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Story
Meet Olive! ❤️
Olive’s journey to us is a pretty special one. She and her friend Dottie were rescued from a dog-hoarding situation and brought to safety by Best Friends Animal Society in Utah. From there, they were transferred to LAWS from a high-volume animal shelter near Las Vegas and placed into loving foster homes where they could finally begin to experience the comfort, patience, and security they deserve. Now, Olive is ready for the next chapter of her story, a forever home of her very own.
Hi, I’m Olive! I’m estimated to be about 5 or 6 years old, and I’m slowly discovering that the world isn’t quite as scary as I once thought.
When I first arrived, car rides turned me into a furry little statue. I would sit completely still and hope no one noticed me. Now I occasionally stick my head out the window and let my ears flap in the breeze! I’m not ready to call myself a professional road-trip dog, but I’m definitely making progress.
When I moved into my current foster home, for several days, I wouldn’t let anyone come near me or pet me. Now my foster can pick me up and snuggle me, for a short time. Please understand that I love love; I just prefer it without the squeezing, hugging, and excessive cuddling. Think gentle pets, encouraging words, and a good belly rub. I enjoy lying on the couch near my people, but I don’t necessarily need to lie on top of them. I’m an independent lady with boundaries!
I’m learning how to play and sometimes get a case of the zoomies. When I’m really excited, I perform a special routine that includes a few deer jumps, a spin, and an attempt to catch my own tail. Tickets to the show are currently free!
I would love a smaller dog companion or possibly an older puppy, who enjoys playing but will be patient while I learn. Sometimes my dog mom, Dottie, reassures me that I’m a good girl, but I especially love hearing it from kind humans. Once I trust someone, I look to that person for safety and guidance. I’m very eager to please, but I still worry that I’m in trouble when I’m not. Loud noises and raised voices can cause me to cower and arch my back, even if no one is speaking to me. Thunder and fireworks don’t seem to bother me much, though. Apparently, I have a very specific list of concerns!
Mealtime also requires a little encouragement. I need reminders about which dinner bowl is mine and reassurance that it’s okay to eat from it. I may have gotten in trouble for choosing the wrong bowl in my former life. Snacks, however, are much less confusing. I understand snacks perfectly!
I like having my kennel as a safe retreat, but I also enjoy having a dog bed near the humans. I can manage the outdoor stairs leading to the deck, but indoor stairs are still suspicious and should not be trusted. I currently refuse to go up or down them.
I’m getting better on a leash and have started exploring instead of hiding behind my humans. I stay close to my home and people, but I shouldn’t be trusted off leash just yet. I recently discovered rabbits and squirrels, and those speedy little creatures can make my listening skills temporarily disappear.
I don’t know how I feel about cats because I may not have met any yet. I would prefer a home without children, although calm, older kids who won’t make loud noises, squeeze me, or chase me for hugs might be okay.
As I become more comfortable with the world, I may even enjoy agility classes. I already have the deer jumps and spinning portions mastered! What I need most is a quiet, patient forever family that will celebrate every brave step, remind me that I’m safe, and tell me often that I’m a very good girl.
I’m still building my confidence, but I know I can keep doing great things, especially with a forever family that believes in me while I learn to believe in myself. ❤️
**Olive is believed to be Chihuahua/Beagle mix based on her appearance and characteristics. Breed identification is an estimate only, as no DNA testing has been performed to confirm her breed mix.
