Footloose and Fancy Free, Aussies from Athens

Sibling rivalry? What sibling rivalry? These two Australian Shepherds go together like peas and carrots!

Footloose and Fancy Free are 3-year-old Aussie siblings that come 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. The dogs’ owner was unable to keep them 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 and Fancy Free were given up, but it’s obvious they were cared for as they are in good weight, well-adjusted, and heartworm negative.

Footloose is the male Aussie. The larger of the two, he 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, 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.    

Fancy Free is the female Aussie. She is petite and delicate, weighing just 30 lbs. Somewhat shy, she is nonetheless a love bug that craves attention and looks to you for guidance. Fancy Free has semi-prick ears and a spot of white on the top of her nose.

As I said before, Footloose and Fancy Free are both heartworm negative. They’ve been fully vetted and have wonderful personalities. They get along well with other dogs and are leash, crate, and housetrained. Oh, and did I mention they love riding in the car? No crate required — all you need is a back seat!

I’m fostering these adorable Aussies at my home in the Ocala area. You can view additional photos on their Facebook photo albums here: Footloose and Fancy Free. If you think you may be interested in adopting one or both dogs, please review our adoption process and e-mail me at amyb.thedogliberator@gmail.com.

  

Dec. 4, 2011 Update: In the week that Footloose and Fancy Free have been with me, their personalities have definitely come through.

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!

Fancy Free, on the other hand, is a princess. She’s dainty and docile, prancing around the boys while they play or curling up contentedly to watch the rest of the pack run around like they’re supercharged. Still shy, Fancy Free is slower to warm to strangers and is sometimes overshadowed by the more boisterous brother when folks come to visit. But once she gets over her initial shyness, she’s all love bug. I think she really just wants to be someone’s lap dog, although at 30+ lbs. she’s already surpassed the lap-dog weight limit. She is a good snuggle size, though, and really enjoys sitting on the couch with you … or without you, as you can see from the photo! lol

Here’s a holiday video I shot today with all of my fosters, including Footloose and Fancy Free. Check it out!

Dec. 10, 2011 Update: Footloose and 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 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!

Dec. 21, 2011 Update: ADOPTED! Fancy Free just left here with the lovely Doyle and Cheryl Carlton and their daughter, Heather. Our girl is in good hands with Doyle and Cheryl — I just know she’ll have a wonderful life in their home on the St. Johns River! Debary, welcome your newest Dog Liberator dog!