Josie

Josie is a sweet dog with soulful eyes. She just needs a forever parent with patience, and a mentor dog or two, who will teach her this new way of life. Josie is learning what being in a family is like and seems to enjoy it, but she carries the scars of years of not living normally. She wants to please and is trying so hard to get over her fears. She has come a long way but is still fearful of doors opening, people talking loudly and blankets that might go over her head. People wearing hats make her fearful too. She loves her foster dad, but when he puts on a hat she runs away from him.

She loves to play with her sibling dogs, Maize and Blue Jay. They run around the yard and play tag! She loves the energy of Blue Jay as he is younger, but also the older play of 3-year-old Maize as well. Seems to accept cats.

Josie has learned to go up and down stairs and is quite good at it now! She loves to follow the pack upstairs to bed at night, but sometimes will venture downstairs alone during the night to sleep independently. She does not ask to go out in the middle of the night. When morning comes, she finds her way upstairs to wake up the humans for breakfast! She discovered that one way to awaken foster mom in the morning is to sidle up next to the bed and give her a lick right on the face!

She loves pets, affection and treats, and accepts brushing and even bathing; separate paw washing scares her a bit. She never knew about human food before, but in the morning foster mom makes this thing called “toast” and when she shares a bite, it’s like heaven!

This girl loves to chew. Her favorite toys are stuffed animals. However, foster mom got new snuffle balls that hide treats, and lick mats; she thinks those are pretty awesome too. Sometimes Josie reminds her sibling dog friends to keep away from a stuffie she’s “owning” at the moment. She likes to steal inanimate objects like remote controls, boxes, socks and even rocks from outside. She can be destructive with toys and the inanimate objects that come within her reach so needs that extra watchful eye from a parent. She’s interested in digging outside too. She has learned “drop it” and “leave it.” She also comes immediately when called. And she’s not a dog who jumps or counter surfs! Getting accustomed to taking walks is a work in progress.

Due to her limitations, Josie requires someone who does not expect the “normal” golden experience from her. Love Josie for who she is, not for what she can offer you in other words. In return, she will learn to trust you and offer her affection.