San Andreas, CA…Meet Copper (A061201), a male Anatolian mix, about 3 years old and weighing 73 pounds.
Copper is one of those dogs who needs a little time to show you who he really is. In the noisy shelter environment, this big, beautiful boy can seem timid and uncertain, sometimes trying to make himself small despite his 73-pound frame. But give Copper a chance to feel safe, and a very different dog begins to emerge—a gentle, sweet-natured fellow who makes friends easily and even has a wonderfully playful side.

Once Copper decides you’re one of his trusted people, he’ll wag when he sees you, welcome affection, and look to you for reassurance. And when it’s time for a walk, he really blossoms. Copper loves getting out to sniff and explore and approaches new people with friendly interest. He’s also done very well with the dogs he’s met at the shelter. He could use more practice with his leash manners, but he listens to correction and clearly enjoys being out in the world with a person beside him.

As Copper has grown more comfortable, volunteers have also discovered his playful streak. He enjoys games of chase and tag and will happily run after a ball—even if bringing it back hasn’t quite made it into his repertoire yet. He appears to be housetrained, too.

Copper was displaced from one of the areas hardest hit by the Gann Fire. We don’t know everything that happened before he arrived at the shelter, but his past doesn’t define the dog he is today. If someone recognizes Copper or knows a family who may still be searching for him, Animal Services would certainly like to hear from them.

Whether Copper’s next chapter is a reunion or a new beginning, this handsome gentle giant deserves the chance to show someone the dog behind that initial shyness. Give him a little patience and reassurance, and you may discover a sweet, playful, loyal companion who was simply waiting to know he was safe.

To meet Copper, contact: Calaveras County Animal Services, (209) 754-6509 or animal@calaverascounty.gov.
Please use Copper’s intake number (A061201) when making inquiries.

All dogs available for adoption at the Calaveras Animal Shelter are up to date on their routine vaccinations and will be microchipped. All unaltered dogs must be spayed or neutered before they can go home with you.

Animal Services has a Fee Flexibility Program!

When the shelter is over 80% capacity, adoption fees are reduced: just $40 for dogs and $30 for cats. Cats who arrive at the shelter already altered can be adopted for only $10. With the 55-5-5 Program, adopters age 55+ can adopt a pet over 5 years old for just $5.

Calaveras County Animal Services, 901 Jeff Tuttle Road, San Andreas, (209) 754-6509
Shelter and Office Business Hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM

This announcement is courtesy of the Friends of Calaveras Animal Services (FOCAS) and The Pine Tree.
Photo Credit Holly Croydon