DANTE

Meet Dante, the handsome malamute mix. Dante arrived to the Shelter after a previous guardian left him and another dog behind after they moved out of their rental. His friend Luna, is also up for adoption. Both dogs could be adopted together, for someone looking to adopt a pair, but this is not required. Dante has been hanging out in a foster home so we could learn more about him. His foster reports that after settling in the first night, Dante has startled to show his chill, goofy self. He caught on quickly to go potty outside. He loves to be with his fosters and is a great work from home buddy. Other favorite things are getting his chest scratched & being a cuddle bug – laying down on the couch and soaking up all the attention he can get. His fosters have been walking him 5 to 6 miles a day (split amongst a few walks). He enjoys sniffing around outside. Dante has been non-reactive to dogs that are barking at him from behind fences or on leash but has some mixed feelings when he greets other dogs on leash. This is common as leashes tend to inhibit natural dog greeting styles. Adopters should plan for slow, thoughtful introductions to other dogs. As Dante does have experience living with another dog (Luna, who is also up for adoption) - a home with another dog may be a fit after a meet and greet. If you are looking for a dog to pick up some of the household chores, Dante prefers to be more of a “foreman” and was no help raking up leaves. Typical to Nordic breeds – Dante does have a bit of wanderlust. He should be securely on leash or supervised if out in an enclosed yard to ensure he does not go off to find his own fun. Dante's adoption fee has been sponsored by the Santa Cruz 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.