12-21-2015: Sage is an energetic two year old. She has been spayed and treated for ear infections. When she joined VGSR, she had no vetting, training or manners. In the past month, she has learned some basic manners. She has mostly broken the habit of jumping for attention and general mouthiness. She is rambunctiously mouthy in play mode and now we're trying to break that habit. Sage has also learned the virtues of patience. She will sit or lay by your feet while you make food. She knows to wait at doors instead of rushing out, but still needs reminders. We're now learning commands besides sit. She is mastering down, shake and place. 

Sage needs a leader otherwise she will tests boundaries. She was very resistant to ear treatments by numerous folks. She will react to my cat so probably won't do good with cats. She meets dogs fine, but I don't know how she'll do with dogs in a home. She has a big puppy exuberant  play style and is mouthy during play. She could easily knock over a child during play. Therefore,  a home with only teenagers and above will be considered. She is somewhat vocal and has howled in the past so not apartment appropriate. She will jump into the car crate and then vocalize her reservations about car rides, but she is learning it's not all bad. Sage will bark when somebody knocks on the door or approaches, but she stops if introduced properly. She does not bark at folks passing by during walks. Once she decides to follow and has an excerise routine, she is a well behaved girl. She loves to snuggle when allowed on furniture and stays off when told.

She needs two hours of active attention per day and a routine. When not given that during her spay activity restriction period, she was a rowdy ball of energy. Therefore, this activity time is critical in order for her to behave the remaining hours of the day! We get at least three miles per day broken into two 30 minute intervals of sniffing/walking/running - rain or shine. We actively explore new places on walks, find areas to climb on things given a que, run, etc. Inside we spend time on fetch, training, playing, etc. She has learned chasing the ball is fun and found the joy of squeaky toys. If she gets mouthy during play time, she has quickly learned to instantly "sit" when told. At times she likes to hold her leash to walk you instead (she is learning that's not how it works) or put her leash "away". Sage really enjoys sniffing and has shown good potential for following scents. She would really enjoy an obedience class so potential adopters must be open to it.

She was given a long acting ear treatment and will need maintenance to ensure the infection doesn't come back. She has been through a lot in the last month and made tremendous progress too. Approved adopters may contact the foster at elpix@outlook.com.