Arrival story: Kacey came to us from a rural shelter where she was picked up as a stray. We don't know how long she wandered the mean streets, but she was emaciated -- every bone in her body was prominently displayed -- and her tail had been injured at the tip. Happily, though, she had no other major health problems, and she's almost recovered from her near-starvation and surgeries. (The tip of her tail could not be saved and was removed.) She still needs to gain a little more weight and should be about 55 pounds when completely healthy.
Approximate age / weight: 2-3 years & almost-ideal at 52 lbs
Personality: Kacey has a very gentle, sensitive spirit. More than anything, she wants to be your best friend. In the house, she's generally quiet and quite content to lay on her dog bed or in her crate for much of the day -- although she'd certainly be happy to join you on the couch, if that's what you'd like. She's not a total couch potato, though; she also loves to zoom around the yard in gleeful abandon a couple of times a day. Kacey would love to be your walking buddy, too -- as long as you don't mind meandering a bit, because she wants to follow every twist and turn of a critter-trail (which is probably how she became a stray). And if you like to hike in the woods, she'd be in heaven if she could come along.
Kacey's house manners are improving by leaps and bounds. Especially since there are fewer leaps and bounds in the house. She's learning to reserve that for outside. She's very nearly potty trained - does not mess in her crate, and lets you know when she has to go out. Her hound nose still wants her to get naughty with interesting smells on the counter or in the trash can, but she's getting good at resisting. She wants so much to please, and is very food motivated (both help in training). She's generally good on-leash, but also wants to follow her nose, so she'll occasionally resist leaving an interesting scent. Kacey is very good in her crate, although she barks for a few minutes when left alone in it. She's fine if people are in the room - she enjoys having her own "den," and often goes into it on her own for a quiet snooze. She still wears the "Cone of Shame" when unattended (her tail isn't completely healed yet), but is otherwise healthy and ready to play and enjoy a variety of family activities.
Forever home: Kacey would do well in a variety of family situations. People are her favorite companions, but she likes other dogs, too. She has an energetic play style, but responds instantly and submissively to "back off" signals from the slightly smaller dogs in her foster home, so she would also be fine with less energetic dogs. She's quite timid, though, and aggressive dogs might bully her. We aren't sure how she'd react to cats. She would also be fine as an only dog in a family where someone is home often. She would not enjoy being left completely alone during working hours, although a doggie companion might help. She would happily play with older kids, but might accidentally knock down toddlers. We would strongly prefer a large, securely-fenced yard for her, but would consider a family that would regularly (several times a week) take her on long walks or hikes. Most of all, she wants a best friend who will never let her lose her way again.
Contact: Karen -
furkids@webfaerie.com
