Venus
Border Collie Mix | Female | 7 months Old | 49 Lbs
QUICK FACTS: ✔️ Good with other dogs! ✔️ Good in car! ✔️ Walks well on a leash! ❌ No young kids! ❌ Needs to live with another dog!
Venus found her forever Valentines on 2/13/2023!
Updates
VIDEOS
Venus at daycare: https://youtu.be/HKA9juN7DQ4
Venus and her foster brother playing: https://youtu.be/vlGmJmIrop8
Venus and her foster brother walking in the snow: https://youtube.com/shorts/Jc4uhjO0COk?feature=share
PUPDATE #3
Venus now has a big (foster) brother who she absolutely ADORES. She immediately bonded with him and essentially became his shadow. It’s non-stop play with these two! In addition to finally having a playmate, Venus also looks to her brother for reassurance and as a role model. When meeting new humans now, Venus will follow her brother’s (very gregarious) lead and engage with them much more readily. She’s even started licking other people’s hands. (This is a huge milestone for her!) The transformation of Venus from a timid and anxious puppy to a much more balanced, playful one is so wonderful to see. Having a canine companion really brings out the best in her. All that’s missing now is a forever pack!
Venus was recently diagnosed with urinary incontinence, but her condition is completely under control with medication. A monthly cost of $20-30 should be expected as long as she continues requiring medication.
PUPDATE #2
Venus has really started to blossom in the last few weeks. She’s obviously very smart and an incredibly quick learner. She’s fully leash trained. She will sit and wait before crossing the street until she gets her release signal (“ok”). I use the same signal combo (sit/wait/ok) in other situations too, like before we exit the house or before I put her food bowl down. It works so well for her.
While still cautious around anything or anyone new, Venus has made significant strides in becoming more confident. It’s clear that she just needs time and a leader to look to. If there is another dog around, she takes to them immediately and will trail after them to play. Venus continues to love daycare, where there are plenty of friends to engage with. The staff at her daycare mentioned that she was sometimes hard to “catch” when I pick her up since she’s so busy playing!
When I crate Venus before leaving for work, she still gets her anti-anxiety meds, though we’ve already reduced the dosage by half at this point. Separation anxiety is still present but should continue to decrease with time and (crate) exposure. I think a big component in hastening this along would be another dog to keep Venus company.
Venus is such a devoted, sweet-tempered dog who deserves a loving forever pack!
PUPDATE #1
Venus gets up at 7am, goes potty, and eats her breakfast. After some cuddles, we go outside for the first of two 30-minute walks. Depending on the day, Venus is then crated while I work, though never more than 3-4 hrs. at one time. She's let out for her lunch, potty, and more playtime. If I have to leave the house again, Venus is crated for the duration. Before turning in at night, Venus gets her second 30-minute walk and dinner. After one last evening potty, Venus usually goes into her crate voluntarily to settle down for the night. She's a great sleeper and will only request to be let out once she hears the alarm clock the next morning.
Venus was found alone, roaming a backcountry road as a stray. As a result, she's still very wary of (and timid around) humans, sometimes even those she's met before. Her trust is not given lightly; it needs to be earned. Once she feels safe with you, she's INCREDIBLY sweet and loving. All she wants is belly rubs and treats!
Venus has had no exposure to children.
Despite her timid nature, Venus is still very young, so she has some energetic bursts interspersed with naps. Venus already walks quite well on a leash considering she's only a puppy without a lot of training in this area. When out walking, Venus is great at establishing eye contact with me when requested. She's also learning to sit and wait before crossing the street.
Unfortunately, Venus doesn't currently have a doggie companion in my household. However, twice a week she goes to doggie daycare, which she absolutely LOVES. She already enjoys the car ride over and gets excited when she sees her “driving” harness. At daycare Venus will play with anyone that is willing to engage with her, big or small. She really thrives in an environment where she has the safety of a pack. She's able to let go of any fears and can just be the joyful, energetic, and social puppy she truly is inside.
When meeting other dogs outside of daycare, Venus is still interested but much calmer overall. She will gauge the situation carefully before initiating play. If she gets a positive response, then she's all in!
Venus has had no exposure to cats.
When put in her crate, Venus can get very anxious and vocal. She's also had some accidents (pee). To help calm her anxiety and help her settle, Venus gets a (very small) dose of anti-anxiety meds when I leave for work. For shorter stints in the crate (1 hour or less), Venus does not get medication. She also doesn't get (or need) any medication when being crated for the night.
Venus needs a canine companion to share her life with. Another dog is the anchor that helps her settle and feel safe. They will act as a role model for her as she continues to work on building trust with humans. Ideally, the other dog should also still be young enough to keep up with her puppy energy.