Daphne is Adopted! Papillon Portland, ME

PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY!

Daphne is a young puppy mill survivor. We aren't sure how old, but we believe she is younger than 2 years old. We are looking for a very special home for this very special girl.

Daphne is learning how to be a companion animal, a pet. She is slowly making progress in her foster home where she has been for over a month. Puppy mill breeding dogs are not instinctively trusting of humans, Daphne is no different. She is only starting to feel comfortable with her foster mom touching her. If approached very slowly, Daphne will welcome some affection, and to be picked up if necessary (for vetting etc.). She has made huge strides by simply choosing to be in the same space as her foster mom, so we know she is is starting to feel safe.

She spent a lot of her first month in the safety of her crate, venturing out to follow her foster sibling, who she is totally glued to. This is also a common trait of puppy mill survivors. Since these dogs are more drawn to other dogs than to people, Daphne's foster brother has been instrumental to helping her have positive experiences and start learning that there is an amazing, fun, safe life outside of what she has known so far. But it will take time.

Daphne will only eat food that is spread out on the floor. She's not ready for even a paper plate yet. Considering her past, she has done well with housetraining by following her foster brother's lead. She is starting to show an adorable playful side when outside, she loves sniffing all the wonderful scents out there, and she's even doing some playful barks and bows with the neighbors dog too!

What we are looking for in an adopter:
- Experience with shy, and even shut-down dogs
- At least one resident mellow/older dog to show her the ropes
- A very quiet, predictable home environment
- Someone who truly understands that Daphne may not even look at you for weeks, and may never seek affection.

We just don't know - Daphne may turn out to be the most social, snuggle bug you've ever met, but this isn't generally the case with dogs who endured puppy mill living conditions. This is not meant to deter interested adopters, we simply want to manage expectations. We know her person (and their resident dog!) is out there!



Adoption fees cover age specific vaccinations, martingale collar, spay/neuter, microchip, heartworm/lyme/ehrlichia test, worming etc.

Adoption fees:
Through 6 months of age $450;
7 months to through 5 years $400;
6 years and under 9 years $325: bonded pairs are $500;
9 years and older $250: bonded pairs are $300

Almost Home Rescue of New England is a 501 c 3 non-profit rescue; rescuing dogs since 2005. All Adoption applications are completed on line at www.almosthomerescue.net

This dog is available unless it is marked as Pending, meaning Pending Adoption. This dog is in foster care locally, ONLY if Maine or New Hampshire is listed next to the dogs name; otherwise, the dog is still waiting with our partner rescue for an adoption or foster home in New England.

PLEASE NOTE - We will check your veterinary reference, to ensure that current and prior dogs have a history of being kept up to date on rabies and distemper, have had annual heartworm tests, and are on heartworm preventative at least 6 months of the year. Current pets must by spayed/neutered.