Ollie

Hello World,

My name is Ollie and I am a gorgeous black and white pup, about 20 pounds and three years old who is a very handsome and plucky boy. I love to go for walks, am good in the car and very smart. I’m also a bit of what my Aunties call ‘a diamond in the rough.’ Let me explain.

I was living in a shelter with lots of other dogs in my ‘cage’ and I was scared. I was lucky enough to be rescued and got to live in an amazing foster home where I was part of everything that was going on. I liked that a lot – and I liked playing with my doggy foster sister and brother.

I had, however, developed a few ‘not so social’ behaviors with new people, though, so I got signed up for something called ‘training.’ Now I am living with a wonderful couple (she’s a ‘dog trainer’) have several foster brothers and sisters from whom I can learn and a foster Dad who likes to cuddle. (He says I’m the one who likes to cuddle but I tell him it takes two to cuddle!)

My trainer says that when you have earned my trust I become an affectionate cuddlebug who loves to sit on your lap and be with you. I am not, however, a pushover. When someone new comes over they inevitably want to pet me because I’m so cute and expressive. That doesn’t work for me. I don’t like that kind of attention when I don’t know you — and that means I react fearfully. If we can spend time together and get to know one another, that’s an entirely different situation. After we become buddies you will see the cuddly, loving side of me because we are then friends.

Dad says I’m just great on a leash and even better in the car! I just LOVE to ride in the car! I’m crate trained and working on learning commands. Because I’m smart I can learn them quickly. On the other hand I need lots of reinforcement.

My trainer says I don’t yet have a lot of ‘tools in my tool box’. As a result I am working with her to learn new ways to cope and not be reactive. She is helping me to become more confident and to make better choices. She (and I) hope I can find someone who is willing to get to know me slowly and work with her until I can then go to my forever home. Since my trainer is located in the desert, ideally I would like to meet someone who also lives in the desert and can visit with me to build trust before I get adopted.

My Ideal Home Must Have:
— A patient and dog savvy person or couple
— No children
— Other small pups, especially a female, would be nice
— Someone who lives in the desert

That’s a bit of a tall order but I believe there is someone out there who has faith in my ability to adapt and is willing to manage me and help me be successful. Then I can transition from being a diamond in the rough to being a happy, confident pup.

So if you are looking for a pup who is playful, energetic, a bit barky and reactive —while also smart and willing to learn, let’s start a conversation. With time and patience I am hoping to become the pup I was meant to be.

Tails wags and cuddles,

Optimistic and potentially Omazing Ollie