TIKO

updated!

The perfect adopter for Tiko is somebody with a wild sense of humor.  This dog is as wacky and as lovable as an Eskie can get.  At two and a half years old, Tiko is already screwed up, in rescue, and sporting the worst haircut I have seen in years.  Some dogs are just unlucky. 

We retrieved Tiko from a Humane Society in central Maine.  He had been unceremoniously dumped by lackluster owners -- who clearly had little concern for his nutrition or appearance.  His coat had been badly damaged from neglect. He was so badly matted and flea infested that a buzz cut with a weed whacker was the only option.  In about four months or so, Tiko's biscuit tinged coat will be back to its former glory.  
Tiko is a small, lanky, way-too-thin, standard Eskie, measuring 16 inches toe to shoulder, and weighing in at about 16 pounds.  Good thing this boy is not a picky eater, because he needs to gain about 7 to 8 pounds.  Tiko's new family will need to pay close attention to his diet and be sure that they get him up to proper weight.  He is in good health, otherwise, and has been fully vetted.  Tiko is neutered, up to date on routine shots and has been de-wormed,  He is heartworm negative and on prevention for heartworm and flea/tick. 

This little boy is full of personality.  He is bright, alert and still very puppyish.  Tiko has blended into his new foster home beautifully and has navigated his way through a pack of testy, alpha Eskies with finesse.  He loves other dogs, and inspires lots of play.  His ideal home would include an adult dog tolerant of puppy play. He has done well with cats and is friendly to people, although he does express a loud opinion...or two...at first meeting.  Tiko would do well with kids over 5, but we really want his new family to make him a priority and work together to follow through with his rehabilitation.  

Tiko is housetrained -- although, as with all rescues, expect some accidents in the house during the transition.  He is crate trained, although expect some squawking when you leave him alone in the beginning.  He is past the chewing phase of puppyness, but still exhibits some of the goofy, playful charm that Eskie puppies have going for them. 

Tiko is a gentle, sweet soul, once he warms up and seems bewildered at all the recent changes in his life.  He is adjusting rapidly, and learning many lessons from his senior pack members.  He already knows some obedience commands, and would make an excellent agility or obedience trial dog.  He is an active boy, who requires a good deal of exercise and discipline. 

If you are interested in Tiko, please call Denise at 617-216-9483 or email Denise@EskiesOnline.com for an application.

Tiko has moved to his foster home and is settling in beautifully.  Here is his foster mom's first report and her photo updates: 

Tiko is doing wonderfully. He is such a joy to have around!  It took him a full week to settle in, but now he is just a ball of energy.  He looks at everything with such enthusiasm! And Play!  He just loves to play with anything, ball, sock, stuffed animal. He and Breezy took an instant liking to each other!  They are like Frick & Frack!  Where one is the other is not far behind!

 We have not found anything that bothers this little guy!  He will make somebody a WONDERFUL pet.  This week we've had wheelchairs and walkers in the store, and other than looking at them, and sniffing cautiously, he wasn't bothered with them at all. He is good with kids, cats, dogs, strangers, you name it. Even hand carts when we unload trucks.

This week's lessons are on proper leash walking etiquette. He needs a lot of work in this area. Plus coming when called. He (typical boy) has selective hearing! So we are working on a Flexi lead with that issue. I would like to at least have him leash trained and a good come before he goes to his new home. Dan will really miss him when he goes. Tiko sleeps on Dan's pillow at night, and follows him around all day. He has really come out of his shell and if the new people have a fenced yard, that much the better!  Tiko runs like a gazelle, leaping and prancing. He is such a Happy boy!  
We have cut his food down to just 2 times a day now. We were feeding him 4 times a day, 1/2 cup 6am, 1/4 cup at noonish, 1/4 cup 3pm, and 1/2 cup at 8pm with Salmon oil and Glucosamine/Chondroitin. He has gained about 6 pounds and is up to 21 pounds. We are working on building up some muscle tone now with some exercises and more play time. He is now on just 1/2 cup at noon and 1/2 cup at 8pm with the Salmon oil and Gluc/Chon. supplements. We may have to tweak this a little to make sure that he doesn't start to drop any weight, but I don't want him fat. That is going to be a problem I think. He is so used to being hungry that he eats anything in sight. His new owners are going to have to measure out his food with a measuring cup and NO TREATS just because he is cute. He gets treats for training , but that is it. He is very attached to his belly.  I can see him becoming very obese in a very short time if he gets sympathy food. His coat is starting to fill in, that plus having a little meat on his bones is making him look pretty good. Now at least when you pet him, your hand doesn't feel every vertabrea in his back.  

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