Xena - FF Cane Corso Mix Fredericksburg, VA

Oh! Hello there. I see you have stopped by to say hi! Well, I apologize for startling so easily, but I’m a bit of a shy beast with anything new! But that’s ok, cuz I will warm up to you if you’re patient with me. My name is Xena by the way…I forgot to mention that in all the excitement! I’m roughly 5 years old, and 95 pounds. While I am a bit shy to start, I warm up more and more as time goes along. Foster dad laughs at me now, because the kitchen table used to be a hiding spot to cower in, now it’s my favorite keep-away spot since he can’t catch me as fast!

You have other dogs? Well, I will need very slow and controlled intros to them also. In my past, I was living in a place where the other dogs started fights. When I moved into my foster’s house, I saw lots of ruckus and what looked like chaos to my stressed mind. But with time and a safe place to observe behind the kitchen gate, I learned that they were having a really good time and wanted to join in! Dad only let me spend a few minutes at a time to start and didn’t let the other dogs get in my face, and I learned that the other dogs weren’t there to start fights with me! It took a little to understand what a play growl was, and after a few weeks of supervision and gently firm correction, I get to play with the other dogs and roll around like a happy dog! I get full pack time now too, and we have lots of fun! I love to wrestle with my coonhound foster brother since he’s pretty close to my size, and I let him try to drag me across the floor in tug-of-war with our Kong bones! The best, though, is when you give me attention and pets. I am a big sucker for belly rubs! Getting play wrestles with my humans is a great bonding time for me. Pulling the leash out can sure get my tail wagging, but I’m still learning that things outside of the house is safe. Most of the time the yard is good, unless I hear a car with squeaky brakes or an extra-loud semi! These are those times I need a little more patience and firm reassurance from you! Some days I’m not even keen on walking out the door! But I’ve made a lot of progress!

Sometimes we go visit local stores for pup cups, and even though the noise and new people everywhere makes me extra shy, I do love a good treat! I’m a pretty good car rider on these outings, and I hop into the car right away, but getting out is still an item that I need help working on. This is one of my biggest challenges, but I’m learning each day what is expected of me and trying to be less shy! If you must leave for a while, I do pretty well in a crate, and especially if it has a cozy blanket and a good chew! Bonus tip: foster dad found out that if I have a nightlight after bedtime, I try to figure out a jailbreak from my crate so I can come visit your room and make sure you’re okay! Once the nightlight went away, I stopped trying to escape though.

To sum me up, I may be a gentle and shy giant, but someone who has a loving, firm and guiding attitude will be my ideal person! In return, I can be a highly loveable, sometimes goofy, pal who will be your favorite sidekick (and lapdog occasionally). If this is you, set up a time to come down and meet me! See you soon!

Educational article:
3/3/3 rule:
https://www.rescuedogs101.com/bringing-new-dog-home-3-3-3-rule/?fbclid=IwAR2iv5m7fqk3FieO7LOsstGeGsYYV_F1rJOd1BPxaImofLpcinpYsUbFRWs

My adoption fee is $500. Adoption donations are to be made via cash, check, and credit/debit card. There is a $5 fee to run cards.

Please remember to bring a collar and leash (non-retractable) with you the day of the adoption. Note: Martingale collars and slip leads are strongly recommended.

We typically have adoption events on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and on Saturday afternoons. There are times on Thursday evenings, that our events will be by appointment only, so be sure to check our Facebook page for a notice or contact us prior to making the trip. Our adoption center is located at 3602 Lafayette Blvd, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22408. It's important that you keep an eye on your emails for any changes or updates during the adoption process.

Visit our website for an application to adopt.
https://www.olddominionhumanesociety.org/adoption-application

Old Dominion Humane Society is a volunteer based organization. We are run completely by volunteers, who also have full time jobs, so we appreciate your patience. Currently, the average timeframe for a response to your application is 1 week.

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Note: ODHS only adopts to Virginia and surrounding states (including D.C.). A $50 out of state fee applies.