A Better English Setter Rescue

      Semi is a big boy, but don’t let his name and his size fool you. He is a Gentle Giant! We think he is an English Setter – Great Pyrenees mix, and he seems to take some of the best qualities of both breeds.

      Semi is potty trained and never has an accident in the house.  At his temporary foster home, he learned very quickly to ring a bell that was attached to the door to let them know when he needed to go outside. He also knows how to use a doggy door, but at his current foster home he just lets his foster mom know when he wants to go out.

       He is such a good boy - he has never marked territory in the house and has never chewed anything he wasn't supposed to have. He is not food aggressive, but he does love to eat! He is even happy to eat fruits and vegetables and he loves them all so far: cucumbers, lettuce (crunchy ends), watermelon, carrots, bananas, and pears. Once he adjusts to the home, he can be left unkennelled in the house, but don't leave any food on the counter, as with his size, he can easily counter surf when no one is at home.

      Although Semi doesn’t need to be kenneled, he accepts kenneling easily. He prefers to sleep on tile or a cool surface, not so much on carpet. He does like the bed, and is a bed hog, but knows he's not allowed if the bed is full. He loves to sleep upside down with his feet in the air! He loves to be outside and does perimeter walks but gets hot quickly in summer heat. He comes in and lays on top of an air conditioner register.

      The first couple of weeks with his temporary foster, he was a Velcro dog and always tried to get out the door when they left. Perhaps he thought he was being abandoned. He's much better now and is more comfortable being left, although he loves to be invited to go along with you for rides. Any time the car is open, he's in it! He tries to call "shotgun", to ride in front. A strong tether will keep him in back so he won't end up in the front with you.

      Semi is very good with other large dogs, but sometimes takes a while to get used to small dogs that are very active. He played well with the large dog at his temporary foster home, mostly mouthing each other, hardly ever barking or growling. However, at his current foster home, he prefers not to have small dogs pester him and will offer a correction. As a result, we think he would do better without small active dogs. He has never bothered our chickens or chased at the neighbor's cats, but we do have a fence separating them.

       He seems to know some commands, but he either hasn't used them for a while or he doesn't want to. We have successfully resurrected "sit" and "leave it" when told. He is a bit of a herder, and frequently gets his giant head between your ankles when walking. Otherwise, when on leash, he's always walking to your left and stops with you. It certainly appears that he's had training at some point.

      Semi is a sweet and affectionate boy who just wants to be loved. He's a hugger and kisser and has a wonderful temperament. If you are looking for a gentle giant who will love you forever to round out your life, please apply for Semi!