A very sweet little Miniature Poodle named Zach recently joined our rescue. He is 5 years old and weighs around 12 lbs. He lived in a puppy mill all his life and has some challenges to overcome, but is making progress.
Zach was very frightened when he arrived at his foster home. He shook for 3 days and slept alone in the living room at night. Three days later he moved to a bed on the floor in the bedroom. Now he sleeps on the bed with his foster parents and their dogs.
Zach is comfortable climbing stairs and likes to spend time outside in the backyard rolling in the grass. He feels safe in his home and yard. He is, however, frightened to leave his safe space and when he went for his first walk on a leash he froze and had to be carried home. He is quiet travelling in the car and is fine with a seatbelt or crate.
Zach has a very good appetite and eats 2 meals a day. Benny Bully are his favourite treats. He eats Royal Canin Adult canned food. We add a little chopped chicken and rice. He also eats Performatrin Ultra Kibble. These can be purchased from Pet Valu.
Currently there are 3 small dogs in Zach’s foster home. He will sometimes join in when the other dogs bark, but for the most part is quiet. He has not been destructive when left alone. He is friendly with people and other dogs.
When Zach was released from the puppy mill he was severley matted and clipped down very short. It will take a couple of months for his coat to grow back in.
Zack is not yet totally housebroken. He will do his business outside in the yard. If he can’t get outside in time he will poo on a puppy pad, but will lift his leg on furniture for a pee (we use a belly band for him so no urine gets on our furniture). He will need a training.
Zach would probably do best in a very quiet environment with no children. Preferably he should go into a home with a retiree or someone who works from home and could be with him most of the time. A house with a yard and another dog would be a bonus. He is making great progress and with a little time and patience he will do very well.
November 5, 2024, 10:56 am
