Climbing trees my special trick

Each Sunday, The Citizen features a pet which is available for adoption.

This week, we spotlight Boogue.

Q. Who is your best friend?

A. There is a nice dog named Mac in here. He's teaching me the ropes.

Q. Do you know any special tricks?

A. Do I! My breed can climb trees. I think that's pretty special for a dog.

Q. Do you get along with other animals?

A. Unfortunately, I really do prefer to be the only dog in the house. I'm not too sure about cats either.

Q. Who do you prefer, adults or children?

A. I have only known adults in my life. I guess I could give kids a try - but only kids who have been taught to respect my space and to be kind and gentle.

Q. How often do you like to be groomed?

A. I like to be brushed fairly frequently. It keeps me at my most handsome.

Q. When you go to your new home, what is the first thing you want to do?

A. I will check out the hopefully fenced in yard to see if there are any trees - then start climbing!

Q. If you could visit any place in the world, where would that be?

A. Sometime I would like to go back to Louisiana - to my roots - but not right away.

Q. Do you have any advice for The Citizen's readers?

A. Please be an informed pet guardian. Before making a decision to bring a pet into your home, make sure you know the enormous responsibility you are assuming for another life for many years to come - and do not take that responsibility lightly.

Boogue

Age: 11 months

Breed: Louisiana Catahoula Leopard

Comments from the SPCA: Boogue came to the shelter a short while ago as an owner surrender. Unfortunately, he did not get along with the resident dogs in the family, and we have promised to find him a new home. Boogue is still a puppy and looking to move on to the next phase of his life - and hopefully find his forever home.

Boogue is a Louisiana Catahoula Leopard, a breed not often seen in central New York. The Catahoula is the official state dog of Louisiana and originated in a region of the Catahoula Lake in central Louisiana. Catahoula Leopards are extremely agile, athletic and territorial - naturally protective of “their property.” They are enthusiastic working dogs with a high energy level and need consistent obedience reinforcement.

Anyone interested in Boogue would be well-served to research the breed thoroughly before deciding that a dog like Boogue is for them.

Boogue is up to date on his vaccinations, is heartworm negative and has been neutered. He is available for adoption now.

To learn more, call the shelter at 253-5841.