Cleo - ISO FOSTER TO ADOPT

Oh! Hi there, I’m Cleo! Sorry, I’m a bit shy with new people, but if you’re patient with me I come around after a bit. Three days to decompress and get to know you is the BEST option. The basic stuff about me up front: I am about 5 years old and weigh around 40lbs. I have some food allergies the humans can explain in detail to you, but I can say that salmon based kibble is pretty tasty! The humans say I am very sweet, but like many of us pups in the rescue world, I have things I need work on. When I was first surrendered by my owners, I became very scared and shut down to all the new things I was experiencing. I’ve come to see this isn’t unusual for us pups, but being a small girl it was a bit more traumatic for me. The first house I got to stay in was ok at first, but I was attacked by two larger dogs, which terrified me even more. Ironically, dogs my size or smaller upset me very badly. I was moved to a new foster home that also had large dogs, but I spent several weeks living in a separated space where I could observe these new dogs and the human they lived with. After a week or so, I realized the human was pretty fun, and I started cuddling with him when we were still separated from the other dogs. Over some more time I became curious about the other dogs. I learned that I can tolerate submissive or neutral big dogs, but I also need to be shown that I am not the alpha girl. That being said, no alpha fur siblings for me. Foster dad took me out a couple of times in public to see that humans aren’t so terrible, and many of them love my big eyes and little wag! Foster dad and I learned a lesson about me the hard way together, though. One night we were working on my socialization when we were approached by a large, furry male dog. He was a good boy, but something about him scared me and I reacted by grabbing his nose. There was a lot of scary noises and yelling from the humans, and afterwards I was very upset because I knew foster dad wasn’t happy I did that. He says it was his fault for allowing the interaction to go as rapidly as it did, and that my signals are so subtle that it can be difficult to spot in time. I made sure he knew I was so sorry, and he made sure the other humans knew he was sorry for the bite. He told me we need to do some hard work if I’m going to be able to go in public around other dogs again. So we are now training (muzzle and confidence) to make me a better/safer public dog! Here’s foster dad’s own words about me: “Cleo is a highly affectionate girl when she learns to trust you! She does struggle with meeting other dogs, and is very afraid/shy in a new home, but she would be a fantastic only-dog for someone with patience, love…and that loves to go for walks outdoors! She is very well mannered on the leash, loves car rides, and LOVES snuggles, but she would be perfectly content to be a homebody, so long as she can have the chance to be by your side! She would be great pal for a young to middle-aged single person or couple, so long as they can be patient and understand her particular social needs! Ideally she would do best with a person or people that aren’t gone more than 5-6 hours a day, as she has a small bladder. She does very well in her crate, loves to cuddle on a couch, in a puffy blanket, or in bed, and craves good people (especially with treats).” I think that covers most of my story, but please let the humans know if you would like to know more! ------------------------------- We are a small based foster group who help dogs currently in VA, NC (more states soon) on death row find a second chance. Right now we will be running off of donations and fosters homes. So please be patient with us. You may apply to adopt if you are in a state that surrounds VA state lines! Adoption Contracts, and vet papers will be given at time of adoption. All dogs will be UTD on shots and spayed/neutered before going to their furever family! All adoption fees are considered donations! We do not do refunds on donations.