This Bichon/poodle mix was rescued from a commercial puppy mill and can only be placed in a home with
a socialized dog already living there.
The children in the home must be over the age of 10.
Barney2 has spent his whole life in a small cage in a commercial kennel. Barney was born in 2008 and weighs 10 pounds. His tail is docked.
Barney2 is alert, curious and is feeling pretty safe and is working with his “trust” issues. With me, he will come within a foot or so when enticed with a treat. While he almost takes a treat from my hand, he remains fearful and often walks away from the treat…so this will take some gentle time. When my wife offers small clumps of wet food in the morning, Barney2 takes the food from her hand, nervously, and has begun some licking.
He maintains a safe observation distance from people whenever possible. He feels most safe when he’s in his cage, but he often ventures out into the family room with our dogs and us for his observation time. During our family time, I allow Barney2 to go to his cage so I can pick him up and hold him…stroking and talking to him…rubbing his ears, back, shoulders and paws, while I am sitting in my recliner. Over the past week, he has become more relaxed with this process and even anticipates being picked up from his cage…moving closer to the front of cage instead of to the rear. He now tries to play with the others and then backs off within a minute or two…but his play time is becoming more frequent and longer in duration. He is discovering soft toys, bones and pats on the head from people with no “catch”. Since our dogs go to their cages on command, Barney2 has learned the command as well. He does not have accidents, and promptly goes outside in the morning to potty. While we do have a fenced yard, which Barney2 relishes with lots of running and chasing, he is very fearful of walks with a leash. So far, he will takes a few steps…stop and refuse to go any further…accompanied by some shaking. So the leash walking is going to take some time yet. Barney2 is going to be a good pet. He’s young and excited about his life. He just needs a family who understands that baby steps are needed for Barney2 to thrive. Barney2 is being fostered in IL.
If you would like to adopt this dog, please fill out the Small Paws Rescue
Preadoption Application. |
