Breed: Miniature Poodle
DOB: 2008
Sex: Spayed female
Weight: 8 pounds
Foster home: Julie
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Terracotta, like some pottery, must have fallen or been bumped by something and she “broke”.  She has a broken leg near her foot.  Once her bones are healed, Terracotta is going to be treated for heartworm.  It is very difficult to imagine that anyone would not be looking for her in the first place because she is such a sweet little dog but then to realize that they never gave her heartworm preventative to keep her safe from heartworm disease is even more baffling.

This little dog is finally ready for adoption after many visits to the vet.  She is shy with new people and if fast movements are made, she will cower as if she is afraid she will get hit but she is so use to seeing the people at the vet clinic that she now runs in there happily to greet everyone.  Since she was an unclaimed stray, we don’t know any of her background but since she was definitely not housebroke or crate trained, no one has ever given much attention and possibly very little affection to this cute little dog.   

Some of the waiting time with Terra has been difficult as there were periods when we had to restrict her activity level.  She was not a happy camper when she was not allowed to run and play with the other dogs.  Terracotta Sue learned about crate training quickly though and she now loves her crate.  When she wants to relax, she is often found sleeping in her open crate.  She also loves her treats and whenever someone is eating people food, she is right there waiting to see if they want to drop anything or offer her any tidbits. 

There hasn’t been another dog that Terracotta Sue has met that she doesn’t like.  There were some larger dogs that Terracotta seemed to worship and she would try to “kiss” their faces – much to the dismay of a few of them!  But she was persistent even when one growled at her.  (She did finally win him over.) 

It has been a long time since Terra has had any potty accidents in the house but she is on a good schedule and is settled in the routine.  Since she does have some fears, it is very likely she will have a little trouble learning a new home and the routines so an adopter will have to patient with her at first.  She is very sensitive to moods and loud calling does seem to still bother her.  She needs consistent coaxing – firm but gentle commands – to help her learn things as too stern of discipline will likely just make her nervous and not able to understand what is expected of her.

She has not been exposed to cats or really young children so we are not sure how she would be around either. 

If you have more questions, you can e-mail julemson@wmol.com.

Terracotta Sue is fostered in Holland, MI.