Size
(when grown) X-Large 101 lbs (46 kg) or more
Details
Not good with kids,
Not good with cats,
Needs special attention,
Needs experienced adopter,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
**ATTENTION: Please apply only if you meet all of 'The Incredible Hercules’ requirements.**
Hercules has a long story and has had quite the journey to get to where he is today. Hercules was found as a fearful stray with a dislocated hip and Lyme disease, transported all over Indiana, and narrowly escaped euthanasia. The OTIS Foundation rescued this big, beautiful Mastiff in April, and Hercules has transformed over the past few months into a totally new, loving, playful dog. Hercules started out fearful and reactive, but he has overcome those fears and is learning to trust with the help of his amazing foster parents.
Hercules will make a wonderful companion! He is a big, goofy guy who thinks he is a lap dog, has no sense of personal space, loves his squeaky Kong balls, enjoys wading in his kiddie pool, devours popsicles, likes watching TV, and loves car rides. He is generally very mellow and likes sprawling on the deck in the sun and cuddling with his hoomans.
The Incredible Hercules walks very well on a prong collar, is house trained, and is very content in his large pen inside. A gated off room when unsupervised will suffice for his needs. He knows some commands but continued training will be required. Depending on your location, OTIS will find and pay for a trainer. Training also provides a wonderful bonding experience with an adopter and their new pet.
We believe Hercules to be some variation of the Boerboel (aka South African Mastiff) breed. This breed is large, powerful, and generally protective of his territory, possessions and favorite people. Due to Hercules’ protective nature, he is wary of approaching strangers. Once introduced to a new person, Hercules enjoys petting and cuddling. A professional behavior assessment completed by a licensed veterinarian recommends that Hercules not be placed in a home with small pets or children. Due to this recommendation and Hercules' limited history, we have VERY specific requirements for his adoption. If you fulfill these needs, please submit an adoption application.
1. Fence: must have fenced in yard. Fence must be NO shorter than 6ft. Privacy fence preferred, but not required.
2. Kids: due to Hercules’ size and strength, his forever home should have NO children. This includes pre-teens and teens.
3. Dogs: Hercules’ has met and played well with several dogs, but a home with no small dogs or dominant or "alpha" dogs is needed. It is preferred that Hercules be the only pet in his new home.
4. Cats: Hercules is indifferent to cats but a home with cats should be cautious and understand the risk.
5. Potential adopter must not have any significant physical limitations.
6. Professional training required. As recommended by our veterinarian's behavior assessment, continued training with an approved, qualified trainer would be of great benefit to Hercules and his new family. Training generally consists of an in-home session in which the trainer teaches the new owner/family how to work with Hercules using positive reinforcement techniques, etc. Depending on adopter's location, OTIS has a trusted trainer on standby for Hercules and will cover the cost of his training.
7. Due to Hercules’ history as a stray, a GPS tracking collar is required and will be provided. Adopter must pay for the service and keep it active at all times(Approximately $100/year). This is an excellent tool for all pet owners!
8. Must own home. People living in apartments or rentals will be declined.
9. Hercules will need a significant amount of time to decompress and adjust when in his new home. The adopter should realize that taking Hercules to public places and introducing him to new people and adventures should take place only after several weeks.
10. MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH MASTIFF-TYPE BREEDS.
Hercules' ideal home would be in a rural area with a single male or a couple with no children, and as the only pet. It is important to keep outside stimuli at a minimum, which is why a tall fence is needed.
Hercules’ medical requirements: he has been treated for Lyme disease but he also has severe hip dysplasia. This does not seem to cause him any pain or mobility issues, but as he ages, pain management may be needed. He will need to stay on a joint supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin indefinitely. This is typical with older, larger dogs.
Our normal adoption process requires a 30 day foster period (trial) prior to finalizing any adoption; however, due to Hercules' unique circumstances, this will be extended to no less than 60 days. Several meet and greets will need to take place prior to Hercules transitioning into a new home. It is of the utmost importance to take things slowly for him. Adoption fee is negotiable.
If you feel you can meet all of Hercules’ needs, please complete an adoption application! Hercules is located just south of Indianapolis, and applicants should reside in a two-hour radius.
***SIDE NOTE: If you have a Facebook account, please feel free to join THE INCREDIBLE HERC group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/626131021188767/ for daily updates, pics and videos!
