Socialization/training: Melina gets along fine with other dogs and loves to play with other dogs and have no issues all playing together! When we are on our walks and she sees another dog or stranger, she stops dead in her tracks, her tail start to wag and she wants to go meet them. She has not barked at other dogs. She is fine with children, adults and strangers. We are working on keeping four paws on the floor (jumping up) and she is getting the idea and doing better. She has also learned to sit for a treat.
Crate trained: I do not trust her yet to leave the house without being crated, she is too inquisitive! Melina will go into her crate with a treat for a nap during the day or if I need to leave the house. At night she goes into her crate between 8:30-9:00 and there’s not a peep all night. She is out around 6:30AM and the crate is clean. She runs right outside and comes in eagerly for breakfast. After breakfast she needs to go back outside as she didn’t spend enough time outside the first time; the thought of breakfast is too exciting.
Leash trained: She will come to an immediate halt when she sees a squirrel and may occasionally pull but not anything not manageable. She usually just stares until it goes away or I chase it away so we can move on.
Activity Level: As much as Melina loves to run and play in the yard, she will settle down nicely when in the house. She will play with toys or lay down with a Himalayan chew which she loves. She still must be watched because she is still a puppy and will pick up the occasional shoe or start to chew on something sticking out or hanging down.
Fence: We have a 5' chain link fence and Melina has shown no desire to climb over or dig under. She would do best with a physical fence because she loves to be outside running or just relaxing in the sun and napping.
Behavior: Melina is a sweet, affectionate girl who will sit in your lap, put her head against your chest and fall asleep. She loves to be around her people and be petted. She loves to be brushed and does well when bathed and having her ears cleaned. She is a happy, healthy, friendly and loving pup.
Medical History: Melina had a spot on her left hip area, about the size of a quarter. The vet determined that it is a bacterial scaly patch. She is being bathed with MiconaHex+Triz Shampoo every other day for 3 weeks and has Butenafine Hydrochloide Cream applied daily and the spot is clearing. Melina tested negative for heartworm, lyme and other tick diseases. She is microchipped, up to date on vaccines and on monthly heartworm and flea/tick prevention. She has an appointment to be spayed on 11/19 and will be available for transport to her forever home after recovery. Her next leishmaniasis test is due no later than August 2025.
This dog originates from Greece where Leishmaniasis is endemic. They tested negative before coming to the USA, but the parasite can remain dormant in the system for many years, so potential adopters must be willing to commit to annual testing for the next 7 years. Typically, the test needs to be sent to a special lab, but any regular vet can draw the blood and send it to the lab. The cost of the test seems to vary widely by area, but is approximately $150-$250. or if your vet is willing to send the test to a veterinary college lab, cost can be as low as $80.
Foster Comments: Melina and her sister, Esther, were found as strays, just the two of them, on the island of Evia. They have never experienced living in a home so there is so much that is new to them and behaviors to learn. Melina enjoys being in the house with us, playing with toys and bones. She's content to come for some petting or just lay down and sometimes her head pops up and she looks at the tv with such a confused look. As much as she loves being outside, running and playing, she can also settle down when indoors. I always keep her where I can see her so she doesn’t get into any trouble but she seldom does. I still take her out to potty because she doesn’t go to the door on her own but she seems to start walking around/get restless so I watch for that. She will make a wonderful friend and with her personality, I feel that she would make a good therapy dog!
Foster location: Harrisburg, PA
Volunteer transport can be arranged in the Continental US within a 1,000-mile distance between adopters & foster home. If interstate transport is provided for your adopted dog, there will be an additional charge of $50.00 for the required Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (“Health Certificate”). Typically, we are able to transport your adopted dog to within 2 hours of your home. *Dogs can be adopted outside the 1000-mile transport distance; however, adopters must be willing to either fly their adopted dog, drive to a location within the 1000-mile transport range, or make independent transport arrangements for their adopted dog. Transports to far Western states, from Eastern states, may have additional restrictions.
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