Meet Vista

My name is Vista. I’m a 1 and 1/2 year old Golden Retriever/Great Pyrenees mix (we think). DOB: 6/10/2024. I weigh about 70 pounds right now, but need to put on a healthy 10 pounds. I’m thin and my hip bones are showing. My foster family is working on it. I’m a big boy and still growing.

I was surrendered to a shelter because my elderly owner couldn’t meet my growing puppy needs, I was wandering off and kept ending up at the shelter. The shelter was not taking owner surrenders, but I was so incredibly sweet that they took me in and contacted AGN for help. They just adored me. Someone is really going to hit the jackpot with me!

Attributes

Personality Traits

Sweet, laid back, happy, charming, loving, loyal and the typical Golden “velcro shadow”. I’m a perfect balance of the Golden that just wants to be wherever you are, but I’m also true to the flock guardian breed. I’m on alert when outside. I’m watching for any “danger” which is typically is the deer herd that comes by. In between my “security duties”, I’m a big ole cuddle bug who wants to take every step with you or play with my furry siblings. Although young and playful, I’m a chill and mellow pup. I’m amazing in public…shopping at Home Depot, lounging at your feet on a restaurant patio, etc. I’m truly special!

Status with People

Social butterfly who never meets a stranger. I happily approach all humans seeking affection. Good with all people and children. I’m gentle with children, but would be unsettled if they pulled on my ears, grabbed my collar or tail. I’m sensitive to forceful movements around my face/ears and tail. I’ve never been reactive, but clearly concerned as if there’s some past negative experiences. Due to my size and this sensitivity, children should be 13 and over, respectful of a dog’s boundaries and experienced with large dogs and their body language.  

Status with Dogs

Good with all dogs. Although I lived as an only dog in my previous home, I’m in foster with multiple Retrievers, both genders. I want to be in charge if the other dog is submissive. Otherwise, I’m neutral in temperament and read the communication from the other dogs as to whether or not they want to engage.  I like to play with and sleep next to my young foster siblings. I leave the older dogs alone, but we co-exist nicely.

Status with Cats

Fine when tested. Sniffed and ignored.

Favorite Toys

Learning toys, but not overly enthusiastic. I play tug with toys with my furry foster brother. Sometimes I play with stuffies. Sometimes I chase a ball, but I’m not into the fetch/retrieve game. Maybe you can teach me?

Energy Level

Moderate energy overall. I’m active, but a very laid back temperament for my age.

House Trained

Yes. I use a doggy door. ***AGN recommends that you train me to “Poochie Bells” so I can give clear communication that I need to potty if you don’t have a doggy door.

Crate Trained

Yes, but not needed as long as your home is puppy proofed. I have free roam in the home with my furry foster siblings. Great Pyrenees instinctually want to watch over their territory, so confinement in a crate would break my spirit.

House Manners

Good house manners, but still an older puppy so PUPPY PROOF! I have a tendency to chew on plastic and paper if I have access. Make sure your counters are clean as I can easily reach them to counter surf. I’m a furniture dog. I love the couch and your bed. I typically will go from the bed to under the bed to sleep. I’ll also sleep close to my furry foster siblings on a dog bed or even the floor if hot. If you don’t want a big ole teddy bear of a dog on your furniture, I’m NOT your pup!

Leash Manners

Great with my “Walk Your Dog With Love” harness.  I’d likely be fine with any harness. Even with my size, I’m not a strong puller. I’m also a great dog to take to dog friendly places as I’ll just lie down while you shop, eat, hang out on a restaurant patio, etc.  

Exercise

I’m young and need daily exercise and playtime with my dog friends. I’d prefer a good sized yard to play chase in and take on “security duty”. Like every Great Pyrenees I may “perimeter check” and “guard” my territory. I enjoy being outside in nice weather (as long as you’re close), but MUST always be in a secure fence (such as a 6-8 ft privacy fence that is escape proof). I’d benefit from fun outdoor adventures, but then cuddling up on the couch with you after the fun.

Car Rides

Typical Golden teenager who’ll gladly help you drive. I like to be as close to you as possible. If you’ll put your arm on the center console, I’ll snuggle with you by putting my head on your arm. *See the photos of my doing this!

Basic Commands

Sit, Come, working on Leave It and Drop It. I know my name well.

Things I need in my Forever Home

  • Someone who understands both Goldens and Great Pyrenees as I’ve got traits of both breeds.
  • Moderately active family that enjoys getting me out and about. Someone who’ll take me on walks, hikes, fun outdoor adventures. Also, someone who enjoys going places with their dog by their side. I’m happy being wherever you are.
  • A home environment that leans more calm and laid back. I’m an active, but chill kind of fella and would not thrive in a chaotic environment.
  • Someone who’s home more often than not. I thrive in my foster home because my foster mom works from home. Someone who works part time, works from home, doesn’t work or can take me to work with them. I’d be great to just hang out with you at work.
  • Although gentle with children, they should be at least 13 with large dog experience. Not only am I a big pup, but they must be old enough to understand that I’m sensitive around my ears, collar area and tail. I welcome petting, but pulling, forcing things etc. are not acceptable for me.
  • Would do great with a dog companion to play with. That dog should be neutral in temperament as I’ll try to be in charge with a submissive dog.
  • I’d also be fine as an only dog as long as you’re my best buddy and we’re together most of the time.
  • Positive reinforcement obedience training classes REQUIRED – this will help us bond and build our relationship. It’s so much fun and my potential should be maximized. ***AGN recommends DogsandKat.com
  • 6 – 8 foot, secure fence (such as privacy fence) is needed. Great Pyrenees roam if given the opportunity and sometimes look for escape opportunities. The breed is prone to roam trying to expand territory so extra precautions must be in place. I have not tried to escape my fence at my foster home, but I did roam from my previous home which is why I ended up at the shelter

    If you’re looking for a loving, gentle giant to be your “velcro shadow”…one who’s sweet as can be, young, but laid back and the perfect combo of Golden and Great Pryenees then you found me! I’m really a special fella. Everyone falls in love with me that meets me. Will you be that lucky someone who becomes my forever family?

    Luv, Vista

    Photos by Pawzitively Purrfect and foster family.