Holly has settled into foster life beautifully and has quickly shown us what a truly lovely little dog she is. She is affectionate, gentle and very people-orientated, a typical Maltese girl who likes to be close to her humans and will happily follow you from room to room just to keep you company.
Arriving to us as from a Stray Service we work with, means we don’t have any background information on Holly, but we have thoroughly assessed her and can share the follwing information which will help us find her perfect home.
At home, Holly is a dream. She is clean in the house, sleeps soundly through the night, travels quietly and calmly in the car, and is unfazed by traffic on urban walks. She goes to the door when she needs to go out, hardly barks indoors, and is relaxed and welcoming with visitors. She enjoys her food, has gained some much-needed weight in foster care, and is now close to her ideal condition. She doesn’t beg at the table, but like most dogs, she certainly appreciates a tasty treat!
Holly loves attention and affection but isn’t interested in toys or balls, she much prefers cuddles and companionship. She has also been very tolerant of handling, including having her teeth cleaned, which is always a bonus.
Holly is currently living happily with her foster companion, a female Daschund, and the two get along well, even enjoying the occasional gentle play. She can live with another calm, amenable dog, but introductions do need to be handled with care as Holly can be cautious, when first meeting other dogs. Initial greetings may include a growl or grumble, but once she has had time to assess the situation and gets to know a dog, she settles and accepts them well. She has shown this consistently with repeat walks and familiar dogs.
Out and about, Holly does need some ongoing support, she is very alert to other dogs and has lead based reactivity even from a distance however, offlead she has a much better experience and more accepting of other dogs, as we have found in the secure dog park we use, so this is something that will need patient, positive socialisation and calm handling from her new family. We believe Holly will benefit from adopters who understand dog behaviour and are willing to continue her training gently and consistently.
Holly is also frightened of fireworks and sudden loud bangs, so a home prepared to manage this sensitively would be essential.
We don’t feel that Holly would be very accepting of a resident cat, and we are currently unable to cat test her.
Holly is a sweet, affectionate little soul who will make a devoted companion. She is best suited to a calm, understanding home where she can feel safe, continue building confidence, and enjoy being someone’s much-loved shadow.
If you feel you could offer 6 year old Holly the patient, loving home she deserves, please complete an application form.
