Want to meet me? Come to the Underdog Headquarters (3345 Dakota Ave, St. Louis Park, 55416) for an Adoption Event on Sunday, November 17th from 10:30-11:30 am . Please email inquiries@underdogrescuemn.com for questions regarding the dogs. Hey there, wonderful humans! I'm Kiwi, the pint-sized dynamo with a heart full of love and a zest for life. Let me give you the lowdown on the awesomeness that is me: Picture this – shades of brown and cream, one ear perpetually popped up, and eyes that tell stories – one blue and one brown. Yep, that's me, a young Mini Aussie turning heads wherever I go! Now, here's the thing – they say I'm a bit hard of hearing, but I've got my own language. I have a slight hearing loss due to being born with hydrocephalus.  We think I can hear deeper sounds, but not higher pitches. Silent hand claps for applause (and belly rubs, of course), gentle taps on the ribs for attention, and some cool hand signals like thumbs up for SIT and a wave for "come on down." I'm mastering the art of communication!  I am sometimes a bit unsteady on my feet and circle around when stimulated - that's some of my hydrocephalus showing.  But, there are no long term needs known at this time.  I might have some uniqueness, but it makes me special! Life's a classroom, and I'm here to soak it all in. I do require a fenced yard in my forever home AND need to be leashed in the yard until I understand when my people want me to come inside. My people said when we go on walks, it is best for me to be double leashed as I am skittish and a flight risk. She says “Safety First” before we go outside. When I meet new people, I am a little nervous and need some time to warm up. There are so many new things to see and sniff, I get a little overwhelmed. I am always excited to go home play with my toys. I have Crocky, Bunny, Mousey, Ropey and Bully – I like toys that are tuff so I can chew and chase with them. We recently started playing frisbee – I understand the chase part and we are working on the return part – hee hee! Hopefully my forever family will keep practicing with me. My people said that I am growing and learning so much – they are calling them “light bulb moments” because you can actually see it when I am excited and understand something new. They said I would be a good candidate to try out agility, fly ball or rat hunting because I am a high energy dog with an active mind. Did I mention my love for food? It's basically everything, and I'm open to culinary adventures! Except chicken, that sometime gives me tummy rumbles – ick. Also, sometimes I get crabby if there is another dog around at mealtime, I would suggest that meals are served in a kennel. My people have a puzzle food toy that I LOVE, foster mom says it is a great way to help me slow down and focus at mealtimes. We are also working on kennel training. So far, I prefer a wire kennel over a plastic kennel. And foster mom has been letting me sleep in the bed. Although I tend to get into things so she keeps me on a leash, even during sleepy time! Again, safety first! Potty training is a work in progress, my people said I am a whirling dervish when nature calls – hee hee. I definitely have a “signal” if you are paying attention! Typical of my breed, I would thrive in a home that will keep my mind and body active, give me a job and keep me busy. I think obedience school or agility training would be a fantastic way to bond and learn new things. My people said that I am very smart and started counter surfing and exploring into things I shouldn’t, kinda like a toddler (hee hee) so they provide supervision and things for me to do. I may be a tiny tot, but I've got a big heart and a spirit ready for adventures. If you're up for teaching, loving, and navigating life together, let's make it happen! I'm here, ready to become the most awesome dog you've ever known.  Please note that some of our dogs are obtained from shelters, surrendered to our care, or released from breeders.  Each animal's bio is based on our experience of the animal within our care, an educated guess based on physical characteristics, temperament and information shared. Each dog receives basic grooming when coming into rescue, but for some dogs they have not received grooming attention until recently and grooming may be required shortly after adoption.  This will be at the adopters expense, so we encourage you to research the breed and be prepared for grooming expenses.  Underdog cannot guarantee hypoallergenic or non shedding qualities of any dogs in our rescue.  Some of the animals come from situations where they are lacking experience in a home and confidence in humans. In turn, they require another companion dog and/or a fenced in yard in their forever home in order for them to feel safe. If you are interested in a   particular dog whose bio states those needs and do not currently have them, please understand that your home might not be the right fit.  Please use the filter on our Adoptable Dogs page to find the perfect match for your home.     ***Be sure to check your spam/junk folder as sometimes our emails end up there***