Lovely lady Queensland Heeler mix, 9 years old, impeccable manners, excellent cuddling skills seeks a home to retire in. Not picky; will share with dogs, cats, kids, and the occassional chicken or rabbit. Must haves; copious amounts of love, nap time, leisurely walks, and a special human or two for devoted companionship.
The amazing Dottie, along with recently featured Buddy, are the two longest stay dogs at TLAC right now. They're very different dogs with two things in common...the unfair duration of their shelter stay and the special place they hold in the hearts of everyone who knows them. Dottie ended up at the shelter through an assistance agency after her former owner either passed away or became indigent and unable to care for her. Dottie was obviously well cared for and very loved in her former home. I'm sure it would break her person's heart if she knew that her sweet dog had ended up at the shelter.
As mentioned in her personal ad, Dottie gets along well with EVERYONE! She's a regular at the APA! trail site where she recently met a very shy, slightly socially awkward dog named Coconut. The adorable (and now happily adopted) Coconut was there to brush up on his social skills and Dottie took him under her wing immediately. Within minutes, she had Coconut looking happier and more playful than we'd ever seen him. She has that effect on everyone she meets. Dottie holds her own with the younger, rambunctious pups at the trail site and shows them a thing or two about what good manners look like. She's playful and spunky but she has the calm self-assurance that makes older dogs such a treasure.
On a recent sleepover at a TLAC volunteer's home, Dottie had an opportunity to relax while showing off what a wonderful, easy companion she is to have. She's potty trained (of course), rides beautifully in a car, has excellent manners in the house, and not only is she good with cats, when confronted with a rather territorial hissing feline resident, she simply walked away. Dottie also got plenty of snuggling time in during her sleepover which is hands down one of her favorite pastimes.
No dog belongs in a shelter, but seeing an older dog like Dottie there just seems especially heartbreaking. It makes many of us with furry family members imagine what it would be like for our own life-long pets to end up in such a scary place. They wouldn't understand why they'd lost their families and traded in a warm bed for a concrete floor. But Dottie's story doesn't have to be so tragic. She's available for adoption which means all it takes for a happy ending is for someone to come along who appreciates the many benefits of adopting an older dog and sees what a fantastic girl Dottie is. The person (or people) who gives Dottie her happy ending will be forever lucky to have such a special dog in their life.
