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My basic info
Breed
American Eskimo Dog
Color
White - with Tan, Yellow or Fawn
Age
Adult
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Female
Pet ID
–
My details
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
SASSIE AND SUSIE ("the girls") 3-year old spayed females
Susie and Sassy or "the girls" were rescued into our system from a kill shelter in North Carolina. They are not Golden Retrievers but have the appearance and personality of the American Eskimo. The good news is that breed and these pups have the easy temperament and happy demeanor of Goldens. They are loyal, smart and easily trained. You will never meet a cuter or sweeter pair of little dogs than these two. They are very loving and affectionate. They seek approval constantly and want nothing more than some praise or a loving pat.
Little is known of their past but they came to us very fearful of people and exceptionally dependent on each other. We do know they were kept outside with little human interaction for a significant part of their lives. They sleep together; eat together; move together; groom each other and ask for attention together. When separated they become distraught. For that reason we feel they must be adopted as a pair. Because of their size and constant togetherness, it's easy to think of them as just one.
They do have unique personalities. Sassy seems to be responsible for choosing where they retreat to sleep and rest. Susie appears to lead when they go outside. Occasionally Sassy will snarl at Susie for some offense only they can detect. They get along perfectly with both Golden foster brothers and even attempt to play in spite of the significant size difference. Neither has shown any aggressiveness either towards people or other dogs. They apparently never learned people play because they will not chase a ball or a toy. They also don't chew on stuffed animals which is a good thing. Despite their shyness and small size both have been known to do a little counter cruising. They do love their food.
They are standoffish with strangers but will investigate and eventually accept a visitor. Sassy will bark at circumstances she doesn't understand. Susie barks at mealtime. Sassy did some destructive chewing early in her time with us. It appeared she was preparing a nest for the two of them. The behavior vanished after about a week and we haven't experienced it since. Their defense from anything that they fear is to quickly retreat to a safe zone. In the foster home that is a bedroom closet. They do fine for periods of separation without anxiety, however consistent separation leads to boredom, which in turn results in bad behavior.
The girls will remain wary and easily frightened until they establish trust. Their ideal family will have the patience and TLC to win that trust and bring them into their lives. Almost any family with that quality would be suitable. There should be no difficulties with children, cats or other dogs. Small children would have to be cautioned that rough treatment or loud noises will frighten the girls and set back efforts to build trust.
Like all foster families we fall in love with every foster dog. These two girls have imbedded themselves in our hearts like no other. There really isn't anything not to love about them. If you visit you will want to love and nurture them immediately. Your biggest problem will be prying our fingers off the lead.
*** UPDATE:
Susie and Sassy have made significant social progress while in foster care. Where they once shunned all human contact they now actively seek affection form their foster parents. They have become much more tolerant of visitors and even approach now for attention. Susie, in particular, is happy to accept petting and back scratches from a friendly hand. They have learned the joy and adventure of a walk on lead and no longer run away in fear when the lead comes out. Unlike Golden Retrievers, these girls seem to be very loyal to family and show a healthy skepticism of strangers. Once they see the visitors are welcome in the home they become more accepting. This quality can be difficult for folks who come to see them to consider adoption. It needs to be understood that the loyalty will transfer to a new family but will take time and patience and most of all, love.
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