Baxter is in the Tasman Dog Pound, looking for a new home. He was sitting outside the stores in Takaka for a couple of days, and when nobody came back for him the Rangers were called and he moved to the Pound in Richmond. As no-one has come to reclaim him he is now up for adoption.

Baxter is a Huntaway, about 6 years old, in good condition with a few scars. He is a very friendly old dog, wants to talk to everybody when out on a walk up Queen Street or through Bunnings. He has been stressed through losing his family, and has a very affectionate nature which can make him a bit needy, and he has demonstrated interesting climbing skills for a dog around 27kg.

The Rangers feel he would be best with someone at home all the time, or at least with another dog, but not home alone. Huntaways are specifically bred to be sturdy dogs that stand up to sheep bigger than them, and to bark at them to get the flock moving (hence the name 'Hunt 'em away') and Baxter does have those inbred skills He likes to shout hello, and to tell you when he needs to go on his walk at the Pound, or when he is feeling lonely when the Rangers have all gone home. This is not bad behaviour, vocal communication is bred into him.

As a working dog breed Baxter has excellent potential for retraining to suit the expectations of a new home. He does like kids, given his size though probably not for small ones that can be easily knocked over. He does like to climb up on your seat, and onto your lap, he's obviously used to a lot of affection and interaction with people. There are no indicators he has been badly treated; he does not cringe when a voice or hand is raised.

Baxter has been vaccinated, microchipped, wormed, flea'd, washed etc. He has not yet been neutered as we are looking for someone who can foster him to keep him under supervision for 5 days or so after his surgery.

If you would like to meet Baxter, call the Tasman Council Pound on 03 5437012, or Mike (dogwalker) on 0221 700 154.