Michelle (20261012-04)

My story

Michelle was left at the gates of the shelter in a box with her 3 other sisters and her brother Barak, who is also coming to Canada. They were all very thin and afraid when they arrived, and Michelle was the smallest of them all. They were about 7 months old when they arrived and took a bit of time to adjust to the shelter and learn how to trust again but are now doing great and ready for their forever homes. Michelle is a social dog who gets along well with other dogs. She can be very shy around unfamiliar people, particularly when she is adjusting to a new environment, and she needs some time and space to build trust. Once she feels safe and becomes familiar with someone, she approaches willingly and is comfortable being touched and handled. Michelle has spent most of her life living and socializing with other dogs, with relatively limited exposure to people. Because of this, the presence of a confident and social dog in her future home would likely provide valuable support while she adjusts to a new environment and develops stronger relationships with her caregivers. She is still learning to walk comfortably on leash and will benefit from patient, positive training. When she is unsure of her surroundings or the people around her, she may also hesitate to eat, which has allowed other dogs to take her food in the past. She does not show food aggression. Michelle will do best with caregivers who allow her to approach at her own pace rather than putting pressure on her to interact. With consistency, patience, and a predictable environment, she has shown that she is able to build trust and become increasingly comfortable with people. Michelle is a sweet little doll that will forever look like a puppy with her big floppy ears and round eyes. The smallest of all of her siblings, she is incredibly gentle and steers clear of conflicts. She takes a little while to warm up to new people, but she loves her people fiercely and will happily climb into your lap for a cuddle and nice scratch behind her ears. She loves chewy bones and can often be found taking a nap in her favourite little dog house. She is a calm and loving presence to be around with a heart of gold. Medical Notes: treated for ehrlichia Good with men: Yes, she has had positive experiences with male caregivers and the male veterinarian Good with women: Yes Good with kids: Yes Good with other dogs: Yes Good with Cats: Unknown House trained: Unknown, she has never been in a house before, however in the area that she is currently living in, there is an interior and exterior area and she knows to go to the bathroom outside on the gravel, versus on the tiled area where she sleeps. House training will be required when she is introduced into a home environment. Crate trained: No; however, suspect she will enjoy having a safe space that is hers Energy Level: Low - Medium Can be handled/touched: Yes, she was nervous for her grooming and vet examination but was okay with being handled. She takes a little time to warm up to new people but is very friendly and gentle once she knows you. Barker: Occasionally, she sometimes joins in when other dogs start barking Flight risk: Yes, after a long and stressful travel day from Mexico and being introduced to an entirely new environment, with new people and nothing being familiar she will be quite nervous and may try to run. Extra precautions should be taken to ensure she cannot escape a home or vehicle while she settles in. Food aggressive: No Walks on leash: In progress, she currently has some difficulty walking on leash and will benefit from continued positive leash training. Leash reactive to people or dogs: No Rides well in car: Yes, she has had limited experience riding in a car, but she did okay with it when she was in one recently Destructive: No known destructive behaviour Needs a home with a yard: Preferred Needs a home with another dog: Yes, Michelle would benefit from having another confident dog in the household to help her feel secure and adjust to her new environment Can live in an apartment: Yes, as long as she receives regular exercise and enrichment Please visit our website niagaradogrescue.com to learn more about this amazing pet and to see other available dogs.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Michelle (20261012-04), please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.