Ediko Australian Shepherd & Labrador Retriever Mix Mankato, MN

Name: Ediko
Age: 1 year
Gender: male
Breed: Aussie/Lab/Heeler mix
Weight: 44 lbs
Dog friendly: yes
Cat friendly: yes, dog-savvy, cats
Child friendly: yes, older respectful children, please
House trained: yes
Crate trained: yes
Energy level: moderate but loves to take naps
Temperament: spirited, sweet, playful
Requirement: Not apartment appropriate but could be in a duplex or condo
Adoption fee: $400 +tax

To adopt, go to: www.mendingspirits.org/apply-to-adopt.html

From the Foster Family.

Hi, my name is Ediko, or Deke/Diko for short. I am currently hanging out with a cool foster family. I live with two other large dogs and am learning my role in the pack. I am very laid back and submissive and love to play with my foster fur siblings. They also have a small cat. I have learned cats are friends and not food. They are ok but don't play as much as the large dogs do.

I have tons of energy and would do better in a house with another dog or with active people. I LOVE my current fur siblings and want to play constantly, even if it involves laying on the floor next to them and chewing on their necks. I haven't met a dog that I didn't like!

I am still working on trusting new people. I may appear a little skittish at first, but once I trust you, you will learn I love snuggles and belly rubs. I love to play and snuggle with my foster parents, but it took a couple of days for me to trust them. So - you will need to be a little patient with me as I learn to trust you. When people want to pet me and gently approach me, I'm usually ok. If I get nervous, I back away but never get aggressive. I like to look to my foster mom for approval. If she says it's ok, I will proceed cautiously.

I absolutely love dog toys and bones to chew on. When my foster family brings home a new squeaky toy I am like a kid in a candy store. I will throw that toy around and play with it for hours. Well until I get the squeaker out.

I am 100% potty trained. I like to sit by the door when I want to go outside. I am also kennel trained. My foster family says they have to do this thing called work. I willingly go into my kennel and rest till they get home.

This foster house also has 2 smaller humans. While I prefer adults I am starting to trust these "children." It has taken some time but I guess they are all right.

I adore sleeping with my foster mom. She can be on a chair, lying on the couch, or in her bed. Her lap is the best. She tells me I am not a lap dog but I think she might not be the smartest human. She says "Deke you are not a lap dog." Do I listen...NOPE, I just lay down and she accepts my snuggles eventually. You see I have learned that consistency and persistence are the key.

My foster family feels that I would do best in a house with another dog. I just love being with other dogs and like to fall in line with the pack. I have learned a lot from these resident dogs about indoor living since I arrived back in June. I gotta say indoor living is much better than living outside searching for my own food.

I am ready to find my forever family and I hope that could be you. please apply today to meet me. With time and love, I know I will be the best dog you never knew you needed in your life.