Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
**Lucy is available for adoption through her foster home. Please call WCHS if you are interested in meeting with her. Below are some detailed notes from her foster mom.·Intake Reason: Stray with her sister·Weight: 45 lbs. "Lucy is a very timid and shy dog who has a very sweet and gentle disposition. She seems to prefer the company of women, showing some signs of fear with both my husband and father (low body posture, pancaking to the floor, and general nervous/cautious behavior). When she first arrived at our home, Lucy exhibited a lot of fear-based behavior, including not going potty, pancaking to the floor when leashed, refusing to pass through thresholds, not being able to eat her meals until the cats were out of view, and general apprehension towards most experiences. In under a month she has extinguished these fear behaviors with me (foster mom) to a very large percentage and in some cases to almost zero. She seems to be the type of dog who wants to bond very tightly to one "safe person". Given her past experience as a working cattle dog, she really wants to work, this girl needs a job. In our home, Lucy believes that her job is to keep a very close eye on our 2 kitty family members. We are currently researching ways to redirect that with other options, most effective so far are daily walks/hikes, general skills training (including sit, stay, wait, okay, down, off, and leave it), frozen stuffed Kong toys, and learning how to be part of a full household with lots of family members (2 adults, 2 indoor cats, 3 dogs). Living with and being a full part of a family really has proven to be a very new experience for her with lots of nuances to wrap her head around, I can see her gears constantly turning! Lucy is comfortable being at home. She freely chooses to rest in her crate most often, but will also lay on one of several dog beds and sometimes the floor. Though we invite her onto the couch, she does not choose to join us. She has shown limited interest in toys (which are plentiful and easy to access), only twice playing and chewing very quietly on small soft stuffed toys. Lucy does enjoy peanut butter and treat stuffed frozen Kong toys, needing a bit of encouragement beyond her initial interest. She has also begun to take treats readily after walks, rather than her preference to receive treats one-on-one apart from the family. She will bark if there is a loud unexpected noise nearby and is very easily assured and redirected.All outdoor experiences appear new to Lucy. Every neighborhood walk or hike on a trail offer her opportunities to learn new things, which she really seems to enjoy. Lucy is walking so much better on a leash now! She seems to understand the goal of walking in a pack and not becoming tangled, and when she does she will readily fix the leash with the "let's fix it" directive. Lucy has made such incredibly positive progress in her potty habits! She has between 6-8 opportunities for backyard potty breaks per day at regular and predictable intervals. Although she has recently started going to the bathroom while on walks, she still prefers to relieve herself in the safety of our familiar backyard, with me/the other dogs/or alone. Lucy wants to strongly bond with her person. She loves to be petted, likes kisses, is still uncomfortable with hugs/holding but making progress. She is a true Velcro/shadow type dog, preferring to be in the same room with me most of the time. It is important to note that she maintains soft and easy eyes with all family members, and while her eye contact is direct and focused with the cats, it is still with a soft, non-aggressive gaze. Lucy shows almost zero interest in our three dogs. Our pack is made up of older (8-14 year old), but active dogs. We offer plenty of opportunities for bonding including daily hikes, supervised and free play, basic and obedience training, leash training exercises, etc. Our pack demonstrates interest in her by sniffing, play-bowing (to initiate play), lying next to her, and in general allowing her space in the pack, and she continues to show no interest in them. There is a common accepted "rule of three" in terms of rescue and adoption, as in 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to know a new routine, 3 months to feel at home- I met Lucy before my husband and on instinct told him that she seemed like the type of dog who might be closer to a rule of 6 (6 days/weeks/months), and having spent 2 1/2 months in our home, I am further convinced that is an accurate estimation. She is well worth the investment of time because she has a kind heart, and for her success in a forever home, I feel it important to note that a careful consideration be made for any other pets or adult males in the home. It goes without saying that Lucy would also greatly benefit from a home where important work can be a part of her life."
