GEMMA IS BEING FOSTERED IN BLOOMINGTON IL
This little snuggle bug's name is Gemma, and she is a precious gem who has MASTERED her puppy dog stare! Our sweet Gemmy girl was found in a field as a stray, so not much is known about her history. What we have discovered so far in foster care is that she has a lot of playful energy and has a high prey-drive with smaller animals, therefore, a house without cats and smaller dogs is crucial for her to thrive. We have reason to believe that at one point or another, Gemma did have an owner as she knows some basic commands instinctively and is an expert fetch player! We have also learned that her favorite spot, undeniably, is against her person on the couch snuggled in for a movie night. She is an EXPERT cuddler and would love nothing more than to spend her evenings snuggled up next to her person on the couch.
Gemma weighs around 45 lbs, and she is very active and playful. While she loves a warm night in, cuddled around her person, she equally loves a rousing game of fetch! Since Gemma is cautious with new people and places, this kind of exercise is ideal for her as well as short walks around the neighborhood. Gemma initially appears to be afraid of men, although it only took about a week before she started melting into her foster dad’s arms on a regular basis, and she now snuggles with him every night! She has met a handful of women in her house and even stayed the night with one of them, showing just how easily she does warm up and can fall in love! While it is not absolutely necessary that she be placed in a home without men, we would highly suggest that anyone who'd be present in her adoptive home utilize the time and patience to get to know her and earn her trust. Deli meat treats certainly help!
Speaking of treats, it is important to know that Gemma has shown zero food aggression, and is perfectly fine taking treats from your hand once you have gained her trust, making training and confidence-building easier. We are looking for the perfect adopter who will not only be gentle and understanding with Gemma as she learns how to navigate life, but someone who will guide her, continue her training, and someone who will soak up all her hugs and kisses along the way!
Because of our quirky girl's energy level, and her high prey drive, we recommend a home without kids under the age of 12. She is still learning certain manners, and as of now she can jump to around 3 or 4 ft in the air when trying to give a hug! Gemma is potty trained and crate trained, and she sleeps in her kennel at night. Her foster family believes she would be fine to be left out at night as she has not been destructive in the slightest, but crate training has given her a safe spot to go when she gets overwhelmed or overstimulated.
Gemmy girl loves toys and bones and shares nicely with her four legged foster brother, Ernie. Fetch and chase are two of her favorite games to play. Walking on a leash / traveling in the car for long periods of time are still two very scary actions for sweet Gemma, so someone who is home more often than not and/or willing to work on her socialization skills/training is a must!
Ideally, her furever home would be calm and quiet as Gemma can become stressed when she sees other dogs at a distance, and she is very perceptive to all noises such as heavy machinery outside or other dogs in the area barking. Because of this, we recommend a home where there are not a lot of people coming and going at all times/other dogs barking around her. She is definitely an energetic, talkative gal (making lots of cute puppy groans and pleads for pets and lovin’) and would love a pup sibling or two if they were larger and ok with a spunky spitfire coming into their home!
Gemma's NEEDS
- A home without young kids/small animals
- A fenced-in yard to exercise freely
- A dedicated adopter(s) to continue training and socialization
- All the kisses and cuddles one can offer
Gemma's WANTS
- A larger pup sibling that is good with other dogs to play with
- A quieter home without much coming and going
- A spot on the couch next to her best friend for life!
Gemma is spayed, microchipped and up-to-date on all shots and preventatives, she is a highly velcro Aussie who will follow her person anywhere, and she is a TOTAL lover. Are you the perfect match for her? If you are interested in Gemma becoming a part of your family, fill out an adoption application today at https://midwestaustralianshepherdrescue.org/home/adoption-application/
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