More about Indiana Bones

Adoption fee: $650 If charm were an Olympic sport, Indiana Bones would already have the gold medal. This 8–10 month old, 43 lb Australian Cattle Dog/Heeler mix quickly became a favorite of the shelter staff before making his way to DPS and into his foster home—and the moment you meet him, you’ll understand exactly why. Indy has a naturally easygoing, friendly personality that seems to win people over without him even trying.   From the very first day in his foster home, Indy settled in like he had always lived there. There was no long adjustment period or nervous tiptoeing around new surroundings— he simply jumped right into the household routine and made himself comfortable. These days, his mornings start when the humans wake up. He heads outside for a quick lap of the yard, then enthusiastically wolfs down his breakfast. Afterward, he’ll lounge around the house or head back outside for another patrol of the yard, often happily entertaining himself with a stick he finds along the way.   Indy is the kind of dog who enjoys being around his people but isn’t clingy or demanding. He knows where everyone is and likes being part of the household, but he doesn’t feel the need to follow you from room to room. When it’s time to relax, he’s perfectly content curling up on one of his beloved dog beds. At night, he happily sleeps either in his foster parents’ room or out in the living room—wherever the coziest bed happens to be.   Personality-wise, Indy is a wonderfully balanced dog. He’s affectionate and enjoys head scratches, but he’s not pushy about it. His foster describes him as very much a “go-with-the-flow” type of dog. He tolerated his first bath like a champ (even if he didn’t exactly love the idea), and he approaches new situations with calm curiosity. He’s also proven to be a quick learner who listens well and adapts easily to household routines.   Indy lives with a large, high-energy dog and, after a short adjustment period, the two have become great playmates. They now enjoy romping around together and burning off some puppy energy. He has also been cat-tested and did just fine, making him a great candidate for a multi-pet home.   While Indy is always up for a walk or a play session with dog toys, he’s not an over-the-top high-energy dog. He enjoys activity but is equally happy to settle down and relax with his people. On walks, he does quite well on leash. He doesn’t pull and is generally easy to handle. Like many cattle dogs, he does have a bit of a herding instinct and can sometimes weave around your legs—especially indoors— so his future family should be mindful of that quirky little habit. When he sees other dogs on walks, he may show mild interest but redirects easily.   Indy also came to his foster home already house-trained, which is always a wonderful surprise. Aside from one accident after going many hours without a potty break, he has been completely reliable. He quickly figured out how to use the doggy door and has had no trouble adjusting to the household routine. While he’s not accustomed to spending time in a crate at home, he rides comfortably in one in the car.   Around the house, Indy is a very polite guest. He rarely barks and doesn’t get worked up about squirrels or passersby outside. He enjoys chewing on dog toys but treats them gently, rarely doing any damage. Like many dogs, he did briefly think the household slippers were fair game, but he quickly learned the difference. He also hasn’t shown any interest in digging.   True to his breed, Indy has a bright, curious mind. Puzzle toys and games that let him use his brain would be a fantastic way to keep him entertained and engaged. Cattle dogs thrive when they have something to figure out, and Indy seems like he’d love the challenge.   Perhaps the most endearing thing about Indy is his constant happy demeanor. His tail is almost always wagging—even while he’s eating. It’s hard not to smile when you’re around him because he simply radiates contentment.   If you’re looking for a smart, friendly, easygoing companion who blends playful energy with a wonderfully relaxed personality, Indiana Bones might just be the treasure you’ve been searching for.