Ellie

Pet's Name: Ellie

Dog: Primary Breed: German Shepherd Dog

Birthdate (an estimate is okay): April 2009

Age Category: Senior

Where did you get your pet?: A family friend who had to move away.

Was this pet ever in a shelter, rescue, or foster program? If yes, please provide details.: Not sure, but as far back as two owners ago they theorize her trust issues stem from being rescued from abuse

Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.): August 2024

Gender: Female

Size (at full-grown): Medium

Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only): 33

Primary Color: Black

What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: Ellie loves going outside for walks so she can sniff anything and everything. She has the best time at the beach, meeting other dogs too.

Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: No

What commands does your dog know?: Sit (with hand gesture)

How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: She's good as long as Eevee is there. She mostly curls up in bed.

Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: She has peed on herself when I yYelling causes her to shake or urinate, even when it isn't directed at her. She doesn't like kids when they are playing with some kind of ball.. Random wildlife, like bunnies, have scared her.

Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?: She goes out to potty 2x a day, or more if she didn't have a BM yet. After the walk, she eats, being free fed a half portion and the remaining given 30 min after. At some point in the afternoon, she likes long walks.

Medical History and Care:

Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?: Her eyes are starting with fade with age. She also had a benign lump on her left side that the vet monitors.

Has your dog ever been diagnosed with or treated for any of the following? (Please check all that apply, even if your dog has fully recovered. This helps us provide the best support for future families.):

Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.: No, she is very timid.

How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : We try to groom her at home regularly for her shedding, and bath every month. In between baths, she is also bathed and fully groomed at a groomer.

Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?: Only dental chews daily. We have been meaning to get professional cleaning from vet, but she hasn't yet.

Personality:

How is your dog with other dogs?: Neutral: Doesn't mind other dogs but doesn't seek them out.

How is your dog with cats?: Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.

What's the most endearing thing about your dog?: When she gets to know you, she gets very affectionate without licking (which we like). She is also never aggressive.

What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: She needs a very caring and patient family. She doesn't know many tricks but over time she slowly learned to sit. As timid as she is at first, she becomes stubborn easily, so a consistent routine is good for her and eases anxiety. I hope the adoptive family will be able to keep Eevee as well.

Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: The family should be able to bring her out a lot, and not let her lay around all day. Previous family said she's an "indoor dog", but once she got with our family going to parks and the beach, she became a whole new dog.

Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Schedule, No Time

Details about rehoming reason (if needed): Most of the care is done by the mother of the house. But now that kids have started many activities and husband has deployed multiple times, caring for the dogs as well has put a strain on her health. We care for the dogs and want them to go to a family that is able to give them the attention they want and need.

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?: Town & Country Animal Hospital (Bonita, CA)

What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: She eats Freshpet, currently eating the "Home Cooked Chicken Recipe" flavor. We chop up her servings smaller than the pellets and feed her a half portion 30 mins apart from the rest. This is all to prevent her from eating too fast and throwing up. She has many slow feed bowls but they didn't work as well as chopping up the food. We also at beef or chicken flavored dry meal toppers. She likes the Stella & Chewy's ones crumbled into her meals. She is pretty picky with treats, and isn't fond of sweet flavors.

Do you currently have pet insurance?: No

Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:

City, State: Chula Vista, CA

Zip Code: 91913

How did you hear about us?: Other

Service Level: Senior Placement: Full Support for Older Pets