Available - Onyx

My story

Socialization/training:  People can be compassionate and sadly sometimes cruel. Onyx knows this all too well. When he first came into foster care, he didn’t need to learn “sit”, “stay”, or “come”-he needed to learn hands don’t always hurt, voices aren’t always raised, and people can be kind. My job as his foster mom wasn’t to perfect his obedience skills, but to earn his trust. Onyx has made huge strides, and his heart is open in ways it wasn’t before. Onyx is still learning the basics when it comes to training, although he will sit nicely for a cookie. He’ll need an adopter who understands that trust comes first – someone patient, gentle and committed to using positive reinforcement to help him continue to grow. Crate trained: Onyx is only crated when he eats. He has free roam of the house when we leave. Leash trained: He is excited to go on walks and will pull at times from excitement. Leash walking is a work in progress. He does best with a harness. Activity Level: Onyx loves to play in the yard with the other dogs. He switches between being the chaser and the chasee. He hasn’t met a ball he didn’t want to play with and he enjoys soaking up the sun’s rays after zooming in the yard. Inside he enjoys napping and playing with toys. Fence: Physical fence is required Behavior: Onyx is small in stature but a big bedtime snuggler. He’ll scoot next to you, rollover into the Setter sprawl and sleep through the night. Loud noises still startle him but he is becoming more confident and trusting. Initially when startled he would look to escape to the bedroom. Medical History: Onyx had a large wound on his front leg and a fracture in his pelvis. The wound and fracture have healed but left him with a sideways run. Onyx is microchipped, up to date on all vaccines and is on monthly heartworm and flea/tick preventative. His next Leishmania test is due no later than 1/16/26.    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: Onyx was nervous and scared when he came into foster care. He needed to learn humans and hardwood floors were not going to hurt him. He turned to the resident dogs for comfort and confidence. While in foster care he discovered the joy of toys. He mastered emptying  the toy basket. Returning the toys to the basket is still a work in progress. His forever home must have a friendly and playful dog and allow bed privileges. A furry friend and bedtime privileges will continue to help him overcome any fear and trust issues that may come up.  A quiet home without young children would be best for him. Like a diamond in the rough, Onyx has great potential, all that is needed is time, patience and training for him to shine brightly. Foster Location: Schaumburg, IL 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 $75.00 for the required Certicate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). 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 y 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. ##2365394##

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Available - Onyx, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.