Dax sits for a portrait. Photo: Fetch Cares

PARK CITY, Utah — Meet Dax, a 2-year-old Abkash-Labrador retriever mix with enough energy to power a small city and the brains to match. Found as a stray in Arizona more than a year ago, Dax was rescued from a shelter by a local lab rescue. With no foster homes available, he spent months in a kennel where he struggled with stress, an upper respiratory infection and even cactus quills in his coat. Despite the rescue’s best efforts, options for Dax ran out and euthanasia was considered. That’s when Fetch Cares stepped in. A volunteer pilot flew Dax to Salt Lake City, where the nonprofit welcomed him just over a month ago.

Since then, Dax has decompressed and shown his true personality. This white-coated charmer loves the outdoors but also enjoys curling up on a couch. He’s energetic, intelligent and, like many working breeds, happiest when both his body and mind are engaged. Long hikes, puzzle toys, and training sessions are right up his alley.

“Dax is quite the character,” said Tori with Fetch Cares. “He’s super smart, stubborn at times in typical Akbash fashion, but he’s made incredible progress and deserves a family who understands his needs.”