Arriving at Surrey-based Dhana Metta Rescue Society as a terrified and untrusting pup, pretty Fergie, thought to be a mix of Jack Russell Terrier and Chihuahua, sure has come a long way.
“When we met Fergie six months ago, she was scared of everything except other dogs,” say staff. “Three months ago she went to live with a foster mom, and we’ve seen her blossom into a loving and obedient pup who wants to impress her humans. Everyone who's had the pleasure of meeting her has commented how sweet she is, and how well behaved she is.”
Now, Fergie is looking for something slightly more permanent – but would settle for a new foster home, if necessary, as her current foster folks must deal with a family emergency. Would-be fosters and adopters, however, should note that this two-to-three-year-old beauty isn’t a dog for a first-time owner.
“If her training and routine is not kept up, she will revert back into the scared dog she was when she arrived,” says the rescue society. “She is not a candidate for off-leash hiking, because if something spooks her, she will bolt. And, while she likes most people, she is more cautious when meeting men and children. If they go slow and bend their knees, and let her say hello on her time, she will accept their pets. But it would be best for her to be in a home without children.”
Though she’s never lived with one, Fergie does get along famously with other dogs. Cats don’t interest her much. She’s been living in a condo and doing fine – no barking in her crate and, as long as she gets lots of exercise (a long walk daily, flights of stairs to run up, some running around a closed-in play area, daily training sessions, etc.), she seems content.
“She’s energetic and inquisitive and so eager to please,” say staff. “She’s a great companion – she’ll be your shadow – but not a lapdog. Being food-motivated, she has been easy to train, and now knows about 10 words/commands. She loves to run and jump, and if she could get over being distracted by every interesting thing happening around her, she’d likely be good at agility. She walks well on a leash, is completely house-trained, and is quick to learn where her bed is. For Fergie, a routine is key to keeping her confidence up.”
• More details on Fergie can be found at dhanamettarescuesociety.org.
