Scarlet

INTRO As told by Scarlet

 If you’re looking for a low-key, sweet and easy-to-care-for dog, you’ve just struck gold!

I’m a bit playful, very loving and as foster mom says, I’m “… not a speed queen by any stretch!” Only time I might get a move on is when I’m motivated by a squirrel or if Ernie (my furry foster brother) bounds ahead and I want to see what’s going on.

It was just in November that I was rescued by As Good as Gold. Foster mom feels that it’s remarkable how much progress I’ve made in a few months’ time. I’m a retired breeder, so acclimating to a house and family has been a learning opportunity. As with other retired breeders, I was fearful when I arrived at my foster home, and a bit hesitant mingling with humans. But now I happily join them wherever they might be. When I see mom crouch down and gaze my way, I come right over to her for scratching and petting. When everyone relaxes in the living room, I curl up in my dog bed right near them. Sure, if there are loud sounds or super-quick movements I might flinch, but I don’t cower or run for cover.

When I learn something new, I’m so proud! After conquering the stairs, I was so impressed with myself that I scrambled up and down them just for the thrill of my new feat!

I’ve learned some ways of the world from Ernie. Sometimes I’ll play bow to him, but I don’t last long. I usually decide it’s naptime pretty quickly. We get along just fine though. I’m a bit curious about other dogs when we encounter them during our walks, but we simply check each other out and then I’m ready to move on.

I very much like meeting people during our walks. I slow down when I think someone will come over and pet me or give me a nice scratch. Children are special people! Seeing them head my way is pure joy! Foster mom admires me for walking right alongside her at her same speed. (I think I get scratch points for that!)

OK, so sometimes when foster mom asks me to do things and I would prefer other options, I play the avoidance game. I might be snoozin’ and don’t want to go outside! Or maybe I’m in the middle of a sniffing investigation outdoors and don’t want to come in! The backyard is a great place. Investigating the yard is a worthy pastime, especially when foster mom is spending time out there too.

I bark at what I feel are appropriate situations: I bark to come back into the house or to gain attention if I can’t get to something I need or want. I don’t bark when I see people and dogs passing on the street or during our walks. Foster mom says, “There’s not an aggressive bone her body.”

Housetraining is not to perfection — yet. I understand when foster mom says, “Go potty outside!”

In fact, I’m actually successful at being able to “go” when given “the word” to do so! The recent frigid weather gives me pause though, so sometimes I don’t quite get things done out there.

Having my foster family has made me feel so loved and enthusiastic about life. Foster mom says, “Some lucky family will adore her for her affectionate, happy nature and her adorable face.” And I must add this request: Please be a family with lots of love and scratches to give.

HEALTH

 Initial health screening with an AGaG vet showed normal blood test results. An ear infection was addressed and is healed. Spay surgery, a dental cleaning and tooth extraction was completed.

BEHAVIOR

• Knows “come,” but no other commands
• Doesn’t pull on leash, does not counter surf and has no guarding issues