Rigby 16-030-D  ADOPTION PENDING |
Rigby came to NASAP from a local shelter where she had been surrendered by her owners due to a change in life circumstances. She was not doing well in the shelter environment, and it was hoped she would improve with familiar handlers in a foster home setting. While she has made excellent gains in the short amount of time she has been with us, Rigby continues to show fearful reactive behaviours towards the doorbell and strangers. She suffers from moderate separation anxiety, likely as a result of changing environments so often in the past two months. Rigby has begun positive reinforcement training, and has been placed on mild anti-anxiety medication to help her cope. The veterinarian and her foster parents feel that with time, continued training, and a stable home, she will not need to stay on these medications permanently.
Rigby is a high energy, medium-sized girl. She is fully housetrained and has not displayed destructive tendencies (except for her toys). She knows how to sit, stay, lie down, shake a paw, jump, and come when called. She is working on her leash manners, as she can pull out of excitement, and has also learned to walk on a treadmill to help expel excess energy. She is a very quick study (loves her treats!), learning new tricks and commands easily and willingly. She is very sweet, intelligent, and goofy, quickly winning over all who take the time to meet her. Once she gets to know you, she is affectionate and trusting, and listens very well. She has good recall in the yard and knows to hang out in her kennel in the home. She does very well in the snow and cold, seemingly completely unfazed by winter conditions. Rigby currently lives with two cats and is curious, yet respectful. Calm and confident cats would be the best match for her, as she sometimes likes to give them a poke with her nose and asks politely (in dog language) to play. Rigby loves to play with other dogs, but can be rambunctious and likes to wrestle, so medium/large dogs that can keep up with her energy level would be best. She is good about keeping the play outside, and is generally calm in the house. She absolutely loves chew toys and squeak toys and is happiest when she is chewing away inside her crate with her people nearby. She'd love to be a "couch and bed" dog, cuddling up with her people, but at this time she is working on using her crate as a safe space and listens well when told not to jump on the furniture.
Rigby has had a full veterinary examination and it was discovered that she is neurologically blind in her right eye. This may be a contributing factor to her anxiety and is being taken into account with her continued training. It is not a major concern or expected to cause further health issues in the future. Otherwise, Rigby is in excellent health.
Rigby has had some unfortunate circumstances lately, and she truly deserves a second chance at a permanent home, and happiness for the rest of her life. Rigby needs a home with no small children, that is stable, quiet, and active. An experienced home would be best, where her fear will be understood and worked on in a positive manner, not punished. Once she is comfortable, she could benefit greatly from doggy daycare and/or dog training classes to help her with socialization and desensitization. Please inquire about Rigby - if you have any questions, we would be happy to discuss her needs with you.
Age : 4 years old |