Poppy is a 2 year old, about 70lb Goldendoodle that is very bonded with Tulip, so they will be placed as a pair. They were rescued from an Amish breeder/puppy mill, that was going to have the dogs euthanized if they did not go to rescue. They were very fearful of people and have come so far with the GRRAND volunteers who have been working with them everyday! They absolutely MUST go to a home with a securely above ground fenced yard and no kids under the age of 10.
They need people who can help build their confidence as the girls learn to trust... we are so happy to report they are in an amazing foster home... here is their very FULL and INFORMATIVE report:
"Overview -- They are doing so well! We had them with us for 10 days before having to bring them back to the kennel for 10 days while we were on vacation. I picked them up on Monday morning, and when they got to our house they recognized the yard and immediately resumed their/our routine. Their first 10 days were spent decompressing, in large part, and learning that humans are nice (we have daughters who just finished 4th and 6th grade, and some of their friends have visited), and that house and neighborhood noises are okay (ice maker, dishwasher, garage door, garbage disposal, blender, people coming and going, walking around upstairs). They still startle easily and retreat, but repeated exposures and assurances are helping. They have the den to themselves as a safe spot, and gates are up at bedtime and when we are not at home. They didn't try to leave the den much at first (possibly due to my little dog who lurks under kitchen stools), and while they have become more curious now that they're back, they are definitely still more cautious than adventurous. (Of note: the den is almost empty (no soft furniture), and they are always supervised around rugs, softas, and other household items.) They are quickly redirected (mostly outside trying to eat poop!, or when nuzzling/nipping at my clothes when excited) with a clap and a firm "no".
They love being outside, running around, relaxing under big bushes, wrestling, and chewing Nylabones. We were told at the kennel that they will eat tennis balls and soft items like plush toys and towels, so those are off limits. They have spent their entire lives together; they are frequently touching when at rest and often move in unison. It is very sweet. They do move around the yard and the house independently of one another, and are doing so more frequently.
Potty-training -- Potty-training is a work in progress but definitely moving in the right direction.
Energy/activity -- They are about to turn 18 months old, so still puppies, but not rambunctious or high-energy. They like to play-wrestle together, but are respectful and absolutely submissive / deferential to our other 2 dogs. I have not walked them yet, but believe they'll learn quickly together and will be focused and won't pull. They nap and chill out frequently throughout the day. They are not crate-trained, but there is an XL crate in the den with the door open, so they're at least visually accustomed to it.
With people -- They are learning to trust people. Poppy is quicker to come forward and will offer first a paw while seated (if you are at her level)... then a seated hug... then a gentle standing hug. (I have been trying to break her of the standing hug, but it's really darn cute, and it's also a show of her trust; I do correct her when she jumps up out of excitement, though.) Tulip is more reserved but will come to a new person usually after Poppy has done so. At this point, Poppy is comfortable with my husband and daughters, but Tulip still seeks me out most of the time. My mom came to visit and they adjusted to her very quickly. They have both been gentle and totally non-aggressive with my daughters and their friends. I am able to remove Nylabones from them and adjust their food bowls. They are treat and food motivated.
No bad habits, my gosh! Basically a blank slate, with the understanding that they went from a cramped crate at a puppy mill, to a clean & fairly regimented living situation at the kennel; everything inside a home / house is new to them. As someone who has sworn off puppies and potty-training and all of that!, I feel like they're the perfect pair of pups -- smart and physically mature but malleable with virtually no negative behaviors to correct. They will need a family who will be consistent with what's off-limits in their home, and who will be patient with these girls as they continue to learn to trust people. (They have already come so far, though!!)"
If you feel you are the right family for these bonded girls, please fill out an app at GRRAND.org
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