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I need a Foster Home!
Please consider Fostering me till I can be Adopted. Find out how! Email us at: [email protected] |
Name – Aurora Dawn
Status – Foster - Available for Adoption
Type - Dog
Breed – Pomeranian/Poodle Mix
Date of Birth – 9 years
Color – Black
Eyes – Brown
Ears – Pendant
Claws – Black
Tail – Undocked
Altered - Yes
Distinguishing Marks – Small Round Scar on Neck/Shoulder Area
Allergies – None Known
Crate Trained – Yes
Housebroken – Yes
UTD on Vaccinations – Yes
Rabies – Yes,
Microchip – Yes,
Dewormed – Yes, Panacure
Flea treatment – Yes, K9 Advantix 2
Heartworm – Negative
Collar Requirements – Standard for tags, Harness Advised, Standard Leash
Medications – Special Food – Royal Canine Urinary S/O
Overall Physical Health – Good (4)
Aurora is in general good health. Her only issue is that she can develop Bladder Stones from time to time. She simply needs to be kept on her Special Food (Royal Canine Urinary S/O) and access to water, Aurora is rated on the body scale at a 5.
(1=severely emaciated, 5 – 6 normal, 10 = morbidly obese)
Overall Mental Health – Excellent (5)
Aurora is an intelligent dog. She is a mix of breed known to be smart and she can show it if motivated. She could benefit from having more social activities but is just as fine as a couch potato/cuddle bug. When she arrived she had a few issues that have been mostly resolved over time. This will be covered in other headings.
People – Good (4)
Aurora is Good with people in general. She can be a little wary or nervous in the beginning, but will warm up within a reasonable amount of time if left to approach on her own. In the right circumstance, Aurora, if handed to someone rear end first, is able to acclimate a little more quickly. This comes in handy most when having services done to such as grooming and vet visits. She can occasionally be intimidated by tall or big people and may bark and hide initially but as afore stated, once she knows someone is ‘ok’ or allowed to be there, she will come around easily enough. Aurora adores the elderly.
Children – Average (3)
Aurora can acclimate to children but must be given time to do so. She has never really lived with children full time. Children to are rough or move quickly will make her shy. If they learn to greet her calmly, then her interactions are much like an adult. Once Aurora warms up to children, she very much enjoys being pet, sitting/laying near them, and even will be playful.
Dogs – Good (4)
Aurora does enjoy the company of other dogs. She has been in the company of Tiny/Toy/Small like Min Pins and Chihuahuas, Small/Medium like Terriers and Beagles, Medium/Large Dogs like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers, to XL/XXL type dogs like Great Danes to the Cane Corso. She is not afraid of other dogs and will tell them off if they get to rough or are rude. She does ok at the Dog Park, but sometimes will hover near her people until encouraged to play/explore. Aurora would be fine as an only dog, but may get bored or lonely without another animal to be around.
Cats – Average (3)
Aurora has never lived a day without being in a house with cats. She is happy enough sleeping near to them, sharing a water bowl, or affection. She knows for the most part to stay away from cat food and litter boxes. Just like with dogs, she can hold her own and will not shy away from correcting a cat for rudeness.
Pocket Pets – Good (4)
Although ALPRAS does not currently have any ‘pocket pets’, Aurora has spent time near them in their crates, pens, or aquariums. She has no interest in Snakes and vague interest with Rats and Guinea Pigs. As with all small mammals and reptiles, introductions should be done carefully in order to keep both animals safe from harm. Education and assistance can be provided on a home visit.
Behavioral Issues – Mild (2)
Aurora does not have any major behavioral issues. She initially came in with two issues. The first will be described here and the next in another heading. The first issue of note is her ‘arm waving’. While cute, it was an issue that she clearly had little control over. In her first home this was most likely the only way she could garner attention from her owner. High praise for the behavior left her with an Obsessive Compulsion to do this pawing at the air or ‘arm waving’ constantly. Aurora was so at the mercy of her OCD that she barely ever walked on her four legs. With some years of rehabilitation Aurora has regained control for the most part of this behavior. It is incredibly important that she is not overly rewarded for the behavior. We have used training to give her an outlet to use her compulsion in a healthier way.
As before mentioned with People and Children, Aurora can be initially fearful or shy of new people. We do not allow her to hide under furniture or in corners to avoid situations. If necessary she can be put on a lead to make her deal with the situation and give her the security that she is safe with the handler. Aurora should begin on the ground as any breed of dog should when introductions are first made. Many small dogs develop poor behaviors when carried or held away from newcomers. After a time and things have settled, she can be picked up hand handed to someone if necessary rear first. Ideally she would be given time to simply come to the newcomer on her own, on or off lead. She is food motivated to an extent, but it may need to be a high reward treat for dealing with certain individuals she may find more intimidating.
Energy - Medium (3)
Aurora doesn’t have a drive either way. She wouldn’t be a good running companion and she can do much more than just be a couch potato. A good Walk Once a Day, a trip to the Dog Park, or just a fun Play Session, and she is good. She can match activity to whomever she is with so long as it is not too strenuous a workout. Though she can just hang around the house all day doing nothing, she would greatly benefit from getting out a bit and being more social.
Barking – Moderate (4)
This is the second of the two mentioned under prior headings. Aurora originally came in with a bad barking habit. We believe that this followed up after her first owner began to ignore her ‘arm waving’. This is not an uncommon development, especially coming from a puppy or young dog. This is a habit that has been tampered down immensely since her arrival and is nearly as normal as many dogs. She does have sensitive hearing and will still alert bark. Loud noises can startle her into a bark as well. Aurora has been trained to the command ‘Quiet’ as well as ‘Enough’ and ‘Thank You’. If she barks when someone is home it should not be ignored to ensure that it doesn’t escalate.
Aurora also will talk softly in growls, whines, or ‘murmurs’ softly. This sometimes is in protest of not being able to fully bark, but it is done quietly. In many ways it’s like a child muttering under their breath after being in trouble. On the opposite side of this is that she will ‘talk’ to you. It is the same noises but done quietly and with different inflection of tone. She will, of course, happily bark on command of ‘Speak’ in most occasions.
It is best to keep in mind that both breeds she is are barkers. Aurora is lucky enough not to have a sharp yipping bark but rather a fuller less high pitched bark that many Pomeranians have. If someone in the home is very sensitive to noise, Aurora will not be a good fit. If it is someone who has a tolerance for barking and is willing to continue to work with her (as most dogs for the entirety of their lives), then she could be a satisfying fit. For someone who is used to barking dogs and isn’t overly offended by noise but will correct her as well, she could be a great fit. Aurora will not be a good fit for someone who doesn’t care at all about barking and is lazy or unwilling to keep up her training. This was an OCD habit most likely derived to get attention and though it may not seem like it, it is an expression of pain. Just like any dog, with continued patience and practice her barking will continue to improve and perhaps make it down to ‘Average’ at a score of 3.
Swimming – Average (3)
Aurora CAN swim, she just doesn’t enjoy it well enough. Like every dog, if her new home has a pool, she should be brought in a couple of times a year to make sure she remembers where the steps/stairs/ledge is to be able to get out. It is important that she is aware of where she can and cannot get out fully and safely. Not all ledges are high enough for a small dog to get on to get out. If the owner has an above ground pool, she should never be left alone with a way to get in nor should any dog. Aurora is a strong enough swimmer to do what needs to be done but probably won’t go in of her own volition.
Toys –
Aurora is not overly in to toys. She has never shown much interest in plushies, ropes, balls, or even squeaky toys. Even so, she should have access to a chew bone (such as a small breed Nylabone) or be given small breed greenies to help her from getting more tater on her teeth then she already has.
Known Commands:
Sit, Wait, On, Off, Back, Swim, Play, Drop, Come(here), Eat, Drink, Leave It, No(when needed), Yes, Go, Stay, Go Potty, Crate (got to bed), Down, Go Poop, Quiet, Take, Give, Stop, Enough, Give Space, Up, Get Out Of That, Go Do Something With Yourself, Give Space, Back Off, No Ma’am, Couch, Play, I’m Gonna Gitcha, Thank You, “Where’s the ‘Rora’s’…..’There she is’” (Hide and Seek game)
Commands Working On:
None Currently
Other Notes:
Aurora is generally a good dog with an Upbeat personality. She does like people and other animals. She is not anti-social and will warm up to people and/or animals given the right amount time, exposure, and motivation (such as a high reward treat for difficult persons). Aurora is a sweet girl who really loves attention and wants to be a big part in someone’s world. Like a Poodle, she will most likely attach herself heavily to one person and be friendly with everyone else.
Aurora tolerates Grooming well, but she has had one or two bad experiences. One resulted in the scar she has on her neck/shoulder area. She did not have a good experience at Petsmart once so she has from then on preferred PETCO. It’s advised she either go to a PETCO for grooming or a trusted and patient Private Groomer or Salon. She is a little sensitive around her face and like most dogs she is not a fan of getting her nails trimmed. Aurora has never bitten a Groomer despite having bad experiences.
Thought she would be considered an ‘older dog’ amongst most people, it is an incorrect assumption for small dogs. Small dogs tend to have longer lifespans and smaller ‘mutts’ even longer. She is of two breeds, that unless falling to a serious illness or congenital defect (usually amongst purebreds), she may live well into her upper teens. On some occasions these types of dogs can break into the early 20’s. Someone adopting Aurora should understand that they are taking a dog with most likely a long life ahead of her and should assume that she could easily have around 8 to 10 years of life left. With good care and love Aurora will make a great pet, especially to a lonely person, and bring joy and happiness to her owner.
Status – Foster - Available for Adoption
Type - Dog
Breed – Pomeranian/Poodle Mix
Date of Birth – 9 years
Color – Black
Eyes – Brown
Ears – Pendant
Claws – Black
Tail – Undocked
Altered - Yes
Distinguishing Marks – Small Round Scar on Neck/Shoulder Area
Allergies – None Known
Crate Trained – Yes
Housebroken – Yes
UTD on Vaccinations – Yes
Rabies – Yes,
Microchip – Yes,
Dewormed – Yes, Panacure
Flea treatment – Yes, K9 Advantix 2
Heartworm – Negative
Collar Requirements – Standard for tags, Harness Advised, Standard Leash
Medications – Special Food – Royal Canine Urinary S/O
Overall Physical Health – Good (4)
Aurora is in general good health. Her only issue is that she can develop Bladder Stones from time to time. She simply needs to be kept on her Special Food (Royal Canine Urinary S/O) and access to water, Aurora is rated on the body scale at a 5.
(1=severely emaciated, 5 – 6 normal, 10 = morbidly obese)
Overall Mental Health – Excellent (5)
Aurora is an intelligent dog. She is a mix of breed known to be smart and she can show it if motivated. She could benefit from having more social activities but is just as fine as a couch potato/cuddle bug. When she arrived she had a few issues that have been mostly resolved over time. This will be covered in other headings.
People – Good (4)
Aurora is Good with people in general. She can be a little wary or nervous in the beginning, but will warm up within a reasonable amount of time if left to approach on her own. In the right circumstance, Aurora, if handed to someone rear end first, is able to acclimate a little more quickly. This comes in handy most when having services done to such as grooming and vet visits. She can occasionally be intimidated by tall or big people and may bark and hide initially but as afore stated, once she knows someone is ‘ok’ or allowed to be there, she will come around easily enough. Aurora adores the elderly.
Children – Average (3)
Aurora can acclimate to children but must be given time to do so. She has never really lived with children full time. Children to are rough or move quickly will make her shy. If they learn to greet her calmly, then her interactions are much like an adult. Once Aurora warms up to children, she very much enjoys being pet, sitting/laying near them, and even will be playful.
Dogs – Good (4)
Aurora does enjoy the company of other dogs. She has been in the company of Tiny/Toy/Small like Min Pins and Chihuahuas, Small/Medium like Terriers and Beagles, Medium/Large Dogs like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers, to XL/XXL type dogs like Great Danes to the Cane Corso. She is not afraid of other dogs and will tell them off if they get to rough or are rude. She does ok at the Dog Park, but sometimes will hover near her people until encouraged to play/explore. Aurora would be fine as an only dog, but may get bored or lonely without another animal to be around.
Cats – Average (3)
Aurora has never lived a day without being in a house with cats. She is happy enough sleeping near to them, sharing a water bowl, or affection. She knows for the most part to stay away from cat food and litter boxes. Just like with dogs, she can hold her own and will not shy away from correcting a cat for rudeness.
Pocket Pets – Good (4)
Although ALPRAS does not currently have any ‘pocket pets’, Aurora has spent time near them in their crates, pens, or aquariums. She has no interest in Snakes and vague interest with Rats and Guinea Pigs. As with all small mammals and reptiles, introductions should be done carefully in order to keep both animals safe from harm. Education and assistance can be provided on a home visit.
Behavioral Issues – Mild (2)
Aurora does not have any major behavioral issues. She initially came in with two issues. The first will be described here and the next in another heading. The first issue of note is her ‘arm waving’. While cute, it was an issue that she clearly had little control over. In her first home this was most likely the only way she could garner attention from her owner. High praise for the behavior left her with an Obsessive Compulsion to do this pawing at the air or ‘arm waving’ constantly. Aurora was so at the mercy of her OCD that she barely ever walked on her four legs. With some years of rehabilitation Aurora has regained control for the most part of this behavior. It is incredibly important that she is not overly rewarded for the behavior. We have used training to give her an outlet to use her compulsion in a healthier way.
As before mentioned with People and Children, Aurora can be initially fearful or shy of new people. We do not allow her to hide under furniture or in corners to avoid situations. If necessary she can be put on a lead to make her deal with the situation and give her the security that she is safe with the handler. Aurora should begin on the ground as any breed of dog should when introductions are first made. Many small dogs develop poor behaviors when carried or held away from newcomers. After a time and things have settled, she can be picked up hand handed to someone if necessary rear first. Ideally she would be given time to simply come to the newcomer on her own, on or off lead. She is food motivated to an extent, but it may need to be a high reward treat for dealing with certain individuals she may find more intimidating.
Energy - Medium (3)
Aurora doesn’t have a drive either way. She wouldn’t be a good running companion and she can do much more than just be a couch potato. A good Walk Once a Day, a trip to the Dog Park, or just a fun Play Session, and she is good. She can match activity to whomever she is with so long as it is not too strenuous a workout. Though she can just hang around the house all day doing nothing, she would greatly benefit from getting out a bit and being more social.
Barking – Moderate (4)
This is the second of the two mentioned under prior headings. Aurora originally came in with a bad barking habit. We believe that this followed up after her first owner began to ignore her ‘arm waving’. This is not an uncommon development, especially coming from a puppy or young dog. This is a habit that has been tampered down immensely since her arrival and is nearly as normal as many dogs. She does have sensitive hearing and will still alert bark. Loud noises can startle her into a bark as well. Aurora has been trained to the command ‘Quiet’ as well as ‘Enough’ and ‘Thank You’. If she barks when someone is home it should not be ignored to ensure that it doesn’t escalate.
Aurora also will talk softly in growls, whines, or ‘murmurs’ softly. This sometimes is in protest of not being able to fully bark, but it is done quietly. In many ways it’s like a child muttering under their breath after being in trouble. On the opposite side of this is that she will ‘talk’ to you. It is the same noises but done quietly and with different inflection of tone. She will, of course, happily bark on command of ‘Speak’ in most occasions.
It is best to keep in mind that both breeds she is are barkers. Aurora is lucky enough not to have a sharp yipping bark but rather a fuller less high pitched bark that many Pomeranians have. If someone in the home is very sensitive to noise, Aurora will not be a good fit. If it is someone who has a tolerance for barking and is willing to continue to work with her (as most dogs for the entirety of their lives), then she could be a satisfying fit. For someone who is used to barking dogs and isn’t overly offended by noise but will correct her as well, she could be a great fit. Aurora will not be a good fit for someone who doesn’t care at all about barking and is lazy or unwilling to keep up her training. This was an OCD habit most likely derived to get attention and though it may not seem like it, it is an expression of pain. Just like any dog, with continued patience and practice her barking will continue to improve and perhaps make it down to ‘Average’ at a score of 3.
Swimming – Average (3)
Aurora CAN swim, she just doesn’t enjoy it well enough. Like every dog, if her new home has a pool, she should be brought in a couple of times a year to make sure she remembers where the steps/stairs/ledge is to be able to get out. It is important that she is aware of where she can and cannot get out fully and safely. Not all ledges are high enough for a small dog to get on to get out. If the owner has an above ground pool, she should never be left alone with a way to get in nor should any dog. Aurora is a strong enough swimmer to do what needs to be done but probably won’t go in of her own volition.
Toys –
Aurora is not overly in to toys. She has never shown much interest in plushies, ropes, balls, or even squeaky toys. Even so, she should have access to a chew bone (such as a small breed Nylabone) or be given small breed greenies to help her from getting more tater on her teeth then she already has.
Known Commands:
Sit, Wait, On, Off, Back, Swim, Play, Drop, Come(here), Eat, Drink, Leave It, No(when needed), Yes, Go, Stay, Go Potty, Crate (got to bed), Down, Go Poop, Quiet, Take, Give, Stop, Enough, Give Space, Up, Get Out Of That, Go Do Something With Yourself, Give Space, Back Off, No Ma’am, Couch, Play, I’m Gonna Gitcha, Thank You, “Where’s the ‘Rora’s’…..’There she is’” (Hide and Seek game)
Commands Working On:
None Currently
Other Notes:
Aurora is generally a good dog with an Upbeat personality. She does like people and other animals. She is not anti-social and will warm up to people and/or animals given the right amount time, exposure, and motivation (such as a high reward treat for difficult persons). Aurora is a sweet girl who really loves attention and wants to be a big part in someone’s world. Like a Poodle, she will most likely attach herself heavily to one person and be friendly with everyone else.
Aurora tolerates Grooming well, but she has had one or two bad experiences. One resulted in the scar she has on her neck/shoulder area. She did not have a good experience at Petsmart once so she has from then on preferred PETCO. It’s advised she either go to a PETCO for grooming or a trusted and patient Private Groomer or Salon. She is a little sensitive around her face and like most dogs she is not a fan of getting her nails trimmed. Aurora has never bitten a Groomer despite having bad experiences.
Thought she would be considered an ‘older dog’ amongst most people, it is an incorrect assumption for small dogs. Small dogs tend to have longer lifespans and smaller ‘mutts’ even longer. She is of two breeds, that unless falling to a serious illness or congenital defect (usually amongst purebreds), she may live well into her upper teens. On some occasions these types of dogs can break into the early 20’s. Someone adopting Aurora should understand that they are taking a dog with most likely a long life ahead of her and should assume that she could easily have around 8 to 10 years of life left. With good care and love Aurora will make a great pet, especially to a lonely person, and bring joy and happiness to her owner.