Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
**IF THIS LISTING IS STILL POSTED THIS DOG IS STILL AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION. NO NEED TO EMAIL ASKING IF THE DOG IS AVAILABLE. PLEASE READ THROUGH THIS BIO THOROUGHLY AS INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY IS CONTAINED IN THIS LISTING**
For Adoption: Mochi!
Please read our dog bios carefully to be sure that the dog you are applying for suits your family and lifestyle.
We at PDR believe in the benefits of post-adoption training for our dogs and their families. This allows
for continued socialization, learning and helps to create a well-mannered and balanced dog. Post-adoption training is a requirement in our adoption process.
To apply for adoption and for more information on our process and requirements, visit our website at https://pounddog.ca/adoption-info/.
This adorable little fox face belongs to Mochi, an 8 year old Shiba Inu. Mochi has gorgeous thick, golden-white fur with little white markings. She has that classically curly Spitz tail, little Dorito ears, and when she smiles it can brighten your whole day!
Mochi spent the first 8 years of her life as a breeding dog from a mill. Before her rescue she had zero exposure to the outside world and was mishandled by humans, so for obvious reasons Mochi is nervous about a lot of things. She needs time and slow exposure to places, people, and things so that she can learn that her new life is not one to be afraid of. She is looking for a forever home that can give her time, a consistent routine, exercise, care, a healthy diet, and slow exposure to new things that will help her confidence grow.
Mochi is just starting out on her journey to become more healthy, mentally and physically. She currently weighs 30 lbs from her poor quality diet and complete lack of exercise in the mill, but a healthy weight for Mochi would be around 18 lbs. She is now on a diet and exercise program in our care and has already lost some of the weight. Her forever family needs to be committed to continuing this and getting her down to her healthy weight.
Despite her past, Mochi is just the sweetest girl you ever did meet, an absolute gem to foster. Even though she can be afraid, her desire for companionship, safety, and affection usually wins out, and with patience she will slowly make her way over to you for some gentle cuddles. I think that Mochi really wants to be a lapdog one day, as she will come right up to you to offer a submissive paw, and even sometimes attempt to crawl into your lap. She likes to follow us around the home or yard, and if we sit down she’ll come right over to sit beside us and get some reassuring pets. She is nervous to be picked up due to her past mishandling, but she pushes through this fear. She will come right up to us when asked so we can pick her up and carry her up the stairs. She needs a bit of help with this, as stairs for Mochi are still new and ours have no carpet for her little toe beans to grip onto. While she can make it downstairs if she goes slow, going upstairs is something she struggles with and needs some help, for now.
Noises and quick movements startle her, but she’s already grown in confidence in the short time we’ve had her. Mochi is learning that the things she’s afraid of, while startling at first, are nothing to run away from. When startled, she will tuck tail and duck or flinch, and sometimes skitter away. But with support and encouragement, she quickly recovers and will seek you out for reassurance. We can then introduce her to the thing that startled her, and in time she’s learning that these things aren’t so scary.
Mochi is just starting to learn about the joy of toys, and will slowly pop into her toy box to delicately grab something interesting. She likes to bring it into her crate to lightly chew and lick it. She does show signs of wanting to chase toys and play fetch in the yard, with encouragement from our family dog as she runs to plays fetch with us, but as of now Mochi’s still a bit nervous and needs some time.
Mochi is very friendly and respectful of our family dog, and shows a curiosity towards other dogs on her walks. Mochi would do well in a home with a calm, respectful dog that can help show her that the life of a beloved furry family member is comfortable, safe, and fun, and that humans are too. She would also be fine in a home without other pets, she may just need more time to get comfortable, since other dogs can provide an added sense of reassurance. Mochi really just needs patience here, to be introduced to people and things slowly and let her warm up to them over time.
Mochi really shines on her walkies, she loves them! She perks right up, and while nervous about the leash (or any object in your hand), Mochi will carefully approach you so you can clip it on and she can go out to explore the world. She loves to sniff all the smells, and will often pause to take it all in, observing the many new sights and sounds of the big new world around her. Mochi currently gets 2-3 20 min walks a day, and for now this seems to make her very happy. In the future when she’s feeling more relaxed and safe she may require a bit more exercise, but for now she’s content to enjoy her walks, time in the yard, and time in her crate. Mochi has recently been out hiking on wooded trails and she loved it! Jumping over logs, taking in all the sights and smells, she had the best time!!
Mochi has shown an interest in birds, squirrels, and rabbits, and so out of caution we’d recommend a home without cats or other small animals that Mochi may want to chase. Mochi will be too nervous of the noise and activity associated to a home with young children in it. She would like an adult only home or one with calm teens who enjoy cuddles. A quiet and calm home is key for Mochi.
Mochi is excellent in her crate, she’s quiet and comfortable. I would go so far as to say that she’s not just crate trained, but for now, the crate is where Mochi feels safest. We have a little gated area set up to allow Mochi a sense of space and safety. Having too big of a space (like an entire room or floor of the house) makes Mochi feel too exposed. Her gated little area allows Mochi access to her toy box and bed, while also having her open crate available for when things become a bit too much for her. This allows us to go about our daily business while she observes and learns, but also a place for her to retreat to when she needs more quiet or a chance to sleep and feel secure.
I can’t emphasize enough how much I adore cuddles with Mochi. She is very affectionate despite her nervousness, and will happily sit beside you all day if you relax with her and just offer cuddles and kisses. She enjoys sitting on the couch together, on a chair in your lap, or even just beside you on the grass in the yard. We always let Mochi decide if she wants physical affection by letting her approach us first, and now that she knows us better she can often be found seated at our feet, with her little paw reaching up for reassurance.
Mochi is fully house-trained, and hasn’t had a single accident in our home. She’s very happy to go outside for her bathroom breaks, and while nervous about going through the door, once through she waits for you to come outside with her. She finds reassurance in knowing that you’re by her side so she can explore the yard more confidently. Mochi is an almost silent dog, but I do expect her to be a bit more vocal once she has been in her forever home for a time. She has made a few peeps or boofs here and there when she’s feeling more confident. She happily sleeps in her crate all night long, with the only sounds being the occasional rearranging of her blankets or the soft little peeps of her dreams.
Mochi is also a perfect little traveller. Being in the car makes her nervous, but she is quiet and doesn’t get carsick. She travels in her crate which is important for her safety and to help her feel secure while travelling.
Mochi’s system is still learning what a healthy diet is, and so transitioning from a very poor quality diet is something she’s still working on. This just means that Mochi isn’t currently very food motivated, and requires some patience with her meals. She doesn’t have any issues eating, she just needs quality food, patience, and consistency.
Mochi continues to make steady progress with everyday experiences and will thrive with adopters who celebrate small but meaningful victories. She is currently learning the basics of living in a home environment, including routine handling and confidence-building exercises. She’s making progress every day and responds best to patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Continued training and gentle exposure to new experiences will help Mochi become more confident and comfortable. She would do well with someone that has training experience and can work with Mochi to build up her skills and confidence.
Mochi has received all the necessary veterinary care and is continuing her transition to a healthy family pet. She’s been assessed by a veterinarian and is in good health. At this time her needs are continued emotional support, routine veterinary care, and consistent exercise and high quality diet to help Mochi achieve a healthy weight.
Mochi is a supremely sweet soul who is a dream foster. She’s learning to trust, and watching her slowly come out of her shell to reveal hints of a beautiful personality has been immensely rewarding. She is looking for a patient, loving forever home that will allow her to grow at her own pace. She’ll do best with a predictable routine, gentle handling, and a calm, quiet atmosphere. While Mochi will not be rushing to greet strangers any time soon, she is looking for affection, love, and an opportunity to forge a close bond. With patience and help she can have the chance to overcome her difficult past and learn all the joys of being a loyal, loving, and cherished companion. Mochi deserves to put her past behind her, she just needs a bit of help to do it.
Name: Mochi
ID # PDR1535
Age: 8yrs
Gender: female
Spayed: yes
UTD vaccines: yes
Breed: Shiba Inu
Colours: red and cream
Coat length: med
House trained: yes
Special needs: no
OK with kids: teens
OK with cats: U/K
Ok with dogs: yes
Status: adoptable
Microchip: yes
Size: medium
Location: Kitchener
Adoption fee: $700
