Bentley is an adorable young boy who is estimated around 3 years of age. Bentley was completely feral when he arrived with Tier Haven from Hazard, Kentucky. He clearly had never been handled prior to this time and we are unaware of the circumstances surrounding his first few months. Bentley still has a long way to go trusting new people and new social situations. While he does wonderful with volunteers and his foster homes he is not confident moving into new situations. Bentley continues to make progress every day in a slowly but surely manner. Once Bentley warms up to you he is a very sweet and playful personality. Although Bentley is timid in new situations he has never offered any form of aggression, even fear biting, and is really trying to overcome his timidness. Bentley seeks refuge in his crate and values a routine. He will refuse to come out of his crate if he is uncomfortable but given some patience and love he comes around. Bentley takes about 3 weeks to settle into a new home. The first week will be spent refusing to leave his crate without prompting, the 2nd week will be spent watching everything from the safety of his crate, and the 3rd week will be spent taking short forays into the house when he thinks no one is looking. Once you pass this slow warm up period Bentley becomes a couch potato and total sweetheart. Bentley navigates play groups of other Shepherds and Shepherd mixes with skill. He is used to being around other large and medium dogs with the smallest being an rather rotund beagle. Bentley is now living with 3 cats, including a kitten he is scared of, and has been around a 10 week old puppy. Bentley has no concept of the fact he is larger than them and defers to their commands - the cats appreciate this. The way to Bentley's heart is hiking. He doesn't mind being on a 6ft lead but loves the 25 ft long lines and being able to explore, run, and have fun. He warms up quickest when he is in motion and is a wonderful hiking buddy. He still gets nervous in the car there so make sure he has already used the bathroom but once he gets there and on the trail he just lights up. He loves to bounce next to you and then dart ahead (on his lead of course) and then dart back to you. With patience, socialization, and love Bentley is going to develop into an amazing companion. He is searching for a home that will recognize his current rough edges and commit to helping him work through his fear to become the wonderful dog he can be. Please email Tierhavenrescue@gmail.com for an application to adopt Bentley

Good with Dogs, Good with Cats