Adoption Status: Adopted!
Itachi is a four year old, male, black and tan Shiba Inu.
Follow his Facebook album!

Hello, My new name is now Itachi, who is a famous character in a Japanese anime, Naruto. I am a small, 4-year-old, male Shiba Inu who has lived with one family my whole life. I was placed in a shelter because my previous family thought I was aggressive. However the shelter saw something in me and reached out to DC SIR. They sent some volunteers to do an assessment and quickly believed I was scared and shutting down. I previously lived with other cats but didn’t do well with them so my owner gave me away. Once my foster dad got me out of the shelter I started to warm up. On the car ride to my new home, I tried to cuddle on my foster dad’s lap. I was so happy to leave the shelter and head to a home. When I arrived at my foster home I went for a short walk.

On my walk, I enjoyed chasing leaves, flies, and things that moved. I guess you could say I have a high prey drive. Soon I met the other resident dog and did ok on my walk with him but DC SIR says I will do best as an only dog. I was kind of scared of my foster brother and barked and ran away from him. I don’t know how to walk well on a leash and I can be scared of new sights and sounds but DC SIR thinks this may change as I get used to my new environment. I am also shy with new people. But once I warm up to people I can be a real cuddle bug. My foster parents noticed my fur is really dirty so I’m going to get a bath soon. They will let you know how I do with body handling as they get to know me. I’m so glad that I was able to make it out of the shelter alive an that I have a second chance at life with a family who is willing to bond with me and put me in an environment to succeed.

DC SIR has all my medical and breed documents. I will need a 2-week behavior assessment before I will be available for adoption. If you think I would be a good fit to your family, would you send an application to DC SIR and let them know you would give me a forever home?

FOSTER UPDATE: Itachi will need to be an only pet but that just means more love for him. Itachi was very stressed in the shelter and they contacted DC SIR because he began to shut down. Since being in foster, Itachi is learning to trust again through bonding work with his foster family. Itachi can be mouthy and nibbles at his foster parents for attention. He is potty-trained and does well alone in the house. It seems that leash walking is a relatively new experience for Itachi and his adopters will need to continue to work on body-handling to harness him and leash walking manners. This high energy pup will be able to keep up with you on adventures! Once he trusts you, Itachi can be quite the cuddle bug but he is an aloof Shiba when it comes to meeting strangers.

Location: Extended
Dogs: No
Cats: No
Kids: No
Weight: 24lbs
Intake Date: 8/10/18
Available Date: 8/31/18

Follow Itachi’s progress in his Facebook album!