Meet Petal

This lovely lass not only needs a loving home, but has seen a lot in her 1-2 years. I will let her foster “mom” Rebecca, tell her story:

Petal, the small dog that I have been fostering & rehabilitating in my home for almost 6 weeks, is ready for adoption.  She was one of 53 dogs living in a basement in Texas.  Here’s the story about the mill raid at the end of May that yielded her.

She would do best in a quieter environment with sensitive and thoughtful people who will be patient and help her continue to work through her shyness and fear issues.  When she first arrived, she reminded me of Emily Dickinson in a 10-pound dog’s body.  But Petal has come a great distance in 5 weeks (there is a scamp in her that is slowly emerging!) and is going to make a wonderful, loving companion.

• She has had all of her shots, has been de-wormed, has tested negative for heart-worm, and has been spayed.
• Good with cats and non-pushy dogs.  Tends to be more fearful of men than women. She would not do well in a home with small children.
• Loves to give kisses, to cuddle in your lap, and to sleep in the “big bed” with the rest of my menagerie. She is VERY excited when I come home.
• Petal uses wee-pads consistently and is learning to go to the bathroom outside.

I am also building her leash-walking skills (she had never been outside of that house in San Angelo – imagine how overwhelming the stimuli of Greenpoint sounds & sights & smells must be).  Three weeks ago, “outside” was overwhelming for her, even with high value treats and my own dog as an example.  She would freeze and shake uncontrollably or try to hide under parked cars.  So I began taking her out with us in a travel bag slung over my chest – she could feel my warmth & breath, and heart, and she could hide in the bag if she wanted.  When she stopped shaking, I’d put her on the ground, and we’d get as far as we could that day.  One day at a time.  Last week she was able to walk to & from McCarren Park on leash & without bag time!!  That is 40 minutes!

Anyone interested in learning more about this beautiful lass— or better yet: wants to give her the loving home she so richly deserves— should contact Rebecca at:

rebecca11222 (at) hotmail (dot) com.

Prospective “parents”should be advised that there is an application process in order to adopt Petal. You can learn more about what this entails by clicking here. Otherwise you can see more lovely photographs of Petal here.

Miss Heather