hope Labrador Retriever & Boxer Mix New Boston, NH

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WRITE UP FROM OWNER  
   Hope is an adorable 33 lb., 5 year-old mix (Her mother was a boxer/lab mix, and dad was unknown).
WRITE UP FROM FOSTER CARE MOM
   We have had Hope for  three months now and find that she is a very sweet and friendly dog who is thriving with much more freedom and exercise.
   I try to take Hope out for a daily long walk, plus short outings into the yard, on leash, several times a day. Also, we sit on our front porch which is very close to the street, and she observes lots of humans and dogs passing by. Because she is a bit of a shadow to me, she gets a lot of exercise as she follows me around the house and up and down stairs. All these are activities she previously did not participate in to satisfy her high energy, curiosity, boundary, and interaction needs.
   As for interactions, she is very aware of and comfortable with me, but I was someone who she already knew previously. At first, she was hesitant with my husband and adult daughter, but within minutes she accepted petting, and now actively watches for them and seeks their affection. It has taken longer for her to be totally trusting of my husband, but he is winner her over. While walking, she pretty much disregards other dogs and stays to the far side of me. She is a bit shy with people, though will go up and sniff them if they quietly put out their hand and wait. Within a minute or so she usually is leaning in for pets and offering kisses. When on the porch, she will quietly “woof” at some of the passers-bys, particularly the dogs that are already barking at her. I see no signs of aggressive behavior, only a lack of security and experience; something I think could be overcome with gradual, gentle exposure to other people, and eventually, other dogs. Also. a bit of a protective instinct. When someone has come into the house, she befriends them quickly, usually laying down and showing her tummy for a rub within minutes. She is VERY alert, and will quietly growl or woof if she hears noises near or in the house she does not recognize. As soon as we show her who or what it is, she is fine.
   She has been very easy to work with. Although she was primarily on her previous owner’s bed, with just a firm “no” she has stayed off my bed and is content to sleep on her bed on the floor in my bedroom. She also voluntarily lays on a bed on the floor in the living room or in her crate in the hallway. Generally she stays off the furniture, but may pop up on the couch to look out the window if I have gone outside. (I am sure she would love to accommodate anyone that likes having a sofa/bed pup, though!) She does not hesitate to go into the crate if I need to keep her there while I go out. She sits to get her halter on and lifts each paw to get it in place. She will stay back if told to at the door. She understands “lie down” and is good about not begging for more attention if told “all done”. If I shoo her out of the kitchen, she leaves and stays out, at least for a time. I have had no problems with setting down her food or taking it away. Nor any issues with potty breaks. She has not chewed anything, other than unstuffing one of her softer toys.
   She may make a tiny high pitched whine for a bit after being separated from me, some times, but she quiets down soon. It has diminished as she has become more confident I will return. Overall, she really wants to please and seems to be a quick learner. She is VERY attentive and responsive.
   She loves to take her walks with boundless energy and curiosity, both on the street or sidewalk in town as well as on the wooded trails. I let her sniff and explore, but she is pretty responsive to “heel” to keep her close when a car comes by. She is obsessed with chasing chipmunks and squirrels, so I do not let her off lead in our neighborhood (where there are cars), and she needs more work to perfect her recall. We did take her to a nature preserve and let her off lead and she was very good keeping close and coming when we called. I think a nice fenced in yard would be perfect for her.
   I have been introducing her to toys and how to play with them and she is enthusiastically catching on. She likes to chase the toys, brings them back somewhat, plays chase and tug of war. She will “give” most of the time. I suspect she would love to play fetch in the open space of a yard. In the past she has not been comfortable with other dogs. We have walked with another lab, but she has not been receptive to his playing with her. I hope to have her do a meet and greet with another calmer dog soon.
   I have reduced her meds by half (with vet approval) and have found she is doing fine. She is a happy dog willing to do anything and go anywhere. She is not afraid of loud noises or cars or machinery. So the idea of her being “anxious” is really limited to being away from me - she is tight with the human connection. And with meeting other dogs who come on too fast and strong. (She was totally ready to chase a full grown deer the other day, though!)
   I think Hope would be a lovely dog for one or two adults, or someone with older children who are dog knowledgeable, who can give her the exercise and freedom and space she needs to be a part of the family. If you want a dog who wants to be with you, and go with you, and do with you, she is it!
Contact: Linda Barrow,  lindabarrow88@gmail.com. Email me with questions or if interested, and I can return the email, or give you a phone call.  
 
HOPES HISTORY FROM HER OWNER
    She was adopted by her owner at 12 weeks old. She is microchipped, up to date on vaccines and crate trained. She lived with a cat the first two years of her life and had a personal obedience trainer in her first year. She lived in Mont Vernon, NH.
    Her owner is bedridden and while Hope has been a fabulous, loving companion in her room, she knows that she can no longer give Hope the life that she needs. For the first 4-1/2 years of her life Hope spent most of her time in the one room with her owner. Around 1 year old they hired a dog walker, but she bit the dog walker so the walks ended. Hope’s anxiety made it difficult to establish a positive doggy daycare experience as Hope would nervously huddle in a corner and go into self-protection mode. Without much social interaction, confidence building, or extended exercise, Hope became more anxious and was fearful of the owner's grandchildren who also live in the home, and she became increasingly protective of her space. On recommendation of her vet, Hope was given scripts for the anxiety.
    Hope is a very sweet little dog who loves belly rubs and cuddling with her owner. She is quick to trust visitors who speak sweetly and remain confidently calm. The ideal new home should have adults who are committed to love her dearly and gradually and patiently open up Hope’s world. She would benefit from reviewing her obedience training and getting help to build confidence in herself that includes lots of exercise and supervised time with some other socially adept dogs who can “show her the ropes”.


Please email if interested: lindabarrow88@gmail.com