Animatch is always looking for good homes, but simply getting a dog adopted and out our doors is never the goal. Finding the right home is. We see far too many dogs come through our doors because their families didn’t quite think beyond the adorable puppy stage. That irresistible 5-lb. puppy grows into a 40-lb. adolescent — and suddenly there are no boundaries, no self-control and a whole lot of energy.
Knocking over the young children was certainly not the puppy’s intention. Counter-surfing, grabbing things that don’t belong to her and generally making her own rules weren’t part of the plan either. But adolescence can be a challenging stage, and without consistent training, structure and supervision, even the best intentions can go sideways.
Lady is a perfect example.
I’m sure her family was completely enamoured with this beautiful little pup. But she grew — and grew — and somewhere along the way, the rules and boundaries never caught up. Now, Lady is a gorgeous, shiny, jet-black Lab x Shepherd in the thick of adolescence and looking for a family who understands that a young dog is a commitment, not a short-term project.
The good news? Lady is a smart cookie, and she is ready to learn. With patience, consistency and some positive training, she has every reason to become a wonderful companion. She’ll need an active family who will give her plenty of exercise and mental stimulation — walks, hikes, outdoor adventures and, of course, lots of time to stop and sniff the neighbourhood news. Her athletic build and agility may even make her a fun candidate for a dog sport such as agility.
But here’s the important part: Lady also needs to learn that life isn’t one endless adventure. As much as she needs exercise and stimulation, she needs to learn how to settle, relax and enjoy downtime. No family can entertain a dog every waking moment, and learning an “off switch” is just as important as learning a sit.
Lady gets along well with other dogs. Cats, however … that ship has sailed. And because she is still a rambunctious adolescent, sturdy, dog-savvy children 8+ would be the better fit.
Lady doesn’t need a family looking for a perfectly finished dog. She needs a family willing to put in the work, establish boundaries, continue her education and give her the consistency she missed the first time around. In return, they’ll have the opportunity to watch a bright, energetic young dog grow into the wonderful companion she was always meant to be.
If you are ready for the commitment — the exercise, the training, the patience, the teenage moments and eventually the very rewarding adult dog — fill in the Application Form.
There’s a Lady in waiting.
