Introducing, Koa!

overview

Koa came into SNAFU Rescue via a shelter release.  To no fault of his own, Koa found himself Heartworm + and therefore was on the euthanasia list.  SNAFU stepped in and made Koa a “friend” of the rescue and offered him the treatment he needed to kill those awful worms. 

Koa is an overly happy, smart, playful, active, social, loving energetic Lab. He is overly enthusiastic when meeting new people and thinks everyone is his best friend!  You can often find Koa searching his foster home for his beloved bone in hopes one will be lying around for him to easily snag for a nibble.  He fancies all toys, still learning all his favorites (no stuffies for this boy; he will immediately destroy them) and adores his chew bone whilst sitting on a soft comfy nibbling away as he watches the goings on of the neighborhood out the 2nd-floor window.  Koa can entertain himself for hours nibbling on his chew bones; he really hasn’t had much choice since he has been on strict rest during his treatment.  Now that Koa has some limited activity added back to his day (versus NO activity) we know he would love a family that is willing to play with him (constantly) and introduce him to some new durable toys, hiking, and maybe even swimming too!  Koa very much is the “people’s” Lab.  He looks for his humans as he settles in for a snuggle session, belly rub, or just chilling in a comfy spot watching his favorite TV shows.   After some cuddle time with his humans, you can occupy his time in the backyard with some backyard walks, some neighborhood watching, sniffing all the smells in the yard looking for his favorite sticks.  When he isn’t following his humans around the house, you can locate him quietly exploring every inch of his foster home.  He is quite smart, and curious, and wants to know where everything is so Koa must be supervised when wandering the home as he doesn’t know danger.  Koa is still acclimating to pet life and will need firm leadership, and consistent correction to help him learn proper dog behavior, learn proper dog manners, and know what is expected in his adoptive home. He is extremely smart so we know Koa will be eager to learn and receptive to positive reinforcement.  Koa absolutely gets along well with every human he meets (big or small)!  He is a social butterfly and is very much of the opinion that humans > dogs.   Koa’s foster family believes he would be best in a home with dog-savvy, gentle, children 5 years or older; this is not a hard/fast stop but he can get overly excited and his size and lack of proper manners could knock down the smalls.  As mentioned, Koa favors humans over dogs but he does VERY well with other animals and would be okay with a furry pal and equally okay as an only pup.   As with all of our dogs, we recommend slow introductions between dogs AND supervision around children when introducing a new dog in your home to make sure both he and they are kept safe.  

Koa is fully potty trained!   He quickly picks up on things and does his business when he is asked.  As with all of our dogs, any adopter will need to be able to and willing to offer him a consistent schedule and work with him on a proper signal for potty.  Koa is fully crate-trained.  He is crated when his humans are away from the home for work, errands, and at night as long as he has a safe chew bone to keep him company.  Koa is a MASTER cuddle bug. He does so well in a human bed showing love to each of those he cuddles with.  For his safety, we recommend a similar crating/sleeping schedule be kept for him. 

Medically, Koa seems to be in great health!  He has been neutered, microchipped,  updated on vaccinations/dewormings, and has been given a clean bill of health by our veterinarian! As mentioned, Koa was diagnosed with Heartworms, received treatment, and tested Heartworm negative.  He must receive a follow-up Heartworm test in one year.  

Koa would do best in a home with a fenced-in yard due to his explorative curiosity, his desire to run/chase things, and his nosey nature about the goings on of the neighborhood (as opposed to a multiple-floor apartment-style dwelling with no yard). Koa would do just fine in an apartment-style home (he is great with stairs) but his adoptive family MUST be committed to offering him 2x daily walks and plenty of exercise.  Once he can be 100% active (October 1st) we know this boy will beg for exercise!  He has so much energy to burn off and a large yard to run and play would be the best fit for this fun-loving boy!  Koa enjoys a jaunt around the neighborhood to show off his mastered leash skills. He loves to get out and about to burn off some energy!  We know he would thrive in an active home with lots of people to love on him, one with an overall busy family that can include him in all their adventures.  We also think Koa would love to go to the office with his new family; he loves being everywhere his people are.   Koa will need some basic training before entering an office environment but he is a quick study and will catch on fast!  Even better, Koa would love a family that has a family member with a flexible home/work schedule as he desires to be around his people as much as possible!  You can’t take him to the office or you don’t have the availability to stay at home all day- that’s okay!  He would happily sleep the day away in his crate as long as he has a comfy blanket to lay his head on, and a safe chew bone to nibble on as long as his people can arrange a mid-day potty break for him.  Ultimately, Koa is quick to make friends, super affectionate, playful, enthusiastic, and adorably social. He thrives in a structured environment where is offered outlets to burn off his energy.  He is looking for a family that will guide him into proper dog manners/behaviors, including him in family activities, vacations, and day-to-day adventures.  Koa will forever be a loyal, loving companion to any family!  

If you feel like your family might be the perfect forever home for Koa, please submit an adoption application for him today!!