Links Labrador Retriever Mix Pekin, IL

Links is a long-term shelter dog. LIfe in an adoptive home with be a long-term journey. Here's what a new life with Links would look like:

The first 3 months
Bonding with her new owner without introducing her to any outside influences or visitors to your home. If someone is coming over in that first 90 days, put her in a crate shut in a room. The focus will be on helping her feel trusted and secure with you. No visits to stores, dog parks, etc.

3-6 months+
If you have visitors, put her on a leash and instruct them to ignore her under all circumstances. Do not let them approach her, make eye contact or talk to her. Hold the leash firmly, calm her down by using treats and instructing with basic commands no "it's o.k. Links or any other talk that will feed into her insecure behavior." Once she is calm and in a sitting position, have the visitor toss her treats but ignore her. Focus on confidence building and positive introductions without making her feel unsafe. Once she is relaxed, put her in her kennel so you don't overstress or overstimulate her.

6 months +
Once she starts to become relaxed with people coming into your home with low stress contact, allow her to approach people at her comfort level but instruct them not to reach out to her to pet her or invade her space without making her feel uncomfortable. At this point, it's about Links taking life and getting to know people at her comfort level without pushing her limits.

Links is a beautiful 4-year-old mixed breed dog who is looking for her forever home. She's house-trained, kennel-trained, and knows a variety of basic commands including sit, stay, come, uh-uh, wait, and ok. Links is a dream on a leash, making her an excellent walking companion.

This lovely girl is full of energy and loves to explore the great outdoors, especially when hiking (she's great at "getting the zoomies"!) Links adores water and enjoys car rides, so she's always ready for an adventure. When she's not out and about, Links loves attention and belly rubs. She's treat-motivated, which makes training and bonding with her a joy.

Links gets along well with other dogs and enjoys initiating play with her current canine foster sibling. While she may not immediately play with new dogs, she is always pleasant when meeting them. However, Links prefers a home without small kids or cats.

Though she is people-selective, Links' loyalty and affection are unmatched once she trusts you. She prefers indoor lounging but is making great progress with spending more time outside.

If you're looking for a devoted, playful, and adventurous companion, Links might just be the perfect match for you. Come meet Links and see if she's the missing piece to your family puzzle!