Lily is a sweetheart! As a puppy mill dog, her first 5 years were very traumatic. She is slow to trust but has made remarkable progress learning to be a dog. One of her many nicknames is “Dances with Butterflies”. She loves to run and thinks she can fly. She smells everything as she explores a world outside a cage.
The biggest heartbreak with Lily is her terror of men. All men, but especially ones with deep voices that move quickly. Canine companionship is essential to teach her the rules and procedures. In new situations, she will follow their lead, as good or bad role models. When Lily and her foster mom are alone together with her foster sisters and NO husband, her true personality begins to shine. She will come, eat without stopping to watch for dangers, asks for cuddles, climbs on my head, lets me hold her without concern, asks to go outside, plays with toys (especially ones that roll), follows you everywhere, and dances, rolls, & jumps around the house. But will not make eye contact. Trust is still forming.
Lily is mostly potty trained and will sometimes ask to go outside. She still has accidents when scary situations arise, like a strange visitor or you leave the house unexpectedly. She has separation anxiety, so we kennel her when we leave. It is her safe place, and she willingly goes in her kennel when asked. She is howling happy when you return! Lily will walk on a leash in calm, familiar places. She will stay near and come when you call. However, she needs a good No-escape harass for new, busy, or noisy surroundings. In these surroundings, she will kick into major fight and flight mode and will not be able to hear your calm reassuring voice. Hence her nickname “Ricochet Rabbit”. She will take off inside and outside and bounce off or run over anyone or anything in her way..
Lily will ride in a car but needs more practice. You will need to carry her to the car. Recently, she has been riding on the back sit with her foster sister, instead of the floor. Lily has discovered and loves soft toys and balls. And especially likes chewing and destroying balls, squeakers, stuffed animals, and kongs. However, she has yet to chew anything that was not given to her. She is learning to chase balls and will jump for joy when she sees you go outside with a ball in your hand. She does bring the ball back HALF the time. Lily is learning the words Come, Up-up, Go Potty, Inside, Outside, and Off. Sit is still a foreign word for her.
If you have a quiet, all female household with a couple canine siblings, Lily may be waiting for you. Exceptional patience and a calm mannerism are important to gain her trust. When you have earned her trust, Lily will be a free-spirited goof ball that will warm your heart as she cuddles with you one minute and dances with butterflies the next.
