Ophelia

My story

Ophelia - 1 yr, 41 lbs, Plott Hound Mix, Spayed  Our Team Says: Ophelia needs a home outside of the city. Can't handle a living in the city: burbs and beyond for this girl!  This dog is eligible to join our foster-to-adopt program. Please email fostertoadopt@socialteesnyc.org with the animal’s name in the subject line if you are interested! Want to straight up adopt? Submit an adoption application at socialteesnyc.org. Thier Foster Parent Says: "Ophelia is an absolute darling. She wags her tail and kisses anyone who stops to show her love. She adores people and will make the rounds of a gathering saying hi to everybody looking for pets, but she’s not demanding or needy. She’s happy to spend the day snoozing in a spot where she can also look out the window. If I’m too active outside, she leaves me to go back indoors. She definitely had some trauma in the past - she had a pretty strong reaction when I pulled out the broom to sweep the porch and had the same response to a paint roller. She’s scared of new things, and if she’s really scared she runs back upstairs to her safe space (her bed in my room) but most of the time she’s brave and will crouch low and carefully sniff it out. So far we have gotten in the car and spent the day in my office with people coming in and out, spent a weekend with a house-full of guests, and gone a hike in the forest, and she’s handled them all very well. She’s more of an indoor dog right now, will go outside and pee and then want to go back inside, but that seems to be changing as she spends more time outside. She has discovered that there are streams outside so that seems to motivate her. She will jump in and lie down in the water with joy (maybe some retriever in her). She needs to learn basic commands (does not sit or come) and will steal any food left out within reach, but other than that is pretty much a perfect, easy-going dog." Level of dog ownership experience needed:INTERMEDIATE: This dog will need significant structure and plenty of daily exercise, training, and mental stimulation – 90 consecutive minutes of movement in the morning plus potty break walks and brain games throughout the day. The adopter must have relevant primary care experience with a similar breed, temperament, and/or energy level. (Primary care experience includes ownership, fostering, or dog sitting as an adult, not a dog you grew up with.) MEDIUM: Needs a daily 60-90 minute walk or window of quick paced exercise (minimum) in addition to potty break strolls (10-30 min each). Also needs significant socializing opportunities outside the home and mental stimulation at home like tricks training practice, chew items, and puzzle toys. (This is regardless of dog size – many small breeds were designed for lots of activity and will exhibit unwanted behavior when they’re understimulated.)  Cuddle Bug Level Low -- Independent, mostly keeps to himself (may be because he's still brand new or shy, this could change) More into pets than snuggles.  Potty TrainedYes -- Few or no accidents A few accidents when scared, but otherwise very well trained.  Comfy with strangers? Yep -- Wants to be friends with everyone who walks by, super social butterfly, loves anyone who will stop to say hello. A little wary of tall, +/- 60 yr old men with loud voices (the only 2 ppl she’s been hesitant with have been my loud dad (age 75) and a tall 60 yr old neighbor, but even with them, after a little gentle coaxing she’s been happy to meet them)  Comfortable with Children? (ALWAYS requires supervision) Yes for all ages -- very gentle, low energy, tolerant, not mouthy Good around children. Was playing with another dog at a party, and was very careful of the 1.5 yr old standing on her own. Likes to give kisses, which the kids don’t like but is otherwise gentle  Social with Other Dogs? Yes -- Good with all other dogs (sizes, breeds, etc.) as far as we know and enjoys socializing with other canines Respectful of Other Animals? (cats, small pets, etc.)Hasn’t met any yet Mouthy Behavior? Medium – Is respectful of hands, feet, etc. but does like to chew on things it’s not supposed to like shoes, furniture, etc.  Leash Manners? Getting the Hang of it – Probably hasn’t been on a leash much in its life but he/she is figuring it out. Might be a mild puller but responds to correction. Doesn’t really like the leash, doesn’t want it put on, will avoid a walk rather than have a leash put on, I have to take her out of the house without a leash and then put it on once she’s decided she likes being outside. Hates the bright red leash she came with, didn’t love the 15 foot retractable. Just bought a 30 foot retractable which is much better.  Okay in the city? NO - she is a out of city girl!!  Happy as a clam in the country (loves the forest & fields & rivers)  Jumping on People to Say Hi? Medium – Jumps up only on people the dog knows when really excited. Stops with correction.  Separation Anxiety? (Please be sure to leave your foster dog home alone every single day for at least 20 minutes.) Low – Completely fine being left home alone. Doesn’t cry or do anything shitty when you leave the apartment or house.  Crate training? Not at all – Don’t even have one, I’ve puppy proofed and we free range. She has a safe space in the corner of my bedroom though, which she does need for whenever she gets scared of new things  Medical statusHealthy as far as we know. Up to date on their DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccines; heartworm negative; spayed/neutered; microchipped; treated with dewormer upon intake How this dog ended up with Social Tees:Most of our dogs come via partner groups who help us save them from shelters where they are at risk of euthanasia in Tennessee, Puerto Rico or Southern California. There are very few spay/neuter resources there and many more animals in those areas than there are people to adopt them. Rescue groups like ours bring them to the northeast where the desire for pets like these allows us to save their lives.  PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee any breed mix, exact age, or full grown size (if the dog is under a year old). We do our best with very educated guesses though!  This animal is not at the Social Tees office, all are in foster homes. LEARN MORE ABOUT US: socialteesnyc.org and Instagram @socialteesnyc ##2370457##

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Ophelia, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.