “Skittles will be available for adoption soon and hopefully will "walk" straight into the arms of his new, loving forever family!” Skittles is now fully recovered and walks, no, runs like a normal dog. Here is a brief summary of his amazing story.
Skittles is a 2-year-old Australian Shepherd Mix that was confiscated from a hoarding situation. Despite the fact that his back legs were severely deformed from a birth defect he scooted his way right up to the officers on the scene and gave them a big-eyed heartfelt look. Needless to say, they quickly fell in love with him and his sweet personality and brought him to the Agoura shelter where it was known he would receive proper medical attention through Malibu Pet Companions.
Malibu Pet Companions (MPC) was founded in 1998 by an Agoura Animal Shelter volunteer that wanted to find a way to fund medical care for treatable conditions for homeless animals residing at the shelter. MPC was formed as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, and as a result has saved thousands of animal lives.
Skittles had surgery on both his rear legs, underwent physical therapy and then was fostered by a certified professional dog trainer where he continued to improve his physical abilities and social behaviors and is now a pup that has exceeded all expectations.
Watch this brief video to see the amazing transformation of Skittles. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaJl-8ISc-s
His favorite behavior is the recall, running toward you as fast as he can for a treat because food is absolutely his favorite thing. He loves to work for treats and is fast to learn. Next to food and running, he loves his walks. He can't yet do super long hikes, but he's definitely good for a morning and evening walk, every day.
Skittles loves to be in the company of other dogs and will do best in a home with a four-legged companion. He loves to chase, play tug and mouth in play so a companion dog on the younger side would be best. When it's time to be quiet, Skittles loves to snuggle up with you on the sofa and has no problem with you picking him up to carry him when necessary, although with each new day, that's no longer becoming necessary! He rides well in the car in a crate, and is fine to attend public outings. He's still adjusting to people coming up to him, especially strangers in the home, but he has made much progress and continues to improve every day.
Are you interested in adopting a miracle dog? If so, call 818-483-4228 and your call will be returned. Skittles ID is A4531645. The Agoura Shelter is located at 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills. Occasionally pets have already been adopted.
If you wish to contribute to the Skittles fund or help any Agoura shelter pet that has medical needs please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Malibu Pet Companions (MPC) through:
• Pay Pal: Go to www.malibupetcompanions.org
• Check: Mail to MPC at P.O. Box 7401, Thousand Oaks, CA 91359
• Cash: Deliver to Agoura Animal Shelter, 29525 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA 91359