Nela

INTRODUCTION As told by Nela

Hi! My name is Nela. I am a retired breeder who is trying to wrap my tail around a new style of living.

I’ll bet you probably don’t know too many Nelas, do you? It means “marked by joy or pleasure” (and I know that has to be true because someone read it to me on the Internet). If you had met me when I was first relinquished to As Good as Gold, however, you probably would have thought my name was Shyly (which is an actual Indian name that means “timid”). No way did I live up to my given name. I found the changes I was facing scary and overwhelming.

But that was then and this is now. I am leaning into my name and learning to find pleasure and create joy wherever I go.

Learning is the key word here. My new life as part of a family and in a house is so very different from anything I have ever experienced. My foster mom and dad have been amazingly patient and generous as they teach me so many new things. And my foster brothers and sister (yep, I live with three other dogs AND a cat!) provide me with hints and clues that help me unlock the mysteries of this new-fangled lifestyle. So, it would be really helpful if my furever family is tolerant and includes another dog (or two) who will help me continue my education.

Mom suspects I have never lived in a house before. She says that if I could, I’d stay out in the yard all day long. That might not be bad, except that I have been known to search the yard for ways to escape. And sometimes, especially at the beginning, I wouldn’t come in when mom or dad wanted me to. Over the past few months, this has been improving. In fact, I never give them trouble about coming in in the morning (because that’s when I get my daily Greenie, which is a dental chew that I absolutely love) or in the evening (because who wants to be out in the scary dark all by herself?). But sometimes, during the day, I might play my old games. And it really is a game for me! When mom calls me, I might run up one set of stairs as if I’m going to come in, but then turn on a dime and race down another set of stairs, away from the house. I find it hilarious, but Mom and Dad? Not so much.

Still, I am quickly learning that being inside offers a lot of perks that I never had before. I’m safe and warm and I have companions when I want them. And I can always find a hand to nudge when I want to be petted (which is basically all the time).

My energy level is medium-low; however, as I get more comfortable with my new life, I may become more energetic. I do enjoy running with my foster siblings when I am outside. But overall, mom says I am pretty chill right now. My favorite places to be are by her feet when she works on the computer or snuggled between the sofa and the coffee table.

Foster mom and dad tell me I am beautiful. But they also know that I will benefit most from someone who will be patient and understanding. Would you the one who will help me complete my transition from Shyly to Nela?

I hope so. Let’s talk.

BEHAVIOR

• Needs to learn commands
• Needs more practice on the leash
• Unknown how Nela would interact with children
• Shy but warming up
• Needs help getting into a car but rides well

HEALTH

• In good health