FARGO — A four-year-old pit bull mix named Valais is looking for a permanent home after spending several months at 4 Luv of Dog Rescue in Moorhead. Valais, whose name is derived from a breed of Swiss goat, boasts a striking appearance with a black and white coat reminiscent of the Valais Blackneck goat. Weighing between 80 and 90 pounds, Valais combines the strength typical of his breed with a calm demeanor that makes him a suitable companion for the right owner.
During a recent outing, volunteer Jerad Ryan observed Valais’s keen interest in a jackrabbit across the street. Although Valais has a notable prey drive, he remained well-behaved on the leash, demonstrating his potential for training and companionship. Ryan, who has volunteered for ten years and serves as the building coordinator, describes Valais as a dog that needs his own space. “He could make life a lot harder for someone,” Ryan noted, reflecting on Valais’s strength when motivated.
Challenges of Shelter Life
Valais has been at the shelter since March 9, 2023. Initially, he shared a kennel with other dogs, but his behavior toward them became difficult to manage. Ryan explained, “He’d be going toward other kennels, not politely, and it was difficult to handle him.” Consequently, Valais was moved to a separate “apartment” kennel, allowing him to adjust better away from the main population.
Ryan emphasized the importance of fostering dogs like Valais, stating, “We can’t live at a kennel forever. It can be an issue of deterioration living in a kennel environment.” The shelter typically houses seven to eight dogs at a time and sees around 400 to 550 adoptions annually. The goal is to provide temporary care while finding suitable foster families, which helps assess individual behaviors in a home setting.
Valais’s Temperament and Adoption Potential
Valais’s interactions with volunteers during group walks have been positive. Ryan noted, “There have not been any problems with Val on those walks.” Despite his challenges, he has shown significant progress since arriving at the shelter. Valais enjoys activities like tug-of-war and solving puzzle games for treats, showcasing his intelligence and playful spirit.
According to Ryan, Valais has a “calm demeanor” and spends much of his time resting, which might make him an ideal match for someone seeking a laid-back companion. “If somebody is looking to go around the block for a walk and then take it easy the rest of the day, this would be the dog for them,” he said.
Potential adopters should note that there is generally a two-week waiting period before dogs become available for adoption, allowing time for recovery from spaying or neutering and giving staff the chance to learn about each dog’s personality.
To find out more about Valais, the process of adopting or fostering, or upcoming events, interested individuals can visit 4luvofdog.org. Valais is ready to find a forever home where he can thrive and enjoy life’s simple pleasures, especially his beloved nap times.
