My name is Kala - New Update 2/5!!

All potential adopter’s will need to be approved to adopt from MWBCR and should visit our website at www.mwbcr.org for more information on the approval process.

2/5
Kala has been with us 3 weeks. She is settled in and letting us see her happy, relaxed side. Kala loves car rides. Kala has only ridden in the car crated and happily jumps in and sometimes doesn't want to come outright away! I've also found her in the car when I've had an open door un/loading the car :) The photo of Kala on top of crates in the car was by her own doing- 2 jumps and she was on her happy perch!

Kala has graduated to being loose with the entire family; at first she kept her distance being unsure, but now she's part of the clan! She eats in the kitchen with other dogs near by and relaxes in the evening near by next to the chair/couch or on a dog bed sometimes curled up with her foster doggy siblings. Kala likes to run around with the other dogs, but never engages in play. She'll alternate checking in with her person then going to run a bit. Her tail goes high and she has a bounce to her and a smile on her face- it is lovely to see her enjoying life.

Kala has done well in group basic manners class. She really likes working for treats. When she thinks she's learning/working her demeanor changes and she's keen, attentive, and highly engaged with her person. She prefers treats to toys, but likes learning. Kala is not the temperament who has to be doing stuff and needing to be learning to be content, but she sure does it enjoy it! It is not required with her adoption, but Kala would appreciate if her new family takes her to a class and continued with fun tricks or other casual learning on their own or dog sport classes just for fun. It has helped her bond and handle changes and stress in her life so while adjusting to her new home it'd help her adjust faster and smoother. Kala has met sheep and was enthralled with them. It is still unclear if it's all play (as the video and photo show) or if with more exposure she'd settle down to work. She sure did think it was fun though!

For the most part Kala is a quiet girl, she will whine when she thinks she's missing the fun (crated while other dogs are in class, or wants to be by you, but can't be), but then quiets and relaxes. Kala used to bark at passersby when outside in the fenced yard, but she has not done this for quite some time. She occasionally will bark once or twice at someone when on walks, but it's not all the time and saying her name and having her check in with you and then being happy and praising she's over it. The longer she's here the less she cares about strangers passing the house or approaching when out and about.

Kala is a calm dog who likes to have fun, but also likes to relax with her people. As she bonds with her person she takes life in stride. She loves petting and being with you. She has yet to show interest in playing with dogs, but she's fine being around dogs. If a dog is rude/in her face she will curl her lip and politely request the dog move away. Kala has met kids and is fine with them. The age restriction is due to the first few week adjustment period Kala does best if she's in a home where a kid understands to give her space and let her adjust without pressuring her to be involved.

Kala's fur is growing back nicely. From her previous vet records we know that she's had skin/fur loss issues on/off for 2 years. MWBCR ran blood work and a thyroid test on her and all is normal- good news for Kala! The skin scrapings she had at the shelter and ones repeated here with MWBCR do not show mites or any skin critters or issues. Kala is not scratching or showing any signs of skin issues bothering her. She is finishing up antibiotics (and has learned to take the pills very nicely- even when not hidden in food she'll now take them without a fuss). As of now, we do not have a cause for her skin issue; the veterinarians think it could be an allergy, stress response, or due to nutrition. She may not ever have another flare up (fingers crossed). We are not able to get any more info until she does and if that happens the next thing would be to test for allergies-- of course we are hoping that Kala is on the mend for a long, healthy, happy life! Kala is currently eating Fromm food and is doing well on it.

Please do not hesitate to contact us about Kala- She is a nice, dog who can do things, but is not over the top and likes to also relax and follow her people. The more she bonds the more her fun, happy side comes out- she sure does have sweet round eyes, and a happy bouncy step when excited!

1/20
Kala loves food, likes petting, and thinks comfortable furniture makes a nice bed. She likes her crate and happily jumps into the crate in the car and in the evenings has been found in her crate in the house on her own volition. Kala has been with us only 5 days, but is starting to understand that keeping her feet on the floor gets her all the things she wants so counter surfing is not needed. She is also a quick study in realizing that demand barking doesn't work :) Kala loves soft beds and chairs, but quickly is learning "off" and that in our house furniture is an 'invite only' location. Kala lives with other dogs and doesn't seem to care if they are around or not. She has yet to play/engage with them, but she also doesn't seem to mind if they are near her either.

Before Kala came to MWBCR we knew that she might take a bit of time to be comfortable in a new place and that she might be cautious around some new people. We were told she might bark at unknown people. Kala has met a few people outside of the home and did well. Today when someone was at the door she barked and if she's outside when the neighbors are out she'll bark. We will continue to work on this, but so far she has impressed us with how well she is handling seeing others and adapting to her new environment! For a girl who can be cautious she's doing awesome taking it all in stride- Good job Kala! :) Due to knowing that frenetic activity may make her nervous and she likes things at her own pace, if Kala's new family has kids it is recommended they be school aged (8ish and older). Please do not hesitate to contact the foster home to further discuss this.

As you can see in the photos, Kala has some hair loss. Kala has had a chronic skin condition which is being treated. She is not itchy/scratchy and seems comfortable. Jan 28 Kala has a vet appointment so we hope to have more information after then.

Kala is a calm, sweet girl who likes to go on walks and be with her people. Please contact her foster home if you have any questions. As we get to know Kala better we'll post another update in 1-2 weeks! Until her next update enjoy her brief intro video (she's not too sure on the camera near her, but sure does love to catch treats in the air- as long as the person can actually toss them- silly foster humans!).


For more information go to www.mwbcr.org or contact Meredith at meredithbiehl@hotmail.com