| Entered: 04/22/2006 Status: adopted Age: 7 Color: Black/White Weight: Gender: Altered Female Location: Fairfax Station, VA Health: UTD, HW-, somewhat overweight and working on it Temperament: Good with people down to 2 years, avoids other dogs, cat’s unknown |
Original: Nicky has known much love in her life and has much to share. She was the companion of two elderly people for six years. When they moved into assisted living, Nicky went to live with relatives who already had two large dogs. She did not fight with the other dogs but was fearful of them and tried to avoid them. The family hated to say goodbye to Nicky but knew that she deserved a home where she would be more comfortable.
At 55 pounds, Nicky is healthy but somewhat overweight from lots of eating, and not enough exercise. However, her extra weight does not slow her down. She loves going for walks and jogs and does well on a leash. In two weeks, she has lost 4 pounds and is hoping to shed another 5-10. One interesting thing is that, while Nicky enjoys walks, she doesn’t demand lots of daily exercise. She is content to be inside, going out to do her business and then returning to be with her companion(s). She is a sweet homebody.
Nicky is very friendly and well-behaved too. She is quick to get to know people, running up to them with her rear end wiggling, but she wouldn’t jump up or lick. She does have a loud bark that she uses when she sees someone approaching her house. While her bark sounds mean, she has never shown herself to be aggressive. Rather, she barks until she meets the person. Then, she is all sugar and spice, rolling over for a belly rub or offering a paw for a shake.
Days are leisurely for Nicky. She spends her time sleeping, looking out windows, and sitting on the front stoop watching the world go by. Most of all, she is content just to be near you. She gets particularly excited when it’s time to mow the lawn. She loves running along behind the person who’s pushing the mower. If her feet get messy, it’s no problem. She sits when it’s time to come inside and is very good about giving her paws to be wiped. Just ask and they’re yours. What a little lady!
She is not crate trained but is housetrained and can be trusted alone at home. Nicky does not beg or counter surf. She does enjoy laying on the couch but will get off if corrected. When outdoors she can be trusted off leash. She will run after squirrels and rabbits but stops when she reaches the next yard, as if thinking to herself, “Woops! I need to stay close to home.” She comes when called and knows the commands “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “lay down.” At night Nicky sleeps on the floor next to the bed.
Although Nicky doesn’t know how to actually play with children and is not particularly interested in balls or other toys, she does enjoy being around people of all ages. At first, she can be a little scary to children because of her bark, but kids learn quickly of her sweet, gentle nature. She will sit or lay calmly and allow everyone to pet her. Recently when Nicky tired of 2-year-old twins petting her, she calmly rose and jogged away. She also likes laying in the midst of her foster family’s 12-year-old sons and their friends.
Sweet Nicky will capture your heart and share her love with everyone around her. All she needs is another home body to share a home with and her life will be complete.