Today we are re-featuring the handsome Floki, another heartbroken, beautiful soul who is looking for someone to share his world with. This spunky, sweet, loving and energetic 4 year old boy has been waiting far too long for a home and family to call his own; a family who will love him and never let him go.
Floki arrived at the Town of Babylon Animal Shelter in May of 2021 after having been found stray. No one ever came looking for him leaving him heartbroken behind shelter walls. He sits in his kennel wondering what he did wrong, and why he spends most of his days and nights behind bars.
Floki loves to play, roll in the grass, learn new tricks and just be with his people. He is a super cuddly and affectionate boy who enjoys giving kisses. A fun boy who walks nicely on a leash, loves people and attention – he would make a fabulous family dog.
Floki does resource guard what is valuable to him, but who could blame him; he really doesn’t have much in this world to call his own and he’s afraid to lose it. And even though he currently needs to be your one and only pet, he has no issues walking by others. He is off to a great start working daily with his shelter mom – she is even working on socializing him with other dogs. He’s actually met a few friendly females and done great on leash.
The term “resource-guarding” often sends a chill through most people when they hear that a dog they may be interested in adopting exhibits this behavior. Resource guarding is, in fact, a natural, normal canine behavior. For an animal living in the wild, the loss of important resources can mean death. If they allowed other dogs or any other animal who happened along to take their food away, they wouldn’t live long enough for the species to survive.
Whether it’s their favorite toy, a bowl of food or a soft spot on the couch, dogs can become possessive of things and their people – they consider them valuable. Although some might find seeing their pup guard a favorite toy and think it’s adorable, the cuteness quickly fades away when your dog starts growling or biting to protect their possessions from others.
As for guarding his food and toys, not knowing anything about Floki’s life prior to shelter life, it is difficult to know if this was always something he did or if this is something that has developed in the shelter environment. This behavior could be a result of a past trauma or he feels more inclined to protect the valuables in the shelter. But it is most certainly not a reason for him to live his life behind shelter walls.
The best home for Floki is with a very special family — savvy, experienced, individuals who are committed to him and who understand dogs and their behaviors. Individuals who will put in the time needed to work on building his confidence, continue working on his socialization and his guarding issues.
Floki has a great personality and hasn’t met anyone he doesn’t get along with. He is searching for the loves of his life, a family who will cherish him the way he should be. An active family who will enjoy spending outdoor time with him playing fetch, taking walks, then coming home and relaxing on the couch together. The shelter is recommending households with children ages 12 and up.
Remember when you adopt a dog, you are making the decision to care for them and make them a member of your family. We cannot stress enough how important patience is during the initial stages with any rescue or shelter dog. The beauty in all of this is watching his or her personality emerge as they learn to trust, gain confidence and feel safe.
He sits in his kennel alone, heartbroken and confused wondering if anyone will ever love him the way he deserves; the sadness in his eyes is palpable. Help us find Floki a forever home with a family who will love and cherish him for the rest of his life. Open your heart and give Floki the chance he truly deserves!
Babylon Animal Shelter
80 New Highway
Amityville, New York 11701
(631) 643-9270
Be sure to head over to Adoption Central right here on Paws Give Me Purpose, share Floki and all the other Featured Dog Friday pups still in search of their forever homes.