Meet Missy

Status with People

I love and trust my foster parents and will seek attention from adults I’m comfortable and familiar with.   I’m tentative and shy of strangers at first, but if they are patient, calm and speak to me in a soothing voice, I’ll slowly come closer and let them pet me.  Loud voices or sudden movements from strangers still scare me. I just need to know that I can trust you and need someone to work with me on socialization with strangers.  I haven’t been around children yet, so loud or younger children might make me uneasy.  Older children and adults are more my style. 

Status with Dogs

Good with other dogs.  Lived my entire life with other dogs in a breeding kennel and now have four furry foster sisters. I look to them for guidance and as my confidence has grown, I’m starting to initiate more play rather than just joining in. At night, I want to be near my foster sisters and settle between them. It’s important for me to have a dog companion to help me feel safe and continue learning about this new world.

Status with Cats

Cats unknown, but squirrels and bunnies do catch my eye on walks and in the backyard.

Favorite Toys

Just learning about the fun of stuffy toys and I share nicely with my foster siblings.  I haven’t shown much interest in balls or bones yet.

Energy Level

Lower to moderate energy overall.  I’m a great “hang out with you” kind of gal.  I do enjoy running in the yard with the other dogs.

House Trained

Yes.

Crate Trained

NO! I should not be crated. There’s no need and it would likely terrify me due to my past. I have free roam in the house and don’t bother a thing.

House Manners

Excellent. I am the perfect house guest! I sleep in the bedroom with my foster parents and position myself on the floor between two of my foster sisters. I occasionally snuggle up on a dog bed, but I prefer to be close to the other pups.

Leash Manners

Leash walking is new to me. At first, I was spooked by unfamiliar outside noises, but with more exposure to different sounds and the help of my foster sister as a companion on walks, I’m making progress each day. My foster family uses the Walk Your Dog with Love Harness.

Exercise

Walking is great for me, especially because I’m learning the world while on my walks. Allowing me to sniff is important as it provides mental stimulation.  I also run with my furry foster siblings in the backyard. 

Car Rides

Good in the car and settle in quickly for the ride.

Basic Commands

I know how to “sit” for a treat and am learning to come when I hear my name. I also know “let’s go to bed,” and my personal favorite: “it’s peanut butter time!” which means it’s time for our morning licks of peanut butter on a spoon 🙂 

Storm Phobia

I’m still learning the world and its noises, so I am fearful of any loud house or unanticipated outside noises. Thunderstorms and distant fireworks haven’t seemed to bother me as long as my people and furry foster siblings are nearby.

Things I need in my Forever Home

• Lower key family that likes to take daily walks through the neighborhood and strolls in the park, allowing me to sniff and navigate all the sights and sounds of this new world I’m learning.
• I need human companionship and positive guidance. Someone who is home most of the time to work with me on my continued socialization with the world outside. I’m a work in progress and need a committed human who is close by to help me thrive.
• Someone who understands I’m learning the world and learning to trust humans for the first time. Someone who is committed to working with me in a force free/positive reinforcement manner. Someone who understands that strangers/new people, environments or unexpected noises cause me to be frightened and will help me build the confidence I need. 
• I’ve been around other dogs my entire life so I need a nice, gentle dog companion with a calm temperament to serve as my mentor.  One that will play with me and guide me.  That is the quickest way for me to learn, build confidence and help me feel safe and secure. I’m a follower and learn by watching other dogs.
• Older children (10 and up) would likely be fine if they understand how to be calm and gentle with me, and that loud and unexpected noises still scare me. Once they earn my trust, I know I will shower them with my affection and love.