Mia

Fast Facts * 4.5-year-old female * Medium-low energy * Shy but sweet * Needs mentor dog * Needs fenced yard * Almost house-trained * Nervous around young kids * Will need patient, consistent training Bio: INTRODUCTION As told by Mia Life sure can throw you some curve balls; let me tell you! Four months ago, I was living the only life I had ever known. I worked as a breeder, and I had very few rules to follow or expectations to live up to, except giving birth to puppies. I had no conception of any other way to live. Then, BAM! My universe turned upside down. I retired from breeding and was relinquished to As Good as Gold. In retrospect, I can see that this was the golden ticket to a future filled with treats, zoomies, and lots and lots of pets, but for some time, I was totally freaked out. AGaG placed me in a thing called a house with a wonderful foster mom and dad and three other dogs and a cat. In the beginning, I was overwhelmed. I felt safest alone in my crate where I could take all this newness in from a distance. One of the first “new” things I had to deal with was the proper way of doing my business. I had no idea that I was supposed to go outside to relieve myself, so Dad had to carry me out a few times and there were a few “accidents” in the beginning. But my foster siblings showed me the ropes, and I quickly learned what was expected. There may still be a mishap or two, but for the most part, I am house-trained. Foster mom and dad have done wonders for me, but I haven’t always made it easy. In the beginning, I didn’t understand different kinds of playing, and one day, one of my foster sisters started to roughhouse. Not realizing that it was all in good fun, I got defensive and we got into it a little bit. Dad was able to get the other dog away, but we were both left shaken. Now that I get it, we are good friends and like to play. We also struggled initially because I was so withdrawn and unsocialized. This made my progress toward acclimating into the family s-l-o-w – as in a snail’s pace. At one point, I was a bit disruptive and Mom didn’t think she was doing enough to help me learn all I needed to, so she suggested that I might be better off in another foster home. Fortunately, she gave me a few days, and things started to turn around. I am sooo grateful that Mom and Dad gave me another chance! I tell you all these things so that you understand how far I have come in just a few short months – and that with your love, support and help I will come even further. After living with and learning from my foster family, I have pretty good manners. I don’t jump or counter surf or go on furniture. I will take treats gently from your hand, and I will be super excited to see you in the morning or after you return home. Mom says I am really smart and I am learning commands. I know “leave it” (but truth be told, you might have to ask me twice if I really like what’s in my mouth). Speaking of things in my mouth . . . I am what Mom calls an aggressive chewer. Who knew a TV remote was so tasty? I’ve also chowed down on some shoes, a throw pillow, a plastic dog bowl, and a drainage pipe among other things. Mom got me special toys for extreme chewers that help soothe me, so things are improving. Foster Mom and Dad are proud of the progress I have made toward being a loving and loved member of a family. They say I am gaining in confidence and becoming more comfortable in this new world. Just recently, I followed Mom to bed and chose to sleep on the floor next to her. It meant a lot to her that I expressed my affection and trust that way. Yes, four months ago, my world was rocked! But I know that if we met and got to know one another, we could rock each other’s worlds for years to come. Life does indeed throw curve balls, but with the right coaching, sometimes you can hit a homerun. Interested in becoming my coach? Let’s talk. BEHAVIOR * Shy and timid * Anxious, but improving * Enjoys running in the backyard * Has not yet adjusted to riding in the car * Freezes when harness or leash is put on, making walking difficult at this time; this training is a work in progress * OK with cats HEALTH * Takes medication for situational anxiety Click here to learn about our adoption process and to complete an application: https://www.asgoodasgold.org/adopt-a-golden-retriever/ OR Contact us: [email protected]