Critter Details

Bella is a low&#226&#128&#145energy, ten year old, 24lb companion that has an affectionate nature when she trusts and bonds with her person, thereafter, she will try hard to please you, earn your praise and then, she'll nudge for lots of belly rubs.  She loves nothing more than following you from room to room, curling up in her bed near you in the living room or bedroom – she rarely goes on the sofa, will not sit on you but will lay by your feet – she enjoys a lot of physical affection on her terms. She'll place her paw on your knee or arm for affection. She enjoys many long daily walks and because of her strength, she will pull on the leash powerfully – especially when excited, sees or hears other dogs (she is being taught how to self-correct and will require further calm direction). She will bark to go to other dogs to be friendly – she's not a bully but may become reactive if the other dog snaps at her. Until trained, keep her on-leash – she doesn't have recall and becomes distracted easily.  She has handling sensitivities and can become reactive if startled, moved unexpectedly, or touched in ways that feel unsafe to her.  With trust and bonding with her person, predictable routines, gentle communication and respect for her boundaries, she is incredibly loving and loyal.  At home with you, she'll be perfectly tidy and clean like the best house-guest! Bella is the perfect match for someone seeking a low-energy, deeply bonded companion who will happily spend her day being by your side and her evenings curled up by your feet or in her bed, getting belly rubs. More detail: Health &#226&#151&#143 Spayed, teeth scaled and are in very clean condition. Bella is a solid strong dog that's food motivated but has issues with specific meat proteins (beef, chicken, pork, turkey, fish, causes runny diarrhea). Her bowels have improved on a diet of; de-fatted ground lamb meat /rice/ 1 tspn butternut squash – one meal in the morning and then at dinner – also, add a supplement that will provide the vitamins she needs from her limited food nutrients. Use lamb treats for training. Bella isn't nervous on drives but will require Gravol to avoid motion sickness. She also licks her paws. Ideal Home / Temperament / Personality Bella will thrive in a home that is: &#226&#151&#143 Calm, quiet, and predictable in its daily rhythms – a home with a fenced-in backyard (she's perfectly house-trained but not pee-pad trained), also, she doesn't give notice of when she needs to go &#226&#151&#143 With adopters who understand dog body language and respect clear boundaries &#226&#151&#143 Patient, gentle, consistent, and willing to work with her sensitivities from previous life experiences and conditioning &#226&#151&#143 Looking for a low-energy, deeply bonded person who enjoys routine and closeness. &#226&#151&#143 Not suitable for:  Condo/apartment living (Bella is protective and barks at people in the halls/lobby/elevators/noises and may lunge. She prefers women. Bella warns men vocally more often than women and is sometimes uncertain with children. Any home with pre-teen children is unsuitable – Child-free, or with older children who will always avoid her triggers &#226&#151&#143 Good with? Unknown with Cats. Use caution around dogs; Bella becomes very protective of her person and her home environment and may become reactive. Bella wants nothing more than a peaceful home and someone who understands and honours her need for gentle, respectful companionship. With the right person, she is an extraordinary companion dog.   Here is the link to our adoption application: https://www.speakingofdogs.com/adoption/dog-adoption-application-2/