 While in our rescue, we have learned that, while very understandable, Baby is unsure of herself around unfamiliar faces and new environments. We have had her in two different foster homes to help bring out her confidence level. In Baby's first foster home, it took her 2 weeks to feel comfortable enough to move around the apartment like it was hers, and another 2 weeks to feel comfortable to wander around outside the building. She then quickly learned that everything was okay and she was safe, and was often found running around outside with the neighbors' dogs and chasing the tennis ball. She has a lot of personality, and most of the time is found lounging in her favorite chair. Once she makes herself at home, she will pick one spot she loves more than any other and she will claim it as hers. Baby is currently in her second foster home, and gets many visits from rescue volunteers. She welcomes them with a wagging tail and is a dog with much more confidence then she was upo n intake. She even likes some visitors so much that she actually SMILES at them, showing all her teeth! This is hard to describe, but you'll know it when you see it!! It is a known fact that animals don't live in the past, but liv  Baby has finally found her forever home and has been renamed Sadie! After a few nights of acclimating to her new surroundings and new owner, she has made steps to come out of her shell. Sadie is now the proud owner of a huge, comfortable dog bed and will live the rest of her life in complete security. She has come to terms with her surroundings and loves playing with the kids next door, and is getting less fearful of walks. Sadie's new owner writes: "It's been one year since I brought Sadie home with me. One fantastic year since she went from scared dog who cowered at my front door to proud service dog who, when not in her vest, romps at the dog park happily chasing other dogs, or when in my neighbours yard defends it vigourously from invading squirrels. One year ago today she had to be carried into my car by her former foster mom. One year ago today she stared at me, cowering at my front door, afraid of me, my house, everything. Today she does her “happy dance” every time we take a walk. Her happy dance consists of her rolling on the ground with a smile on her face then getting up and running quickly, turning back to me then running towards me, wagging her tail and showering me with kisses. We go on hikes without a leash because she never gets to where she cannot see me. She's my service dog because she stops debilitating anxiety attacks before I even know they're coming on. She walks around proudly with her vest and she even fought (and won!) her battle with her old nemesis the shopping cart (she also won her battle with her arch-rival the ceiling fan – both fears conquered!) Now we are working on her fear of buses, but with her anxiety vest she even takes treats from me while on the bus, so I have a feeling that she'll conquer that fear in no time at all. Right now (without her vest) we are in advanced dog training classes because I want Sadie to get her Canine Good Citizenship certificate. Anyone who's ever met her knows that she's already a good citizen, but as a pittie she has an uphill battle. As my service dog she has to be let into any apartment, even non-dog apartments, but I want an extra layer of protection. I also want another accomplishment to brag about my dog. Oh yeah, did I mention she took best rescue at an ABKC show? Well she did, and we'll be going to more shows, and they're even making a category for rescues so she will be a registered show dog. How cool is that? Right now she's pulling on me to go inside to go to class – I swear my dog loves to go to class more then I do, which is cool, because I need her to be excited about these things. But yeah, this is where Sadie is a year later." Sadie and her story post-adoption has been published online! Click HERE to read it. |
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