Socialization/training: Sinan gets along very well with other dogs and is playful with both of my dogs. They are older than him and aren't interested in playing as much as he is. He really loves getting affection from people but because he's had not so great experiences in the past with people, he is initially shy meeting new people but within about 5 minutes of introduction, he wants to be in their lap to soak up all the attention. I have taken him to work with me several times and he's learning that people are good and just want to love on him, but when there are lots of people around, he's still hesitant. Living in a house is a new experience for him, so sometimes he gets startled, but he's gotten used to living inside and is doing great. He will still counter surf if something smells really good and I'm not looking, and the TV is still scary.
Crate trained: Yes, but he is not a fan of being crated with the door closed but he uses the crate as his safe space and goes in there during the day on his own to sleep. He is crated overnight and when I have to leave the house. He does fine overnight, he's quiet all night and immediately settles in. If he is crated during the day, he barks when I leave the house but settles down and is quiet by the time I get home. Because he uses the crate as a safe spot, it will be important for him to have a crate in his forever home as he's settling in where he can retreat.
Leash trained: He does fine on a leash, he zig-zags to take in all the interesting smells and from time to time he will pull but overall, he prefers to stay by you when walking on a leash, especially in areas where there are other people around.
Activity Level: He's medium energy for a setter. He likes to romp around in the backyard and will run around happily, but he doesn't need a lot of time to burn off his energy and he's super mellow in the house and just wants to cuddle or sleep.
Fence: A yard with a physical fence is always preferred but it's not a requirement for him. I would also consider a home without a fenced yard that otherwise has a very solid activity plan for leash walking and other safe forms of exercise (he's not reliable off leash). I will not consider an invisible fence for him, he's way too fearful for any kind of aversive methods of training to be appropriate for him.
Behavior: Sinan is a very sweet, gentle, and affectionate dog. He is a happy dog by nature, but gets anxious with all of the change and will need some time to feel secure and settled in his forever home. He is very attached to his humans and prefers to be near as much as possible, preferably in someone's lap and getting some attention. He is very much a velcro dog. He happily romps around the yard and tries to play with the other dogs or chills out on the deck watching the world go by when he is outside, and inside, he's all about his people and absolutely loves to cuddle. If you're busy and don't have time for him, he will settle down for a snooze or pick up a toy to play with. In new surroundings he's a bit timid and hesitant, but taking him to work and exposing him the new situations has been helpful. He is a handsome dog, so people often want to interact with him when we're passing by. It's is worth noting that he has great jowls, so he can be a drooly boy at times (when it's hot outside).
Medical History: Sinan is neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccines, and on monthly heartworm and tick/flea prevention. He has an old knee fracture that healed incorrectly but this does not currently have any impact on him, he runs around happily without issue but as he gets older, he will likely have arthritis. He needs a few teeth in the back pulled, so he has a full dental scheduled for September 13th and he will be ready to go to his adopter after he's done with his dental. He came to me quite underweight, but he loves to eat, so we've been working on putting some weight on him. His next leishmaniasis test is due in January 2025.
This dog originates from Greece where Leishmaniasis is endemic. They tested negative before coming to the USA, but the parasite can remain dormant in the system for many years, so potential adopters must be willing to commit to annual testing for the next 7 years. Typically, the test needs to be sent to a special lab, but any regular vet can draw the blood and send it to the lab. The cost of the test seems to vary widely by area, but is approximately $150-$250. or if your vet is willing to send the test to a veterinary college lab, cost can be as low as $80.
Foster Comments: Sinan is named after his rescuer, who found him tied up outside in Greece on Kos island. He was very timid when he first entered into rescue, but as he's learned that people are good and can provide lots of love, he's become all about getting as much love and affection as possible. Although he is still timid when meeting a new person, he very quickly overcomes his hesitations and within a few minutes wants to be in the person's lap or jumps up for a hug (we're working on keeping all four feet on the ground). He likes other dogs and can be playful, so he would do well with another mellow/medium energy, playful dog in his forever home but he would also do well as an only dog. A yard with a physical fence is preferred, but not required if there is a solid exercise plan for him. A home with small children would not be a good fit for him, I think the loudness and unpredictability of young children would be scary for him. He has had a rough past and is so desperate for love, so I really want to send him to a home where his people are able to be with him most of the time and won't leave him behind for long hours regularly.
Foster location: Cleveland, OH
Volunteer transport can be arranged in the Continental US within a 1,000-mile distance between adopters & foster home. If interstate transport is provided for your adopted dog, there will be an additional charge of $50.00 for the required Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (Health Certificate). Typically, we are able to transport your adopted dog to within 2 hours of your home. *Dogs can be adopted outside the 1000-mile transport distance; however, adopters must be willing to either fly their adopted dog, drive to a location within the 1000-mile transport range, or make independent transport arrangements for their adopted dog. Transports to far Western states, from Eastern states, may have additional restrictions.
