Daisy's 1st time alone with a "stranger"...

Daisy had her 1st day in 8 months away from her foster family and did WAY BETTER than we had expected! An wonderful man who met Daisy at adoptions a couple of weeks ago decided to doggy-sit her yesterday in order to get to know Daisy better as well as assist us in guaging her progress and how she would potentially adjust to a new furever home. After we left his house in the morning, as we expected Daisy sat by the front door and cryed for a bit (which is very common for dogs that have been with us for so long). After going on a long walk with him, Daisy calmed down and began to sniff and check out the new environment. To my surprise, she did not try to hide or run away from him, rather she jumped on the couch next to him to share his space and get some pets. She was happy to take treats from the getgo, which was a clear sign that she was pretty comfortable with the new environment as dogs who are experiencing extreme fear or anxiety refuse to eat (even the best of treats!). This day confirms to us that Daisy is in fact ready to move on to a quiet and peaceful furever home. She has come so incredibly far and we are SOOO proud of her. In a slow and loving environment, this little girl will continue to grow and evolve and will be a wonderful companion to her new owner.
After Daisy's new adventure, she came home and was happy to get a greenie to enjoy (before dinner at that!). Among her fellow pack members, here she is chewing away on her treat. She sure was a happy (and tired) girl who should be very proud of herself! Life isn't as scary as she thought after all!
Daisy will definately need an adjustment period to her new home as many dogs do who have had an abusive past, but she is ready to take on the challenge and just needs some lovin' to do it!

Daisy's 2nd Time at Adoptions...

Yesterday was Daisy's 2nd time at adoptions and she did so much better than last week! We do adoptions each Saturday from 12-3 at Petco in Moorpark and last week was our first week. Last week she was timid and didn't want to take any treats (even hot dogs!) as there were many people looking and petting her which was out of her comfort zone. She handled it even though she was nervous and after the first hour was getting a bit more comfortable with the whole thing. About half way through the day she was walking around on her leash, sniffing around and checking out the scene.

This week - much improved! For the 1st 30 minutes or so we had Daisy in a crate for her to adjust to the situation, watch the other dogs being pet and sniff away at all the people passing by. A wonderful young couple came in and asked to see Daisy and she began to come out of her shell with them pretty readily. The young woman held her as Daisy sat on her lap within a few minutes and took in the pets and attention. I decided to try some treats with her and she was all over them which told me that she was not as scared and nervous as last week. I gave the young woman treats wondering Daisy would take them from a "stranger" and not only did she take them, she got up on her hing legs to get them! This little girl is too cute and is getting LOTS of attention at adoptions from many people. The socialization she gets from all the visitors play a huge role in her advancement. Thanks to all who come by and visit with Daisy as you are all helping her strengthen emotionally to be able to handle a transition to a furever home!