Critter Details

Kitty is an approximately 7 month old doodlicious, black Standard Poodle, Golden Retriever mix.  Sadly, she was bred in a puppy mill and they were unable to sell her.  She is currently 35 pounds and has no health issues     Thankfully, she escaped the mill and didn't have to stay and become a "mill mom" giving birth every 6 months.  During her first twenty-four hours in foster care she was extremely sweet, but reserved.  She is in foster care with two other large female dogs, a small and cranky male Chihuahua, a couple of cats, and when she’s outside she has chicken and goose ‘friends’.  She might chase the chickens if given the opportunity.    She is playful with our younger dog, doing zoomies and roughhousing in the yard, and respectful of the older dogs – especially the little cranky one who snarks at her if she gets too close!  She will chase our cats if they’re running (not running from her but playing with each other) – she just wants to be included in the game.  She grooms the cats and tries to entice them into play.  When the cats have had enough they’ll let her know with a hiss & a swat and she backs off.     Kitty is a medium energy girl who once her exercise and mental stimulation needs are met, is so easy to have around.  She flops on the floor like a big ole bear rug and you’d barely know she’s there aside from having to step over her.  Her toileting needs are predictable and with regular potty breaks I’d call her housebroken!  While we’re home she goes outside every few hours but sleeps in a crate in our bedroom overnight without a peep!  (She would likely be alright confined to the bedroom without the crate now that she’s learned how fabulous dog beds are!) She is also crated for 4 hours in the afternoon during the overlap in her foster parent’s work days and intermittently through the day for crate training purposes (it can be hard on a dog learning to crate when they only have to go in when you leave).  She will fuss for a few minutes when she goes in but does settle.  A peanut butter Kong has been doing the trick nicely.     She has figured out what chew toys are and will go to the toy basket to pick one herself.  She has been known to carry a shoe or her food bowl around here and there but is easily redirected to a more appropriate choice.      She has charmed all our houseguests!  She doesn’t play shy, doesn’t get overexcited (our houseguests are all asked to ignore the dogs on entry to avoid chaos!) and will sit forever with her head in a lap getting pets while staring into your soul.     She’s very tolerant of bathing and grooming but we haven’t had to do her nails yet – they were worn down to nubs when she came to us.  She is totally fine to have her whole body, feet included, handled.     Kitty walks very well on a leash.  She sits nicely for the leash to be clipped on and doesn’t pull.  On the occasions when she’s seen a bird or squirrel she’d like to say hello to she’s been respectful of the end of the leash and has been easily redirected with a squeaky voice and some treats.     Our home is quite rural and Kitty adjusted very quickly at home with the structure and routine we provided for her.  Her confidence blossomed quickly.  Her first trip off the property was yesterday when we went to the vet for her booster shots.  She did well in the car and was reserved, but sweet at the clinic.  She was doted on by staff and by the end, she wasn’t ready to leave.  After her appointment we took the opportunity to go for a short walk in town.  This was likely her first time walking on a sidewalk with cars and people passing by.  Naturally, she was a little unsure but generally pretty neutral through the whole experience.  I’m sure in no time with some encouragement and consistency that it’ll be old hat for her.     She loves chew bones and while her retrieval needs a bit of work, she’s got the general idea of ball play.     We don’t have children and Kitty hasn’t met any yet but we’ll continue to update Speaking of Dogs when we do.     Kitty’s ideal home could absolutely have dogs or dog savvy cats.  A dog who will play with her would be a bonus.  I think our dogs have done a lot to help her with her confidence.  As an only dog it may just take a bit longer for her to adjust in a new environment.  We’re on a mission to find some kids and should know soon – she’s such a lover that I’m not anticipating any issues.  We are a dog centered home and thrive on routine.  Kitty adjusted quickly to ours and is blossoming.  She is learning quickly and gaining confidence.  Her forever home should be willing to continue to help her grow and learn.      As a foster parent, every now and then you meet a dog with over the top, fantastic potential.  Kitty is one of those dogs.  She’s going to make someone SO happy.