Ben is available for foster or adoption. We are a foster-based rescue and always looking for foster families. Ben is currently fostered in Bradenton, FL (Manatee County). Ben is a lovely cattle dog mix that originally hails from Alabama. He was found as a stray in a rural area. He was very unsocialized and was kept at a small rescue in AL where they worked with him to get him used to people. It became time for him to move on, so here he is in rescue in Florida. Ben has come a long way. He is still shy with people, but will come to you if you are calm, unhurried and speak softly to him. He loves to be petted and brushed. You can do his nails, look at his teeth, and check him out - he will let you do it all. If you are flustered he will not come to you and will head outdoors or to his crate. He loves his ears scratched. Ben walks okay on lead, although sometimes he will just stop and you have to coax him to move on. He is not wild about the car, and has to be lifted in. Once in he will look out the window and watch things go by. Ben loves his crate; it is his safe spot. He is crated when his foster mom leaves and does well-- no anxiety, no pacing, no barking. He does bark while you fix his food. Ben is not thunderphobic, goes out in the rain, and does not dig. He has a habit of eating rocks, and as such cannot go to a home with stones in the yard. Outdoors he will go off and explore, but always stays within your peripheral view. He prefers to remain with the other dogs in his current foster home. Ben is not a lizard chaser, and actually does not have a lot of drive that his foster has observed - he plays with toys and ball, mostly by himself. She has seen him play tug and chase with other dogs. He will go into water. Ben requires a fenced secure yard and other kind dogs. If you have a domineering dog, he will stay away and it will be difficult for him to come to you. He needs someone with the time to work with him-- take him on walks and to the farmers market after he is comfy in his home. He needs to get out into classes, not for manners but for social skills. He is still somewhat backwards and has a ways to go. In the right home, Ben will be a wonderful dog. He is not a nipper, he likes people, and is not a jumper. He is a loyal, loving, kind soul. Is there someone out there who would like to foster Ben? His current foster will be willing to work with someone who is savvy with dogs, willing to help this boy along and knowledgeable with cattle dogs. She can provide more photos and information on Ben, and will need to ask plenty of questions! Ben is neutered, up-to-date on vaccines and preventives, microchipped and heartworm-free.