Entered: 09/04/2020
Status: Adopted
Age: 10 Months
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 35 lbs.
Gender: Altered Female
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Health: UTD, HW-, treatment for worms completed
Temperament: Shy around people, unknown with children, shy around other dogs, unknown with cats
Original: “The world can be a scary place for a sweet, little dog without much exposure, so Kanga is slowly learning that there is little to fear.”
Kanga is one of several dogs that came to MAESSR when a Maryland breeder developed serious health problems and could not fully care for them. Moving from an outdoor run to a home has completely turned her life upside down—and around!
Everything in Kanga’s life is new, from riding in a car, to being on leash, to receiving any personal training. In the two short weeks she’s been with her foster family, she has learned her name and the commands for “sit” and “down.” She is so eager to get a treat held above her that she has taught herself to sit up and beg. She has also mastered getting in and out of a car on command and, with many a pleading look and droopy tail, to crate up. Kanga is currently learning the very challenging command of “stay.” As a healthy pup, she has a lot of energy.
Note that MAESSR will require the adoptive family to take their new family member through a series of obedience classes within 90 days of adoption. MAESSR only places puppies – even older ones – in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience. MAESSR believes the decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment.
This youngster also has much curiosity and may take a peek at what’s on the kitchen counter or in a bathroom trashcan. She isn’t sure yet what’s a toy and what isn’t, so she has sampled some inappropriate items such as socks and dishtowels. Her foster parents are working hard to discourage such behaviors.
The world can be a scary place for a sweet, little dog without much exposure, so Kanga is slowly learning that there is little to fear. It took a week for her to enjoy being on walk and not to freeze at the sight of scooters, strollers, bicycles, and joggers. She would not greet dogs, particularly large ones, or people. However, when another dog came to spend the day, Kanga began to warm up and beg the visitor to run and play. She has since made her first visit to a dog park. While she didn’t find a suitable playmate, she did allow some people to pet her—a major break though in her socialization!
Miss K. is not housetrained, but accidents have been few and she keeps her crate clean. Since she has always gone to the bathroom outside, she has mostly continued to do so. Her foster parents’ challenge is to teach her how to ask to go out when the need occurs. She may have some submissive urination around strangers.
Kanga is very gentle and eager for attention. Her favorite place is on her foster mom’s lap. She would like to sleep with her people, but is confined to her crate in the kitchen. She enjoys being brushed and can be touched all over. When she is excited, her wonderfully long tail waves as wildly as a surrender flag! She has shown no aggression or defensive behavior. She can be petted while eating. Her foster mom was not allowed to be with her at her first vet visit, but Kanga reportedly just submitted to handling and shots.
Kanga will need a forever home that can give her the training, exercise, and attention she so desires and needs. She would do well in a home with another dog that could help build her confidence and model good behaviors. A little patience and a lot of love will result in her being a great addition to any family.