Molly - ADOPTED!

[aande]

Molly is a seven year old labradoodle, 55 pounds of sweet disposition. I have not heard a bark or whine even grooming her face. That fur you see is soft and wavy, cream colored with apricot highlights. She likes pets especially between the eyes. She loves other dogs and is a little shy of loud noises and strangers but she improves every day. She has no bad habits or accidentals. She likes long walks and takes care of business promptly. Needs your TLC!

[a_lopez]

I'm interested in learning more about Molly. Application is submitted.
Do you know how she is with kids? With strangers, does "shy" mean that she hides, or does she challenge them?

[aande]

Hi Lopez family,

I have let the coordinator know of your interest.

[Maureen]

Hi, I'm interested in Molly and am wondering if I can speak with the foster parent. The application is complete and I have set up a home visit, BUT I STILL DON'T KNOW A DARN THING ABOUT MOLLY! Can someone please call me? I am only interested in adopting Molly and will not be taking a different dog. Thanks, Maureen

[Foster]

Maureen - Molly has a sister that will be coming so don't worry if she gets adopted before you get your home visit. Molly is a great girl but will need someone who is patient with her as she is very shy. Who can blame her? She lived in a cafe for 7 years and was forced to mate. She doesn't even know her name!

[Maureen]

So, Molly isn't even in the area yet? There is no rush, but that explains why I can't speak with anyone about her. Thank you for your reply. I thought she was living in a local foster. Thanks again, Maureen

[Foster]

Molly is living in a local foster home in the Evanston area. She has a sister that is still in Missouri, but will be coming to us in the next couple of weeks. Have you submitted an adoption application? That is the first step in being able to speak with a foster home. Thanks!

[linareva]

Would Molly be good with other labs? We have a 5-6 yr old girl that would LOVE a playmate and Molly seems just too perfect for our Ginny Weasley.

[Maureen]

Yes, I filled out an application on March 27th. The home visit was scheduled for Thursday but I never heard a word from the foster so I cancelled it because it seemed like a shame to waste everybody's time if Molly wasn't even available. I already have a mill rescue so it was very important to me to find out what Molly is like as I certainly have to consider my own dogs feeling when adding to the family. The more tender the heart, the more carefully one needs to nurture it.

Poodles and poodle mixes are just about as sensitive as dogs can get so they need a much more gentle touch when training or you will never see their full potential. You really need to set up training so they can succeed and please. It just crushes them to fail you so I try and avoid that always. Mill dogs are a special challenge as they have experienced nothing but fear or indifference and you have to understand that they sometimes adore you quietly and unlike a normal dog. Time, love and positive reinforcement are key and always end training on a success and let them know how well they have done. And if training isn't going well - nobody's perfect - just let it go for a bit and try again later or the next day. By and by you will get what you want out of a dog as long as you don't lose your patience. They have to think that quitting is your idea, not theirs or you will teach them that being stubborn works. But every dog is different and I factor that into our work.

Maureen