The Dog Liberator rescues abandoned dogs throughout the Southeast. Based in Central Florida, this non-profit organization fosters all of their dogs in a home environment. Founded in 2009, all dogs are fully vetted, spayed or neutered prior to adoption. The Dog Liberator focuses in rescuing the herding breed, which consists of Border Collies, Shepherds, Sheepdogs, Aussies, Collies, and Deaf/Blind Dogs.
Footloose is a 3-year-old Aussie that came to us from Athens Dog Pound in Athens, AL, thanks to the help of Dale Parrent, Deb and Tom Gaylord, and numerous other shelter volunteers and supporters. Footloose’s owner was unable to keep him and his sister, Fancy Free, and surrendered them to animal services, along with three other dogs that are now in foster care with TDL: Jacqueline, Shepherd’s Pie, and Tiger Lily. We don’t know why Footloose was given up, but it’s obvious he was cared for as he is in good weight and heartworm negative.
At the shelter
Footloose is a medium-sized dog and weighs 38 lbs. He is shy at first, but after he warms up he’s loving and friendly with both people and other dogs. A big player when it comes to other dogs, Footloose already enjoys romping with my two guys, Chas and Shelby, and my other male foster, Johnny Cash. He has prick ears and no white on his nose.
As I said before, Footloose is heartworm negative. He’s been fully vetted and has a wonderful personality. He gets along well with other dogs and is leash, crate, and housetrained. Oh, and did I mention he loves riding in the car? No crate required — all you need is a back seat!
Dec. 4, 2011 Update: Footloose is so playful. He really enjoys roughhousing with the guys. He’s the first one out of his crate in the morning and the last one in at night. And talk about a healthy appetite — this boy eats anything that doesn’t eat him first! And he’s quite the talker. I think he actually believes he’s carrying on a conversation with me using a range of barks, growls, whines, and howls. It really is the funniest thing the way he carries on!
Dec. 10, 2011 Update: Footloose and his sister, Fancy Free, are doing so well. They’re both excellent on-leash and a joy to walk. Just to show you how easy they are, I made a “leash training” video starring the dynamic duo and Johnny Cash (who was adopted earlier this week). I hope you enjoy it — I can promise you I was laughing the entire time!
Dec. 20, 2011 Update: Footloose and Fancy Free decided to play games with me today. First one, then the other, got on the couch. Then Footloose pulled all the toys out of the toy basket. It was all in good fun, though! They’ve turned into quite the little jokesters. I managed to snap two cute photos and film Fancy Free telling me “good morning.” These two dogs have become so easy to foster, it’s like they’re part of my own pack!
Merry Christmas!
Dec. 24, 2011 Update: Fancy was adopted several days ago, and Footloose seems to miss her a great deal. He has withdrawn and spends much of his time beneath the table in the dining room. He even stopped “talking” to me in his growl language, which I really miss. I know in time he’ll snap out of it; for now, I’m giving him lots of love and kisses! I did manage to coax him out long enough to pose for a photo with his Rudolph antlers. Can you see how happy he is to have his picture taken? lol
Jan. 7, 2012 Update: Footloose continues to come out of his shell bit by bit. He’s been to the groomer’s several times now and has really come to enjoy the attention and pampering of a “spa day.” He even greets Darlene, the groomer, with a funny little shake of his nubby tail, bending this way and that while she scratches his back and ears. I’m going to try to capture his wiggling on camera in my next video. It’s so cute the way contorts his body into the most ridiculous pretzel shapes. All that wiggling reminds me of a Boxer I once had; I’ve never really seen another breed perform such contortions of pure happiness — not until I met Footloose, that is!
We're all friends here!
Jan. 11, 2012 Update: I continue to be amazed at how well Footloose gets along with my dogs. Yesterday they were all lined up, waiting patiently for a treat, no bickering or jockeying for position. I snapped a quick photo and I sure am glad I did. Look at those smiles!
Jan. 18, 2012 Update: Remember how I said Footloose does the bendy butt wiggle thing I’ve only seen in Boxers? Well, he was in rare form today and I actually managed to catch it on video. It makes me chuckle every time I watch it. Enjoy!
Jan. 22, 2012 Update: ADOPTED! Footloose just left with the lovely Rebecca Waler. He’s been shy about meeting new people, so I was a little worried about how he would react to Rebecca. Well, I shouldn’t have been! When Rebecca sat down on the couch, Footloose lay down at her feet. And when Rebecca opened her car door to leave, Footloose jumped right in without even so much as a backward glance at me. If I wasn’t so happy, I’d be insulted! St. Augustine, welcome your newest Dog Liberator dog! ~ Amy
This is a great page you’ve put together, and I wish I could bring Footloose home with me – what a cutie!!!