Scout is a striking tricolor Australian Shepherd, estimated to be around 2–3 years old. With one ice-blue eye and one amber eye and warm brown markings that frame his face like a mask, he’s the kind of dog people notice immediately. But there’s more to Scout than his good looks. Scout spent time on his own before he was finally brought to safety, and you can still see pieces of that past in the way he approaches new people. When he first meets someone, he likes to take a minute to watch from a distance and figure things out. Give him a little patience and space, and once he realizes you’re safe, Scout opens up into a cheerful, friendly, playful dog who genuinely enjoys being around his people. Since coming to rescue, Scout has been neutered and had his hind leg evaluated. It appears he likely had an injury at some point in the past that healed on its own. You may notice that he sometimes sticks that leg straight out when he sits or moves a little differently when he walks, but it causes him no pain and doesn’t slow him down. Scout currently lives with more than 20 dogs at our Safe Haven and does wonderfully in a pack environment. He especially loves the ladies, and his favorite companion is our resident “helper dog,” Gauge. Scout takes corrections from other dogs well and clearly enjoys being part of a group. He keeps a clean kennel, enjoys chew toys, rides nicely in the car, and is the kind of dog who is happy to join you for activity but can also settle and relax when the day is done. Because he came to us as a stray, we can’t say for certain whether he’s fully house trained yet, but he keeps his kennel tidy and has all the signs of a dog who will pick things up quickly with routine. Because of his past, Scout will need a home that understands that trust takes a little time to build. He should be kept on leash when outside while he learns his new environment, as he can be a bit of a creative escape artist until he feels secure. He may also gently nibble at a shirt hem or hand when he’s trying to get attention, which is why we’re recommending a home with children 12 and older. We also think a home without cats is the safest choice. Scout would likely thrive in a home with other dogs and with someone who wants to include their dog in daily life - walks, outings, and simply being part of the routine. What he needs most is a home that sees him for who he is: a smart, sensitive dog who has already come a long way and deserves patience and understanding as he settles into his new life. For the right person, Scout is going to be a very special dog.