CHARLIE

Meet Charlie, our smiling 7 year old Austrailian Shepherd mix. Charlie came to the Shelter with another dog when his previous guardian was moving and unable to take the bigger dogs along. He had lived in a home with a similar sized dog as well as two toy poodles. Charlie sometimes barks in his Shelter kennel, but it's just because he can't be doing stuff with you or getting petting and attention while he's in there. Out of the kennel, he is relaxed, has a super-cheerful personality, loves to go on walks or hikes, and literally `leans in` for petting and attention. Charlie has met several other dogs at the Shelter and has been interested and nice enough, but not terribly interested in play. His previous guardian reported that he was a bit selective with dogs - liking some, but being a little less tolerant of others. This is common and completely normal for dogs, especially as they age. Charlie would thrive in a home without cats - he found them fun to chase previously. He did pretty well crated for several hours a day in his previous home when left alone and enjoyed lounging in the back yard. Charlie’s previous guardian reports that he LOVES attention. His favorite activity is sleeping and he really enjoys snuggling up on blankets. He knows “sit” and “shake” and finds mini-Milkbone treats rewarding. Charlie has gone on sleepovers with a volunteer who reported: `We really enjoyed our time with him. He was very affectionate and wanted to be close to us while we cooked dinner and watched TV on the sofa. Overnight, he was quiet and slept through the night, either on the floor next to the bed or on the dog bed. He really seems to enjoy sleeping, especially in a pile of blankets or jackets. And he loves treats! He can be quite “talkative” in his kennel, but he was sweet and quiet at home with us. He was also easy in the car – either laying down or putting his head out the window.`Charlie's adoption fee has been sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation's Leave No One Behind fund - a fund that draws adopter's eyes towards animals that have been waiting a little bit longer than average for the right adopters to come along and bring them home.The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation is now offering “Pawsitivity Bucks” with every dog adoption. This $200 training voucher is a way for newly adopted canines and their guardians to connect with local positive reinforcement based behavior consultants and get their relationship started off on the right paw!Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.