Chrissy is a beautiful 3 year old Italian Greyhound. She is very shy, and doesn't mind being in her kennel. But, she really needs a home who is willing to work with her, hold her, and build trust so she feels comfortable being a pet. She is not aggressive, and enjoys being around other dogs. A confident leader, both a person and another dog, would help her break out of her shell. This is not the dog for 99% of homes, so please read below before you consider emailing about her.
Chrissy absolutely needs a fenced yard (privacy fence preferred), and without small children too. She would do best in a home with only women, as we don't think she has been much around men in the past. Please do not inquire about Chrissy if you do not have a fenced yard, nor if you live in a big city environment. A busy city would overload this little girl, so she will not be adopted to anyone who lives in a busy metro area, with or without a SECURELY fenced yard. She does not know how to walk on a leash, is scared of loud noises (or even quiet unfamiliar ones). She also runs to her kennel at the sound of a man's voice. So, she would not be able to handle a loud busy household either.
From her foster home:
Chrissy is a very sweet soul. Her eyes say she really wants to please you, and she is very gentle, mild mannered and loving. She wants so much to be a normal dog, but cannot bring herself out of her anxious state to do so.
The wonky:
- Chrissy is a HIGH FLIGHT risk – very high flight risk – She will injure herself to get away and find a peaceful spot – Her crate is her safe spot and she will run there whenever she is unsure.
- Afraid of men and boys – won’t bark but trembles and hides in her crate when she can see or hear them.
- Not leash trained at all.
- Not house trained as far as I can tell – she will sometimes potty on a pad – but most often pees in her crate – she's too scared to come out to potty.
- She will not even eat a treat or food if there is a man or a boy nearby where she can see or hear them.
- She is working to gain confidence outdoors – she is somewhat terrified of it – trembles terribly when outside (I cannot cannot put her on a harness or leash outside – she flails wildly trying to get away – she will injure herself since she is not leash trained).
- She is being carried outside and held, not put down because she will try to scale a fence if given the chance. She needs someone who will hold her and help her adjust to unfamiliar sounds of passing vehicles, windchimes or any other "scary" noises.
When I poke my head inside the crate to change the blankets she bombards me with a TON of kisses – She is extremely sweet and affectionate – just scared. Chrissy will only come out of her crate on rare occasions – and if you look at her she runs back – however – if you aren’t looking she will come up to you and lick you on your legs or hands – then fly back into her crate. She wants so badly to be normal but just cannot bring herself out of her anxiety very long.
