askem

Askem has quietly become our longest-stay resident, and while we know why he gets overlooked, we also know there’s so much more to him than what people see in the shelter.

This handsome 35-pound guy struggles with the shelter environment. Being confined and surrounded by constant noise and activity has led to a lot of barrier frustration, and he can come across as intense or overwhelmed in his kennel. First impressions haven’t done him many favors — but after spending a week in a foster home, we have even more proof that Askem is **not the same dog once he feels safe and settled.**

Askem was originally adopted from us as a puppy and spent nearly two years in a loving home. His owner adored him and described him as affectionate, devoted, and a true companion. Unfortunately, unexpected life changes meant they could no longer keep him, and Askem suddenly lost the only home he had ever known.

Since returning to the shelter, he’s struggled with all the uncertainty and change. Askem is a deeply sensitive dog, and shelter life has been especially hard on him. New people and unfamiliar situations can make him nervous at first, and he needs a little time to decompress and feel secure. But once he trusts you, his softer side starts to shine.

And then came his week in foster…

**WOW. What a difference a little freedom and a home environment made!** 🥰

Askem was **completely housebroken** during his week away and had not one accident in the house. He wasn’t crated, either — and he didn’t need to be. He was not destructive and happily slept in bed with his foster parents or curled up on the couch. He simply settled into being a house dog and did phenomenally.

He also showed us that he is a **really good adventure buddy.** Askem walks beautifully on a leash and was a pleasure to take out and about. He’s also a great car dog and handled rides like a champ.

And perhaps most importantly, we learned just how deeply Askem bonds with his person.

He was good with his foster mom and enjoyed having her around, but it was very clear that his foster dad was **his guy.** 😂 He seems to be the kind of dog who chooses his person and wants to be their loyal sidekick. Once he decides you’re his person, he wants to be near you, follow you around, and share life with you.

Underneath all the stress and big feelings is a dog who wants so badly to connect. Askem enjoys affection, cozy routines, and simply being near his person. Give him a little time and patience, and you’ll see him relax, soften, and soak up the attention he’s been craving.

We do need to be very honest about something we learned, too: **Askem is controlling of other animals and is not a good fit for a home with cats, chickens, livestock, or small animals.** He has strong herding instincts, and while someone experienced in working cattle dogs may understand how to appropriately channel those instincts, he is not a dog we would place with animals he may be inclined to chase or control.

We have successfully had Askem participate in multi-dog playgroups here at the shelter, so we know he *can* interact with other dogs. However, during his foster stay, he was a little bit of a bully toward his foster sister. Because of that, if Askem were to live with another dog, it would need to be a **very carefully matched, special dog**, with slow introductions and continued supervision.

Askem is looking for a calm, patient home with someone who understands that trust takes time. A predictable routine, clear boundaries, and a quieter environment will help him feel secure and confident again. We think he would do best in an adult home or one with older, respectful children.

And after his week in foster, we know something we didn't know before:

**Askem can be a fantastic house dog.** ❤️

He can sleep in your bed. He can curl up on your couch. He can walk beautifully beside you. He can ride along in the car. He can be your loyal companion and your shadow. He can be housebroken and respectful in the home.

He just needs the right environment — and the right person.

Askem may not show his best self in the shelter, but we truly believe there is a **really good dog hiding underneath all that Askem personality.** He isn't going to be the right dog for everyone, and that's okay. We aren't looking for everyone.

We're looking for **his person.**

Someone who wants a loyal, devoted companion. Someone who appreciates a dog with a big personality. Someone willing to see past the kennel, give him time to decompress, and let him show them who he really is.

Because after everything we've seen from Askem, we know that dog is in there.

He just needs someone willing to see him. 🐾