kev the lab mix

What a difference a few weeks makes! When he first arrived, Kev hid from us.

Understandable after being a dog tied up all day and night, then came the wildfires... Unable to take him along, his family untied him and left him behind.

Days later, after their home and everything known to Kev was destroyed, he was found by rescuers sitting on the property- waiting. But, wary of the rescuers and scared...that is how he arrived in our care.

Today, he has taken big steps toward trusting the people around him — seeking affection, giving kisses and stretching out in the sunshine for a nap. ☀️

Kev is a 3 yo Lab-Rhodesian mix (we think), an extremely gentle, potty-trained boy with calm house manners who rides well in the car once he has time to settle. He's learning to meld into his foster's pack, reads other dogs cues and responds well. He enjoys harvesting (read eating) cherry tomatoes with the other dogs 🍅

You see, we also discovered his limp was not due to an injury from running from the fires, but a bullet deep in the shoulder joint that had healed, but causing a lot of pain. We are awaiting his orthopedic specialist appointment and will be moving forward with the best treatment plan possible in order for his future family to know what his future might hold.

In addition to the pain, loud voices and sounds scare him. A sharp “NO!” — even when it isn't directed at him — makes him retreat. He needs calm, patience and reassurance that he's safe.

The leash is still hard. Kev spent his former life tied up, so he backs away and tries to avoid it — never aggressively.

To Kev, being leashed still carries the fear that he might be tied up and left there indefinitely.

We think he'll learn leash skills. But think gentle work over months, not weeks.

And look what just two calming weeks have already given us. ❤️ A dogs willingness to forgive humans always takes our breath away....

Now Kev needs a gentle foster home to continue this upward path — or a forever home willing to walk it with him. For Kev, we would absolutely consider foster-to-adopt.

Give him time to settle. Let trust come at his pace.
He is who he is: a cautious, incredibly gentle boy learning that humans can be safe — and he is VERY worthy of the effort. ❤️

And earning that?
That's the reason to give your heart in the first place. ❤️‍🩹

We'll be with both of you, every step of the way.

Kev is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, Microchipped and go home with a Fi Mini Tracker free for 6 months (with ongoing subscription available).