After 5 months in kennels Rhinestone was still a very scared dog when she arrived in foster with us. She did not trust humans and shied away in a corner avoiding any human interaction. With the benefit of the 4 resident dogs and the several fosters who came and went this adorable girl has overcome most of her fears over the months and has learnt to trust her Foster mum, and is slowly accepting other humans.
She is happy being stroked, will make a fuss and jump up excitedly when I enter a room, she gets excited at bedtime and zooms up and down the stairs in a race to be first on the bed. She eats her meals and treats without aggression. She loves treats and takes them with a gentle mouth. She doesn't show signs of aggression with food or treats or when mixing with the other dogs.
Rhinestone walks like a pro on her lead, walking beautifully to heal. She does prefer to walk with another dog. Rhinestone is still not keen to be approached, though has allowed approach to be stroked by a stranger in the street whilst on a lead. Interaction off lead in the home has to be on her terms but she loves sleeping on my bed, next to any of us on the sofa and she often comes to be picked up and loves to be held in a sit up position close and tight having an ear tickle. Sometimes she will paw at me to get attention.
Rhinestone doesn't mind having a bath, though doesn't like the hairdryer so has to be towel dried. She does love a good brush and comb through but is still sensitive about her feet and nails being touched. Adopter would have to be confident in continuing grooming at home as its unlikely Rhinestone would be able to handle a groomers just yet. Rhinestone can still be easily scared, a sudden noise or movement can see her jumping away skittishly, she has jumped out of my arms a couple of times and landed awkwardly. Height is not her friend, so cuddles on the sofa are safer until she can overcome the last part of her underlying fear.
Rhinestone is a lovely lady who asks for little and fits into the home without making demands. She is almost an all round ready made dog, however; she has a tricky trait which we are working to improve. She does dash to the door when people arrive, barking loudly in what appears to be an intimidating manner. It is not guarding, more her own fear. She soon settles when people talk to her and she returns to her position on the sofa. We are working on this aspect of her behaviour. She does now listen when I say her name and tell her no, and I use house lead to stop her from darting.
Rhinestone will need a settled adult only home with not many occupants and not many visitors, with little coming and going. Her home environment will need to be consistent with the same people present to give her the best chance to settle, she is also house trained. Rhinestone needs to be with someone who can give he long walks, take her in the hills, runs on the beach, someone who could be with her and take her with them as much as possible as well as a kind resident dog to help her settle. She is an adorable girl with love to give and who loves to be loved. She has been waiting for so long for a place that she can call home.