Mia investigates the tree that the other dogs love to chew.
Mia was brought to the Irving Animal Shelter with two nursing puppies. She was emaciated and so timid she would scarcely leave the make-shift nest in the back of the kennel. Her puppies were just starting to eat solid foods, so little Mia (who seemed much too small to have delivered such big pups) would let them eat first, then nibble at what was left. She never came over to greet people, but watched warily as the braver of her two puppies would come up for petting and kisses. Unsurprisingly, the puppies were eventually adopted after about a week and then Mia got a name change (to "Gladys") and moved to a small, dark corner kennel where she was hardly ever noticed.
Tim and I had been moved by her gentle, dedicated mothering of her little ones and by how meek and submissive she was when being handled or letting her babies be picked up. She never barked, growled, whimpered or resisted. When meeting other dogs, she was neither frightened nor defensive. We thought she must be very passive, but in reality, she was mentally and emotionally shutting down. There was no spark left in her eyes.
Mia at the shelter, getting to stretch her legs.
Knowing her chances of adoption were slim, we asked the amazing Russell Posch to find a rescue group who would pull her if we would agree to foster her. Within less than half an hour, he had put us in contact with August Dog Rescue of Dallas and that night Tim brought her home.
The first night she seemed anxious and wandered from room to room and out through the dog door into the backyard continuously. But when it was time for bed, she hopped up just like our other dogs (yes, one big people-dog pile) and settled right between Tim and me. However, she was still very nervous and on the second night we figured out she's afraid of the dark. Two night-lights later, all is well.
Mia soaking up some sun on a cold morning.
She got spayed on the 6th. She tested positive for hookworms and roundworms, which we've already treated her for, and on Thursday she starts heartworm treatment. (Edit: Heartworm meds are done and now all she needs is the monthy Heartgard pill.)
As for her personality, her eyes are full of joy and sparkle now, but she is still a very shy, very timid little dog around strangers or away from her home turf. She is very comfortable around other dogs, and although very cautious around them, she definitely will want to be part of a dogpack in her future home. She follows our big girl Amelia around everywhere and the two of them are a frenzied slobber machine of kisses. Mia will sleep quietly beside you but the minute you make noises like you're waking up, she will start lavishing your face with enthusiastic licks as if to say "Rise and shine! We're alive and it's a glorious day!" Mia is not at all status-oriented and is quite happy to be the bottom dog, licking the teeth of our other two dogs and remaining calm even when grumpy Rufus growls at her for stepping on him in bed.
Mia is about the size of a Jack Russell Terrier and has the lines and slim legs of a greyhound. She's about 30 lbs right now, filling in nicely now that she has no pups nursing away all her nutrients.
Her perfect home is a quiet one with another dog or two, access to a backyard and a very calm and laid-back person or family. She won't do well with a high-energy or overly nervous owner. Don't yell at her or toss things at her, even a treat or a ball. She'll flinch and back away. Just relax, do your thing and she'll be your adoring shadow, happy to be home and safe.
The first night she seemed anxious and wandered from room to room and out through the dog door into the backyard continuously. But when it was time for bed, she hopped up just like our other dogs (yes, one big people-dog pile) and settled right between Tim and me. However, she was still very nervous and on the second night we figured out she's afraid of the dark. Two night-lights later, all is well.
Mia soaking up some sun on a cold morning.
She got spayed on the 6th. She tested positive for hookworms and roundworms, which we've already treated her for, and on Thursday she starts heartworm treatment. (Edit: Heartworm meds are done and now all she needs is the monthy Heartgard pill.)
As for her personality, her eyes are full of joy and sparkle now, but she is still a very shy, very timid little dog around strangers or away from her home turf. She is very comfortable around other dogs, and although very cautious around them, she definitely will want to be part of a dogpack in her future home. She follows our big girl Amelia around everywhere and the two of them are a frenzied slobber machine of kisses. Mia will sleep quietly beside you but the minute you make noises like you're waking up, she will start lavishing your face with enthusiastic licks as if to say "Rise and shine! We're alive and it's a glorious day!" Mia is not at all status-oriented and is quite happy to be the bottom dog, licking the teeth of our other two dogs and remaining calm even when grumpy Rufus growls at her for stepping on him in bed.
Mia is about the size of a Jack Russell Terrier and has the lines and slim legs of a greyhound. She's about 30 lbs right now, filling in nicely now that she has no pups nursing away all her nutrients.
Her perfect home is a quiet one with another dog or two, access to a backyard and a very calm and laid-back person or family. She won't do well with a high-energy or overly nervous owner. Don't yell at her or toss things at her, even a treat or a ball. She'll flinch and back away. Just relax, do your thing and she'll be your adoring shadow, happy to be home and safe.
Mia shows off her silk-on-leather collar custom made by Tim.
Mia is housebroken and knows how to use the dog door. She is learning to walk on a leash, although wandering afield still makes her a bit nervous right now. She comes when called and sticks close to her pack mates. She has learned "sit," and is working on "off" and "down" next. If you are interested in adopting Mia, please go to the August Dog Rescue site. If you would like to meet her, we would be happy to arrange a meeting with you and your dogs (if any) at your home.
Poor dragon, left out in the cold.
Poor dragon, left out in the cold.
No comments:
Post a Comment