Bella

Pet's Name: Bella

Dog: Primary Breed: Other, not listed

Primary Breed (if not in list): Saluki Mix

Birthdate (an estimate is okay): January 12, 2019

Age Category: Adult

Where did you get your pet?: I got her through a fellow Navy officer who had rescued several puppies from Bahrain and brought them back to her mother's farm in South Carolina. She posted them for adoption on a FB ad and I drove up to see them!

Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.): January 15, 2020

Gender: Female

Size (at full-grown): Medium

Weight (in pounds, at full-grown size): 63

Primary Color: Black

What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: Bella loves to run around -- she will do laps around the yard! She is very athletic and I have taken her on runs and hikes with me often. She enjoys playing with her cat brothers small cat toys and LOVES to chew on her bones. Sometimes she will pull all of her toys out of her basket and just lay in them, which is strange but very cute at the same time.

Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: Yes

What commands does your dog know?: Sit, stay, down (lay down), give me paw, up, will come when her name is called

How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: Bella is perfectly fine being a lone for periods of 6 to 8 hours at most.

Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: When another dog exhibiting high energy comes at her or when any human who she is not comfortable with comes at her too quickly.

Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?: I feed her once in the morning and once in the evening and typically walk her at least once a day for 30 minutes due to us having a small yard.

Medical History and Care:

Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?: Her only health issue is that she occasionally gets seasonal allergies when the pollen is bad! She will get very itchy and start losing some of the hair around her eyes and paws.

Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.: She is a very fearful girl, scared of loud noises, she used to be scared to even walk next to a car, and for some reason is scared of the vacuum as well. She gets along well with her two cat brothers and typically gets along well with her fellow dog sister. However, she does exhibit signed of food based aggression. This behavior led to her and our other dog getting into a fight. Neither of them required medical attention and no one was home to witness the event. The other time that she bit a dog was recorded via a treat feeder camera and at the time we had friends staying with us who had an older black lab that was not fond of Bella. Bella was barking at the mailman (she hates doorbells) and the other dog jumped on top of her from the couch. Bella was acually the one that required medical attention from this incident. Additionally, there have been two instances in which Bella bit humans. The first time was when my niece, who was 4 at the time, was visiting for a holiday and running around the house in circles. Well, she ran right past Bella between a doorway and scared her. Bella gave her a warning nibble on the arm which did not break skin but did leave a mark and a bruise. The second instance was at a BBQ party outdoors. I tried to sequester Bella and myself to a quiet corner, since she doesn't love a crowd. However, when the host of the party came over to greet me I stood up from my lawn chair and gave her a hug. As I was hugging her Bella bit her knee which tore through her jeans and did puncture her skin. She did not require any stitches or medical attention and was understanding and kind about the sitatuion.

How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : I brush her every so often, but more often when she is going through a shedding phase. I would say I try to do it at least weekly. As for her nails probably every 6ish months.

Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?: She has not had a professional cleaning. We prefer to do the chews because she is not a fan of having fingers in her mouth.

Personality:

How is your dog with other dogs?: Selective: Gets along with some dogs but not others.

How is your dog with cats?: Neutral: Doesn't mind cats but doesn't interact much with them.

What's the most endearing thing about your dog?: She is so SMART and has so much potential. If she had the right tools and training and resources I know she would excel. She really just aims to please. Her most endearing quality is that she is not a night person. Once 8pm hits she turns into a pumpkin and it is time for bed.

What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: I want someone preferably with no small children and hopefully very mild, calm other dogs if they have other dogs. Bella does very well with smaller breeds of dogs and would love to have a playful companion that she gets along with. She can just be very selective in that regard.

Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: I keep saying it, but it is so true that Bella is a pleaser and protector of those she loves.

Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Military Move

Details about rehoming reason (if needed): I got Bella with my ex husband and at the time the dynamic worked. However, I am active duty Navy and about to move to Japan for two years. I am also now at a time in my life where I really want children and I am so nervous to have a small child around Bella. I fear I would grow resentful of her and not offer her the attention or needs that she deserves in a home.

If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :

How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?: Not an option, my pet will stay with me for as long as it takes

Who is your veterinarian?: VCA Brentwood Animal Hospital

What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: Purina Pro Plan

Do you currently have pet insurance?: Yes

Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:

City, State: Portsmouth, VA

Zip Code: 23704

How did you hear about us?: Google Search

Service Level: Specialized Service (Inactive)