Elvira Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler Riverside, RI

TO CONTACT THE FOSTER HOME, email Kctracy1@yahoo.com. DO NOT use the Petfinder form. Inquiries don't reach us.

Elvira is a 5 yrs old spayed Red heeler who is UTD on her shots and microchipped. She was recently surrendered to the animal shelter with 12 of her fellow cattle dogs from a hoarding situation. ACDRA pulled them all in order to free the shelter cages up and keep anyone from being euthanized for space.

Being one of many dogs in a hoarding situation has left Elvira with a very small view of the world. She needs an owner whom is willing to take things exceptionally slow so slow that ignoring her and letting her just hang out in plain sight in an ex-pen is really what this girl needs to build up the courage to show you what a good girl she is. Elvira needs to learn all these new things at her own pace. She is super shy and would rather be a fly on the wall in your house then all up in your face. She plays well with other dogs. Elvira is willing to work for treats and has been learning to trust people with those yummy high value treats. She loves schedules and structure and learns them most willingly for a treat. She loves treats and toys. She does like to kill the toys but she is being challenged with the new Kong stuffed animals from Chewy ?

She is currently living with 3 kids who are over 12 yrs old. She also lives with two other male dogs. Elvira does OK with cats but has been swatted a bunch of times by one of my resident cats so she is getting uncomfortable around them. She would prefer a home without them.
Elvira would do exceptionally well in a home with other confident dogs that she can bond with. That can be her strength when things get scary and her bravery escapes her. She will not do well in a home as the only dog so please don’t apply if that is what you are looking for.

Keep in mind herding breeds were developed to have high intelligence, stamina to run miles a day often in harsh conditions, independence to make decisions on their own when necessary, and the desire to form a working relationship with their people.

Elvira sheltered non-exposure life/background has developed her sort of shadow personality this is a girl whom likes to follow around and just be near but not to close. While walking on a leash in a group dog walk she follows behind me because she is just not confident enough to take the lead. She is always looking to be when things are unclear but when they are downright scary (Loud Truck coming to close) she glues herself to other dogs in her pack.

She has come a long way since her owner surrendered her and 12 siblings to a shelter and I am sure over time and consistency she will blossom into a wonderful companion animal.

Elvira is being fostered in Riverside, RI. For questions, please contact Kctracy1@yahoo.com.

COMPLETE AN APPLICATION
http://www.acdra.org/adoption-application