DID TEST POSITIVE FOR LYME DISEASE AND HAS BEGUN TREATMENT! Nixon is a magnificent young dog with unforgettable golden eyes and a gentle, slightly awkward personality that makes him impossible not to love. Around two years old and weighing about 84 pounds, Nixon is still filling out and could use a little more weight, but what he already has in abundance is sweetness. We’ve listed him as a possible Mastiff/Akita mix, though with strays it’s always our best guess. Nixon may look like a big, confident dog, but he’s actually a shy and sensitive guy who is still building confidence. It takes him a minute to warm up, but once he does his goofy puppy side starts to show. Treats are absolutely the way to Nixon’s heart — the old saying “What would you do for a Klondike Bar?” definitely applies here. He has shown interest in other dogs and has done well meeting them, though if another dog comes on too strong or barky he tends to shy away rather than engage. He showed little interest in the cats during his time in the cat room, but this sweet boy can sometimes be a little unsure of his own shadow while he figures things out. Nixon walks with minimal pulling on leash, keeps his kennel tidy, and prefers to do his business outside. He was brought in as a stray and sadly no one came looking for him, so we cannot say what his house manners may be like. Like many shelter dogs, he will need patience and time to decompress while adjusting to a new home. Nixon is neutered, microchipped, current on vaccines, dewormed, on monthly preventatives, and has been heartworm tested. He did test Lyme positive, which is very common in our area. Many dogs are exposed through tick bites and live perfectly normal lives with monitoring and routine veterinary care. Our staff would be happy to discuss what this means and how manageable it typically is for most dogs. Apply here: https://orangecountyva.gov/159/Pet-Adoption-Foster-Care-Information