Mabel

ADOPTION PENDING

INTRO As told by Mabel

 Waking up in the morning with my foster family close by gives me a thrill as I quickly realize it means another day of enjoying time with them!

And food! The prospect of food on the way is awesome! I can barely contain myself as I watch meal preparation. And though excited to eat, Mom’s impressed that I do a polite little sit when the food arrives. There’s also lick mat time and chew bone time — I’m such a lucky girl!

I feel like I was born to bring love, comfort and smiles to as many people as possible, and people seem to love me back! I’m known as a “Golden Greet Rockstar“ with As Good as Gold as I accompany my foster parents to many AGaG events. These engagements have helped me become more comfortable in new environments as I interact more with humans. It’s become quite evident in the past month or so that I’m confident enough to express my true self to those around me.

I’ve enjoyed the school-age children I’ve met as well. I’m very gentle and love their attention. Recently I met a toddler who happened to be a bit unpredictable, so I stepped away and opted out, which foster mom indicated was good behavior.

My life was quite different until March of this year, when I retired from breeding. Joining a family and living in a house was a big change from my first three years. Not to mention disconcerting. New experiences such as doors, new spaces and loud noises made me especially fearful at first. Fireworks and thunder still frighten me. Sometimes new situations frighten me too, yet I’ve learned to trust foster mom and dad and follow their lead in new circumstances.

Automobiles aren’t quite so daunting now either! Somehow I got over my motion sickness and learned to settle. I’m OK going for rides now, especially since I know I’ll be with my humans. I prefer lying in the backseat cuddled up in my bed. My foster parents’ SUV is high in the back, so they lift me in. I’ve become so cooperative that I now stand and wait for my boost! Please try not to leave me in the car though, as I will likely drool heavily in disapproval.

The second mode of transportation I know, walking, has also improved. I wasn’t very good at loose-leash walking and heeling at first, but now I look forward to the harness being put on. I’m known to heel nicely as I realize my cooperation means an activity with my humans!

One of my favorite times of the day is the quiet of the evenings with my foster parents. It’s comforting when I know my human pack is present and accounted for. These special moments often bring petting and my all-time favorite: belly rubs! Sometimes I fall asleep while having my tummy massaged.

When my foster family has to leave me at home, I stay in my bed, which is my safe space. I never liked the crate, but I’ll contently stay behind the gates they provide and take the time to relax. That is after I take the toys out of my toy box and spread them all over the room. I also might rearrange any shoes or socks in the area.

When my family returns, I welcome them with exuberant wiggles and rolls, and the only way to slow me down is with a belly rub. Foster mom has noticed that since I’ve gotten more comfortable in my environment, I’ve chosen to jump on them in greeting! So now they’ve started working with me to cease the jumping.

If you’re looking for a gentle and sweet golden to brighten your mornings, be your buddy during the day and bring you peace and contentment in the evenings, I just might be your girl!

BEHAVIOR

 Initially Mabel chewed on inappropriate items like blankets and socks. Lick mats seem to negate her urge to chew these things.

• Cautiously greets and sniffs dogs she meets. Lives cooperatively with her two furry foster siblings, though her true love is for humans.
• Mabel is a recent graduate of a beginners training course. She knows sit, come, up, leave it, go potty. Working on down.
• Hasn’t counter surfed, but since foster mom noted a look of “anticipation” on Mabel’s face at one point, she keeps things out of her reach.

FOREVER FAMILY: BEST FIT

 Since Mabel is not a fan of being alone, having someone who is home most of the time would work best.

• Her ideal family will understand what a treasure Mabel is (in the words of her loving foster mom) and be fully aware of and willing to help her with her challenges.
• Mabel is not fond of sharing attention with other dogs; this is why being the only dog in the home would suit her best.

 HEALTH

 CBD given before storms and fireworks