Small Breed Rescue of East Tennessee

3/6/11 update available!

Penelope is a 6 year old female Pomerian. She weighs about 9 pounds. Penelope is classified as a “special needs” dog due to her poor background. This adorable little girl was a breeder dog in a puppy mill. These dogs are rarely, if ever, handled, many, like Penelope, are never even given names. Because of the level of neglect and lack of human contact, she is very fearful of strangers and loud noises. For the past two months she has lived with our training specialist who reports that she has made progress in trust and bonding issues, but will probably always be people-shy, and a flight risk if she ever escapes from her fenced area.

In two months with the trainer, Penelope has progressed from a terrified little mass of tangles that hid under the table all day, and would run in panic if anyone reached for her to showing us some of the promise that she has. She has now learned to come to get a cookie when she hears her name, eats all of her cookies and meals from the hand of her foster mother, and will go outside with the other dogs in the house. Once outside in the yard she does occasionally become fearful and will hide under a bush, too frightened to approach the house. On some days, she is more brave and will come back inside following the other dogs.

Once inside, she is becoming a lovely house dog . Her house manners are wonderful, and she can be a delight. She now will follow the foster mother around from room to room, but will back away if they reach toward her. She enjoys being gently combed and her pretty coat is finally tangle free. Penelope’s favorite time of the day is the evening when she and her foster mother lay on the couch to watch television. She is good with other dogs, and will follow them and try to do what they do. She is housebroken, but will use a pee pad if left inside for long periods. She is a quiet little girl, but will bark with joy when the foster mother comes in the door, or if the doorbell rings. She is still very shy of men, but getting better. She is fearful of children.

Penelope would be best placed in a quiet home with a dog-experienced family who recognizes the need for patience and consistency in her training regimen. She would enjoy the company of another dog. She has progressed well in her training, and will continue to build trust with people, as long as her owner follows through with Penelope’s training program. The dog trainer believes that once settled into a forever home, that Penelope will bond very deeply with the right loving and patient owner. In all probability, she will never be the dog who will load up in the car and go to the dog park. She will always be a flight risk if she ever gets out of the confines of her own home or yard. For that reason, she should be carefully watched around open doors, and any time it is necessary for her to be transported to the vet. But she is beginning to show signs of the dog she was meant to be. She is happy playing in the yard, and in the house she will pick up her toys and run around the house squeaking them inviting others to play. She enjoys some touching, especially during combing of her beautiful coat. And Penelope is very happy to see people she knows come to visit and will bark and bounce around the house in greeting. It is a joy to see this once terrified dog begin to warm to human companionship and the delights of doggie play.

If you think Penelope is the loving companion that you are searching for, plesae give SBRET a call to discuss. Her adoption fee is $175.

3/6/11 update: Okay, everyone thought it was time for an update on me. You see I am doing so well and my foster mom is so proud of me. I am starting to try and engage the other dogs in play with a cute little play bow and love running outside in the fenced yard with my fur buddies. I also love to cozy up with them in a snuggly doggie bed. I am even learning some commands like how to sit and lie down and seem to respond best to hand signals rather than verbal commands. Treats are a great positive reinforcement for me. I do enjoy sitting with my foster mom (and my foster dad) and getting a doggie massage! Hey who wouldn't love that? I am very well behaved for all my grooming and that is important because boy do I have a beautiful coat that needs frequent brushings. I would probably be okay with older kids but little ones still make me nervous. I have come such a long way and no longer try to hide from the world. In fact I am doing so well my foster family feels like I am no longer a "special needs" gal but just need a calm, patient family with a fenced yard to keep me safe for potty breaks and exercise. That is pretty wonderful isn't it?