Hello out there! My name is HOLLY and here is some info about me:
PHYSICAL INFO:
- Breed: Shiba Inu mix
- Age: ~5 years
- Gender: F
- Weight: 16.7 kg (37 lbs)
- Height: 55cm (paw to head)
- Length: 71cm (butt to head)
- Hair: thick, mid-long reddish hair
- Currently location: Italy, originally from China
RESCUE STORY: I was born in China and found myself living as a stray. I ended up in a notoriously bad shelter in Najing where abandoned dogs are taken and rarely leave. When the shelter sent me to the vet to get spayed, an amazing rescuer negotiated my release and took me into her care (video). I won't lie, I was in bad shape. I had a serious skin infection which resulted in extensive hair loss. I also had open wounds on my skin and tested positive for canine coronavirus. Despite all of this, I was SO glad to finally be safe and I knew things would start improving for me! Luckily, I got immediate medical care and once stable, I was flown to Beijing where I lived in a foster home until my time came to fly to Italy. I am now living in ITALY with my lovely rescuer am ready to find my furever home in Canada!
- NOTE: Although originally from China, I have been living in Italy since April 2023. I have been thoroughly vetted and have done titer tests (proving my immunity and absence of any diseases etc.). I now meet all the criteria to enter Canada (in accordance with the CFIA department and Government of Canada policies). I am good to go!
TEMPERAMENT: I am a very sweet and affectionate gal who loves to spend time with my hoomans. I am soooo eager for affection (video). I am friendly with all people of all genders and ages. Honest and truly, all I want (and need) is to be loved, especially after the rough life I have had so far. I am very obedient and well-mannered. I'm house trained and quiet at home when left alone. I respond to my name (which is actually "Molly" in Italy) and basic commands (along with a few tricks!). I love to spend time out in nature, going for long walks and a good run outdoors! I'm not a swimmer but I'm not shy to take a walk in the rain or take a bath (I'm used to get groomed). I get along well with other dogs; I'm respectful of their space and I need them to be respectful of mine as well. For the most part I just ignore other doggies but if I'm comfortable with them I'll have the occasional zoomie and play sesh hehe (video, video 2)
I'm a good girl in the car, so bring on the road trips!! I am not a fan of water, however I will still go for walks in the rain ('cuz I love walks, duh!).
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium. I love a good run outdoors (Video)! I would love to go on some Pacific Northwest adventures with you and then spend the rest of the evening snoozin' and cuddlin' on the couch (video).
GETS ALONG WITH:
- Kids – Yup! I have lived in a foster home with older children and we got along just dandy. See my videos (video 1)
- Dogs Outside my home – Yup! I am ok with other dogs when out on walks (video) or at the park. Occasionally I will play with dogs (video, video 2), but for the most part I just ignore them or sniff them and keep walkin' (video).
At a training session, I had a chance to meet some new doggies off leash. All I wanted to do was sniff, I wasn't interested in playing. As long as my space is respected and other doggies don't persist when I say I don't want to play, I am totally great around other dogs- very neutral. Videos here and here. True to my Shiba breed, I'm pretty standoffish with other doggo's and am happy to be independent.
- Dogs Inside my home - I can coexist with other calm dogs in my home as long as I have proper introductions on neutral territory first. I can get nervous around new dogs (or ones with crazy energy) sometimes, particularly if they come into my home, but if we go for a parallel walk and become neutral friends first, I would likely be fine with a calm roomie! NOTE: I don't like being with other dogs in small spaces, likely due to my traumatic past in China.
- Cats – No thank you! I have shown some prey drive towards cats, so best for me to be in a feline-free home.
PREY DRIVE - Unknown. I’m not too sure how I’ll react around squirrels/rabbits etc. My adopter needs to be prepared and willing to train me through these behaviours, should they arise. FUN FACT: I have seen swans and horses here in Italy and didn't react at all! Cool as a cucumber!
TRAINING:
- Leash skills – Pretty good! Check out my video :) Having lived in a few foster homes over the years, I have gone on lots of leash walks and learned some basic leash manners. I have been getting some training sessions here in Italy to make sure I'm extra-ready for my new home!
Here is a video of me on a pack walk with my trainer. I'm such a good girl!
- House trained – I am fully house trained in my foster home in Italy! There will likely be an adjustment period when I come to my new home in Canada, so frequent potty breaks and positive reinforcement will help me re-learn in my new home :)
- Resource guarding - I do exhibit some resource guarding around food. This is probably due to my traumatic past of having to fight for my food. Hand feeding will help me overcome this behaviour. I should be fed in a separate room from children or other animals, just so that I don't feel like I need to guard my food.
- TRICKS - check out all my cool tricks (video)!! I'm such a smarty pants!
Please Note: WCP highly encourages adopters to do some research and training on their own before their dog arrives.
HEALTH:
- I am microchipped, spayed, and vaccinated. I receive a yearly shot to prevent heartworm and I get regularly deworming treatments. Because of my history of mange ("demodex"), I take a monthly dose of Advocate to help protect me from things like fleas, mange, lice, worms, etc.
- In true Shiba fashion, I am a picky eater. I'm currently on a mono-protein diet for sensitive skin.
- Sometimes I sneeze and have itchy skin, which may be due to allergies. I was tested at the vet but no specific cause was found. I tend to scratch at my skin if I'm stressed, so I feel like a stable life will serve me well and will help me feel more comfortable in my own skin (literally!)
- In January 2022, I had a minor surgery to remove an ear hematoma (blood blister). I recovered perfectly, but the surgery impacted the cartilage in my ear, which is why it's extra cute and floppy, hehe
- NOTE: It is not uncommon for rescue dogs to require dental work/cleaning after they are adopted. West Coast Paws does not cover the costs of dental work and/or vet visits. These costs are the financial responsibility of the adopter.
ADOPTION FEE:
- My adoption fee is $728.00 ($650.00 CAD + GST and PST), which includes my airfare, if a flight volunteer is found directly to Vancouver.
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DISCLAIMER:
Please visit wcpdogrescue.com to read about West Coast Paws Dog Rescue and it's adoption process.
The info included in each WCP bio is provided to us from the international rescuer. WCP does not have in-person access to overseas dogs and cannot always verify the accuracy of their descriptions, although we ask for video proof of a dog's attributes wherever possible. Every dog is an individual and can act differently in different situations based on the person(s) adopting them and the environment in which they live.
WCP is unable to guarantee the accuracy of a dogs age and/or breed. These are strictly "best guesses" based on veterinary exams and their educated estimates.
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