ADOPTED

CLIFFORD

Seasoned Alaskan Malamute lovers will swoon over our Clifford's good looks. He is one of the most beautiful dogs we've had in some time, and judging from his Facebook fans, he has created quite the stir! Clifford has the full, thick and lush Malamute double coat, accented with some pretty spectacular black markings. Clifford's eyes seem to twinkle with impending impish mischief.

Four years old, Clifford came to us from an urban animal control facility where he had been surrendered, along with his mate, who was quickly adopted through the shelter adoption program. Clifford's world came unglued as he found himself a homeless inmate in a desolate place, without his lifelong companion or family pack.

Nonetheless, Clifford received excellent behavior evaluations, and was shortly adopted through the shelter program to someone likely bewitched by his appearance and ill prepared to handle a 65 pound Alpha Wannabe Male Malamute. Clifford was returned to the shelter under extremely suspicious curcumstances, notably that he had lost an alarming ten pounds during his non-adventure.

Well, this is just the kind of murky situation that we love to sink our teeth into. The Northern Breeds are our favorites, since we began as an American Eskimo Dog Rescue eons ago. Alaskan Malamutes are majestic, spellbinding creatures, but they aren't for everyone, and aren't a good choice for the novice dog owner. As one of the oldest Arctic sled dog breeds, the Malamute is an independent, hardwired working dog that isn't going to be happy sitting on the sidelines of life, as a couch potato.

Anyone interested in sharing their home with a Malamute must bring their A game to the table. Our Clifford is a Malamute who needs a savvy handler to maintain his equlibrium. If he becomes bored, or frustrated, Clifford can make some mischief. Exercise and discipline, as well as formal obedience training should be part of his life, as well as lots of action and human contact. Clifford is not the kind of dog who will be happy locked away for an 8 to 10 hour workday.

We would describe Clifford as an Alpha dog, who assumed the job because he sensed that nobody else was in charge. This kind of pressure creates a nervous imbalance in a dog, like Clifford who would actually prefer to have someone else in charge! One of the keys to his adoption success is a personality match with a calm, but assertive individual, who can take command of the leash and provide the leadership and focused obedience training that will give him purpose and pleasure in life.

Clifford has adapted well to foster care and adores his foster mom, Ingrid, who is one of our young handlers. She brings Clifford to work most days and he trots dutifully at her side as she does her work, but is always ready to roll over for a loving tummy rub. He has done well with a wide variety of dogs and has passed the cat test.

Clifford would do well in the adult home of an experienced Northern Breed enthusiast, who has the time to make Clifford a priority, and has the active lifestyle to keep him engaged. He is coming along nicely on his Canine Good Citizenship training, and has the potential to reach certification.

Clifford has good house manners, although he needs some firm reminding that Daddy's EZBoy rocker recliner is off limits. He is housetrained and makes an ideal car travelling companion. Clifford loves to be on the go. He is in excellent health, and has been neutered. He has been vaccinated for rabies and DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo and parainfluenza). He has had the 4dx test, and is negative for heartworm, lyme, earlichia and anaplasmosis. He has been microchipped and dewormed. If you are interested in Clifford, please write to Denise@eskiesonline.com or call Denise at 720 903 0636.

Eskies Online is a 501(c)(3) Multibreed rescue group that serves unwanted American Eskimos and other dogs in need. Our group of volunteer foster homes spans the North East, and our adoption territory extends from Maine to eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and parts of northern Maryland. Once an adopter is approved, we arrange transportation. We do not adopt dogs beyond our territory. Please visit our website: www.eskiesonline.com for more information about our group and our adoption procedures.

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