Roxy

My story

Roxy is a three-year-old, 55-pound lab mix wandering in a neighborhood until she was trapped by animal control and brought back to the shelter. She obviously had a litter somewhere, but no puppies were in sight. She was very nervous when we got her, and we were lucky that one of our best fosters was available to take her. She has had her for a few months now, and Roxy has come a long way, but she will need an experienced owner to gain her confidence, and we are committed to training for her as well. If you want to adopt or foster to adopt Roxy, please click the “Adopt” button and submit an Adoption application. FROM THE FOSTER: The Transport arrived and delivered Roxy, a quivering, shaking mess of a dog huddled in my driveway. She was glad to come into the house, lay under the kitchen table, and seemed to relax. Occasionally, she would get up and wander the kitchen whimpering. We don’t have much of a backstory on her, but Animal Control had to trap her, and she had recently had a litter, but no puppies were picked up or with her. I’m sure the whimpering was her grieving her pups. She had also been eating garbage to survive. A good diet with nutritious food has made a huge difference. Her coat is soft and shiny and she is muscular, but sleek now. She didn’t want to go for a walk with me for the first two weeks. We could only get past two houses on the block, and she would freeze. Now, she loves her walks and runs to the back door when I say walk or get the leash. It has been a long time getting her to fit into the household. She is fairly obedient and great with me, but she is still trying to figure out the cat. She is okay walking outside, and we meet other dogs and owners. She is still very wary, but I have walked her with my friend, neighbor, and dog. Roxy doesn’t like surprises. When Roxy first arrived, she was afraid of everything and everyone. She has slowly gotten into the household rhythm and is settled when people come over. The regulars don’t get barked at when they come to the door, but if strangers arrive, she is a good guard dog. Roxy is smart and also very food-motivated. She will sit and stay for her meals, and we are working on other commands. I think she is like Scarlet O’Hara, saying she’ll never be hungry again so that she will do anything for kibble or a treat. Despite having a big bark, she is gentle. I have taken food and toys from her mouth, picked her up, and wiped her paws. She is very compliant with these things. Roxy needs structure, and she also needs exercise. A fenced backyard is a must so she can run around and actually zoom around. She enjoys lying in the sun out in the yard. She has been a great companion to me, especially in the evenings when she wants to be near and is curled up on her bed in the family room beside me. She is crate-trained and sleeps through the night, never fussing at all. She has never had a potty accident in the house. This dog would be best as an only dog with an experienced dog owner. I think kids will be too much for her, at least right now, as she continues to decompress and regain her confidence. Structure, consistency, and love will give her what she needs to get over her past traumas. She will require some time, but she adapts quickly and is true to whoever the person is feeding her. FROM THE FOSTER:  She is getting manners - no more running to the door.  She waits for her food, so she can to exit the house. She goes into the kennel on commandStill a treat fiend, but doesn’t counter surf. She will eat anything. Getting better when people come over with the barking, but I put her in her crate. She’s not comfortable with strangers yet. ##1983701##

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Roxy, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.