Entered: 02/11/2016
Status: Adopted
Age: 8 months, Born 05/15/2015
Color: Black/White
Weight: 56 lbs.
Gender: Intact Female
Location: Wilmington, NC
Health: UTD, HW-, inverted vulva which may correct itself after first heat cycle, an umbilical hernia which does not require repair
Temperament: Good with adults, good with children as young as two, good with other dogs, unknown with cats
Update 03/21/2016: “Her family has discovered that Dixie loves to pop bubbles that come out of the bubble machine…right along with the kids.“
This southern belle continues to be a great dog! Originally from Virginia, Miss Dixie has settled well across the state line in North Carolina and is flourishing in her foster home. Lots of walking, play and mindfulness to her diet has led to a healthful weight loss of about 5 pounds, so far. She’s “becoming” even “more becoming!”
With regular practice she keeps improving on walking on the leash with her foster parents. She’s adorable with their children. Dixie loves to play outside with the 4 year old child. They go out every day for about 30-45 minutes and run and play in the backyard. Her family has discovered that Dixie loves to pop bubbles that come out of the bubble machine…right along with the kids. She lets the little people gently lie on her and kiss on her…what a precious vision!
Dixie still has not had her first heat cycle. The vet advised this could be out 1-2 months. With that, more will be known health wise about her. In the meantime, she’s enjoying her days and sharing lots of puppy-lovins with her people.
Original: “Dixie’s love of children extends to bedtime, too, as she sleeps each night with her human foster brother in his bed.”
Dixie is a sweet young puppy who was purchased by her owner when she was two and a half months old. She lived in a home with two other small dogs for several months. Unfortunately, her owner was allergic to Dixie’s dander and, despite daily vacuuming, she was having trouble breathing. It was decided that Dixie would need to find a new home and MAESSR was asked to help find this girl a forever family.
A little timid and very sweet, Dixie is adjusting nicely in her foster home. She is housetrained and will go to the door to let her family know that she needs to go out. When her family is away, Dixie stays and sleeps in her crate. Her former owner said that Dixie is super smart but had not been to training. She will, however, sit on command, shake with each paw, and lie down as well. Her foster family has worked with her for one week walking on the leash and retrieving; she is doing great with both tasks. Her household manners are good, as she does not counter surf, beg for food when her family is eating dinner, or try to get into trash. Dixie does like to get up on the couch, which she is allowed to do for some cuddling. For her meals Dixie is fed beside her crate. If she hasn’t finished her food within an hour, her foster mom picks it up.
The youngest aged child Dixie has been around and met is almost two years old. She loves children of all ages and currently lives with two adults and two young children ages two and four. Dixie’s love of children extends to bedtime, too, as she sleeps each night with her human foster brother in his bed. This friendly girl also gets along great with dogs of all sizes. There are no kitties in her foster home and her family does not know if Dixie has ever been around a cat.
Since she is still a puppy, Dixie will get kids’ toys and try to chew them, but she’s offered a bone as a replacement. Her little human foster sister gave Dixie a pink monkey that she loves. If she picks up a toy that belongs to one of the children, this good girl will drop it right away when asked.
Potential adopters should note that MAESSR only places puppies in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience, and they do chew on things! The decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment. To reinforce this commitment, MAESSR requires all adopters of dogs one year old and under to enroll their puppy in obedience classes within 60 days of adoption. Since Dixie is such a smart girl, she should be a star pupil!
Dixie did great at the groomers and got to play with other dogs. She didn’t like the clipper but the groomer felt, with time, she will be fine with them. Dixie does not mind riding in a car but she needs encouragement to get in the vehicle.
While visiting the vet, Dixie was brought up to date on all of her vaccinations. She has an umbilical hernia that the vet said does not need to be fixed. Additionally, Dixie has an inverted vulva. It’s possible that this will correct itself after her first heat cycle. The vet will wait to spay her after that occurs. Even if it doesn’t self-correct, this will not present a problem for Dixie’s future health. At the vet’s direction, her foster mom makes sure that the area is free of hair and stays as clean as possible. A regular inspection, and cleaning with wipes as necessary, is all that’s required.
Still all-puppy, sweet Dixie naturally has a high energy level. This adorable girl would fit in to most families, particularly one with little people. Her forever family must be committed to training her and exercising her regularly. In return they will have a devoted member of their family!