MEET BODHI — HE'S READY FOR HIS FOREVER HOME! Fostered in Falls Church, VA Bodhi came into ASF in early August after being seized by Animal Control from a neglect situation. He had been part of a backyard breeding operation and arrived severely neglected and unsocialized. He didn't know the warmth or gentleness of human hands, and his past left him fearful and easily startled. But what a difference love can make. After almost two months in a loving, experienced foster home, Bodhi is blossoming! He has learned that meals come every day and are just for him. He's learning house manners, experiencing life in suburbia, and discovering that people can be kind. Most importantly, he is learning what it feels like to be safe. The dog who once wouldn't allow anyone to touch him now frequently gives hugs. As Bodhi has gained confidence, his personality has emerged. He's silly, affectionate and has a sly, playful sense of humor. He loves playing with his two Aussie foster brothers and especially enjoys running with another super-fast Aussie. He plays appropriately, isn't overly rough and knows when it's time for a break. Bodhi is estimated to be just 1 year old, so he still has all the exuberance and occasional clumsiness of a teenage Aussie. His foster family has found that while Bodhi is fearful because of his lack of early socialization, he is not an anxious dog. He simply needs patience, continued positive experiences and time to build confidence. He has made tremendous progress. Bodhi is now house trained, crate trained and leash trained with no reactivity issues. He rides well in the car and is rapidly improving when meeting new people. Bodhi becomes very attached to his person and would make a wonderful running, hiking or camping partner. He is quiet in the home and appropriately barks to alert. He would thrive with a confident, people-friendly canine companion, as he looks to other dogs for reassurance and cues about the world around him. BODHI AT A GLANCE • 1-year-old neutered male blue merle Aussie • Moderate energy & low prey drive • Highly intelligent, sweet and affectionate • House, crate & leash trained • No leash reactivity • Good on car rides • Cats are fine with proper introductions • Older children only — 12+ due to his fearfulness • Would LOVE a confident, people-friendly dog buddy • Needs mental stimulation, playtime & plenty of snuggles • Microchipped & fully vetted • Meet and greet required Bodhi needs an experienced, Aussie-loving family committed to continuing his socialization using patience and positive-reinforcement training. He has already come so incredibly far. Beneath the fear caused by his early life is a smart, funny, affectionate young Aussie who is learning every day that the world can be a good place. Bodhi truly is a diamond in the ruff. He just needs a family willing to help him continue his journey and show him what being loved forever feels like. Could that family be yours? If you think Bodhi is the a perfect fit for you and your family please submit our adoption application at the link below. https://www.australianshepherdsfurever.org/adoption-application There are some additional fees: $20 microchip transfer fee to register and transfer him to his new furever family.