Oakley

Must haves for Oakley: mentor dog and fenced-in yard

Since February I’ve been living in a house with a lady, who seems really nice; her teen-age daughters, who I don’t know well yet; and two dogs. I have a nice back yard; food and water are given to me every day. I have my very own bed, toys—and a pool!  Deep inside I really want to be an active part of this foster family. Every day I observe, and I learn, and I inch closer to engaging more and more. Learning to trust humans is a struggle for me, but I’m thinking it might be a worthwhile undertaking!

My progression has been slow, but that’s cause my testing method takes time. When I first moved here, I was given a bed in foster mom’s room. That room and bed became my “safe space” right away. That’s still my safe space, but after watching my canine foster siblings, Willow and Murphy, lounge in the living room, I now do too! That was a big step for me! If I get startled by something, I head back to my safe spot, but hey, it’s progress!

Watching my furry siblings, I learned right away too that they do their business in the backyard. Foster mom is proud of me for taking care of things out there. I follow my siblings outside, but coming back in on my own has been a work in progress. Initially I wouldn’t come back in unless foster mom and her daughters were far away from the door. I’ve progressed to coming back in when mom calls me as long as she doesn’t look at or engage with me. It’s just my way.

Being outdoors running and playing with Willow and Murphy and toys and a pool has been a blast! (I even stick my face in the water!) I didn’t know life could be so much fun! Now when I wake up in the morning, I wag my tail, and bop mom with my nose (oops, sorry, mom) to let her know it’s time again to play outdoors! What a thrill! Foster mom told me that at some point I’m going to be great fun and that I have a lot of spunk in me. (I don’t understand those words, but her tone was “smiley.”)

A few additional things you might like to know:

• I accept having a collar and leash put on, but don’t walk further than the house next door yet.
• I’m okay riding in the car.
• I’ve never barked, nipped, or growled. I’m actually a pretty laid-back girl when I’m not scared of something.
• Treats, especially human food treats, are pretty tasty. I was extremely hesitant to take treats at first, but when I saw Murphy and Willow were doing it, I figured there might be something good going on here!

Foster mom says I’m a sweetheart. She added that if I could be matched with a forever family who would be patient with me, we’d all find ourselves to be forever blissful.