Bella

A VERY HAPPY ENDING (OCTOBER 2018)

Bella is a 2yrs old Golden Retriever who had the usual vet checks in Ireland and, having obtained her Pet Passport, was transported to the UK where she went into foster with Chris and Yvonne.

It came as no surprise to anyone when they decided to adopt her and everyone is delighted for them to have adopted such a gorgeous girl. We are sure their dear Sandy has been watching over them and, with the other dog angels at Rainbow Bridge, had a huge paw in the three of them all coming together. 

PERSONALITY

Yvonne says she is very quiet around the house and, although she is cautious and nervous of new experiences, she is slowly coming around to different things.

She is more timid than confident but is not withdrawn or shut down. She can be fearful and anxious but is also alert and inquisitive,  playful and happy. She is not really boisterous and energetic like a lot of dogs of her age but is more inclined to be calm and laid back.  

It is still early days but, already, they are seeing her improve and come out of herself slowly. A little at a time as she starts to learn to trust.

 HEALTH

There are no obvious signs of a heart murmur even after an hour of walking. I would rate skin and bladder 4/5 otherwise she is in good health.

SOCIAL LEARNING

She is a very quiet dog around the house. She is not interested in toys and not motivated by food but she is eating ok. Although cautious about new experiences, she will go outside on her own and is happy to snooze on the patio.

TRAVEL:  She seems to be reasonably happy and content travelling in a vehicle.

HOUSETRAINING: Bella is house trained. She is drinking plenty of water but she doesn’t spend much time having a wee. What goes in doesn’t seem to come out!

BASIC TRAINING: She seems to have had very little basic training.

LEADWALKING and RECALL: She seems not to have been walked on a lead before and was all over the place at first so she walks best with a slip lead. We know she could do much better and is already getting better.

Recall is very selective. Bella comes when she is ready providing there is nothing better.

RESOURCE GUARDING: Bella shows no evidence of resource guarding.

SEPARATION ANXIETY: She shows no major signs of separation anxiety

ADULTS: Bella is very friendly with adults

CHILDREN: She has not been tested with children whilst in foster

DOGS: She is very friendly with other dogs.

CATS:  She has not been tested with cats whilst in foster

CHICKENS:  Bella is interested in a nice way with the chickens. When out, she is easily distracted by squirrels, deer, dogs etc.

BELLA’S DREAM HOME

Bella is looking for a fairly quiet home either with another dog or with people that are home most of the time. She needs people who will give her good food and stimulating exercise and who are happy to continue her basic training using gentle reward-based methods.

She is a lovely girl who deserves only the best of everything.