Update 5 November 2016

Florence attended her first adoption event in Manassas and was fabulous.  She was a little nervous, but warmed up to visitors and even gave a few kisses.  As Florence goes on more adventures, we'll keep you posted.

Her foster may be reached at: muttsncats@verizon.net

17 October 2016

Flo has gained 9 pounds and is closing in on her optimum weight of 65 pounds.  She has been spayed and the whipworms eradicated.  And all of her fur has grown in!  

Best of all, she is becoming a confident dog - no longer walking beside me with head lowered to ankle level, but head up, ears alert keeping pace with Milo.  She does want to race after deer and after seeing her tear through the yard to chase a ball, she might very well catch up to them.

It has taken some time, but I can now pet her all over, including above her tail, which had been her least favorite spot - turning to lick my hand or swing away.

Flo is fabulous with dogs and she continues to hone her knowledge of dog etiquette.  She loves to play fetch and recalls fabulously.

Flo has also found her voice and it is quiet impressive.  She likes to use it when guests visit. Once she realizes you are a friend, she will take treats and give kisses, but if you move from  your spot, she will track you and bark.  She corrects, but will bark under her breath a few times just to make sure her point has been made.

Her next adventure will be going out for a short excursion to meet people and dogs outside the home. Stay tuned for more of Flo's story as she expands her horizons and learns the joy of being a dog.

History: 22 August 2016

Florence is slowly making progress.  Her skin is improving and her fur is growing back.  We are still battling whip worms which are preventing her from gaining weight.

Florence is learning to meet dogs and proper interaction.  She watches resident dog, Milo, and mimics what he does.  She is learning to walk on a leash and slowly getting confident. After 10 days she is beginning to walk with her head up.  Florence has learned to fetch a ball.  She is learning that we do not collect and hoard.

Florence is wary of people.  She carefully approaches and will slink up to take a treat, then backs up and barks. After some time, she relaxes a bit.  But if you move too quickly, she will cower and retreat. She has met several people multiple times and at each meeting the time to greet, take a treat and relax is decreasing. 

Florence has been with me for nearly one month and has made great strides.  She is timid and fearful.  Some objects if held at waist level or higher, will cause her to cower.  I am slowly working with Florence to decrease her concern.

Florence loves riding in the car, with her head out the window, but is hesitant to climb into the car. Fortunately, she is food and praise motivated, so we are working on getting in and out of the car.

31 July – 16 August

Florence is a petite lass, with warm, brown eyes that hit your heart.  She will require major infusions of TLC, time and patience.  Florence is 7.5 years old, has had more puppies than she should, has significant hair loss, incredibly long nails and is about 18 pounds underweight. She is afraid of everything. She will watch you from a distance, with head slightly ducked and trembling as she waits to see what is going to happen. She will submissive pee if you move too quickly or approach too fast. Florence has the sweetest face and disposition and will make you cry as she works to overcome being afraid. She will flinch when you first pet her and then lick your hand and lean in when you stop.  Her perseverance is inspiring as she watches her house mate, Milo, and is slowly starting to follow him as he chases his ball or to the door when he hears a noise.  In those moments, you see she has forgotten to be afraid.  They are short lived as the next time you put your hand down for her to sniff and be petted, she flinches.  As Florence slowly experiences more positive aspects of life, kind touches, stability and builds confidence, these moments will be fewer and fewer. 

Florence has had her first vet visit.  Considering her extreme wariness of people it went well. She did submissive pee several times during the visit, but took the blood draw without a whimper. We are very happy to report that Florence is Heart Worm, Ehrlichia, and Lyme negative.  Her thyroid is good.  She does have whip worms, a mild yeast infection and a secondary skin infection all of which are being treated.  Florence is 48.5 pounds, but optimally should be 65. She will need to gain a good amount of this weight before she can be spayed. While wary of people she is comfortable with her canine housemate.  She is very socially awkward and does not understand the cues of being told 'you have been in my space too long, please step away', but Milo is very polite and seems to understand Florence is unaware of canine etiquette.  Together, we will help Florence learn.