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posted:
Aug. 27, 2011
Trudy
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Trudy is a very young (no more than 2 yrs of age), blind, black and white female malamute who is looking for a new home. Trudy was picked up as a stray and being blind, she is emaciated and needs to gain 20 pounds or more. Trudy is a very tall girl and stands at least 26" or more at the shoulder.
This is what the shelter had to say about this lovely her:
"Trudy is blind but is still an outgoing, inquisitive dog. Trudy is very expressive and a real character. She quickly figures out new surroundings and is not phased with mild bumping of objects while she's figuring out her new space. Once comfortable, she loves to run in circles on a tether - she butt-tucks and tears around like a puppy. She will need some leash training to over come her pacing and running laps in a circle on leash.
While she is nervous meeting new people if they approach quickly, she warms easily. She would likely be spooked by running around and noise of small children and would prefer a home with teens or adults. Trudy is both curious and wary when she senses other dogs at a distance.
Trudy is wary upon first meeting with new people. Loves liver treats as an ice-breaker. Has not snapped at at anyone while at the shelter but does a head flip with a growly woo if a new person approaches too quickly and makes her nervous. She does not growl if you take toys or food away. Trudy is a talker and Woo Woo's around people that she knows!"
Trudy was visited by a few AMHL volunteers who reported the following:
"Upon meeting Trudy for the first time, she immediately jumped away and I'm sure it was because I was a stranger she never met (smelt) before and she could smell another dog on me I was petting a few moments before. When I put a liver treat in her mouth, then I got far more attention from her, including lots of sniffs and a few kisses!
I found Trudy to be extremely sweet and affectionate. After providing treats, she accepted hugs, lots of petting, and lots of touching without jumping away. She very willingly walks into you to lean for that malamute-hug and seems to love the affection. Trudy knows the "Sit" command and combines it with a lifting of her paw. When I asked Trudy to "Sit", she very quickly sat and lifted her paw. I moved my hand under her paw so she could feel it and she left her paw resting on my hand while she took her treat. She did this a few times and also takes treats in a surprisingly gentle manner.
Trudy seems to be very young, but not at all mouthy like a puppy, and she is very much in need of stimulation and careful exercise as she is very thin and bony from being a stray. She is taller than standard by 4 inches or more and once she fills out from regular meals, will be a beautiful and impressive girl!
I watched Trudy on leash perform her laps in circles, just like a horse on a lunge line, and I suspect that she may have spent most of her young life on a stake out, as this is the typical pattern that you see. She also does not pull when doing her laps and appeared to be very sensitive to the give and take of the leash, so I expect she will respond fairly quickly to leash training and quickly learn to walk in a straight line when asked. When excited, on or off leash in a securely fenced in yard, she may always run in circles around her owner before coming in to get hugs and give kisses.
Blind dogs do very well but will require patience and time to adjust to a new home. Trudy's first few weeks in a new home should be quiet with no welcome crowds and she should be allowed to get to know her new owners (and their scents) at her own pace. She seems like a willing learner and will make an exceptional companion!"
New home recommendations by the shelter:
1. Older teens or adults who understand that she needs time to warm up to strangers.
2. In an experienced home Turdy would do well with a tolerant male dog and slow introductions.
3. Liver treats help a lot!
If you are interested in Trudy, please please complete an application to adopt a malamute from the AMHL at:
http://www.malamuterescue.com/rescuedb/app/adoptapp.php
Question regarding Trudy can be sent to Ontario@malamuterescue.com
Given that it is impossible to predict with complete accuracy how any dog will react in a given situation, especially without complete knowledge of its life experiences. The AMHL urges the adopter to exercise caution in introducing the dog to new situations until the dog has become fully adjusted to its new environment, and the adopter has had an opportunity to become familiar with the dog's unique personality. All contractual obligations concerning this dog will be between the shelter and the adopter.
Given that it is impossible to predict with complete accuracy how any dog will react in a given situation, without completeknowledge of its life experiences, the AMHL urges the adopter to exercise caution in introducing the dog tonew situations until the dog has become fully adjusted to its new environment and the adopter has had an opportunity to become familiar with the dog's unique personality.