Newest foster dog

[HollyHamster]

As some of you may know, I help my mother foster dogs. On Saturday, during an adoption event, we acquired our latest foster dog, a female brown and white papillion named Sophia.

She was kept in a tiny cage, as a breeder at a puppy mill, for 8 years. She was recently surrendered by her "owner", aka the person who ran the puppy mill. We have reason to think this was a man as she has great trouble warming up to men, but an easier time warming up to women.

Anyways, she smells awful, as she hasn't been bathed in who knows how long. Her fur terribly matted, and her nails are so very long. She also is very shy and nervous about being in our home. When Mom went to pick her up to take her outside, Sophia snapped at her hands.

This wasn't as bad as it sounds as Sophia has only half of her lower jaw and can't bite very well. It was, apparently, a birth defect from poor breeding and such.

Today, she began to wag her tail when I talked to her and allows us to pick her up, thanks to Dad taking it upon himself, in his usual stubborn fashion, to make her warm up to him quickly. He had her curled up next to him on the couch yesterday.

We are going to let her settle in a little more and then clean her up and trim her claws. We are taking it nice and slow, so she feels comfortable and not threatened as possible.

[shiny]

Oh poor baby so glad she is getting some tlc from you guys

[Laurenxxx]

It so sad when people do this to dogs. Glad that the little mite has a loving hme just now. I would love to see some pics once she's a bit more settled xx

[petal10]

Oh that is sad And makes you wonder about her jaw. Glad she found a good home with you!

[HollyHamster]

So we took Sophia to the vet and she has some sort of neurological problem with the spine that causes pain. The vet took X-rays to get a better look, but couldn't come up with a definitive answer that would explain anything. She did send us home with some anti-inflammatory medicine and some heavy duty pain killers and Sophia has perked up after only a couple doses.

I gave her a good bath tonight and brushed her out. She wasn't as matted as we thought she was. I bet she feels better after all that flea dirt (and the fleas who made them) were washed out. I know I feel better after a good hot shower sometimes.

Anyways, I'll post a picture of her tomorrow sometime.

[pinkneon]

Oh poor thing What kind of dog is she? Sounds like her and your dad are gonna be firm friends

[pinkneon]

Oh sorry you did say what sort of dog!