Nellie

My story

Hi, I'm Nellie... and I'm learning that love is real. A Tiny Girl With a Big Heart My name is Nellie, and I'm about five years old. I came to the Freedom Squad from San Diego Humane Society, and while nobody knows exactly what my life looked like before rescue, it's clear that not every chapter of my story was a kind one. I'm only about 15 pounds, but my foster mom says every single pound of me is packed full of sweetness. I don't have a mean bone in my body. In fact, I'm so gentle that when someone reaches to pet me or pick me up, I still freeze and squat down low. It's my way of trying to stay safe. Whatever happened before I arrived, I'm slowly learning that not all humans are scary and that some people actually want to love me. Learning How To Be a Dog When I first arrived, I wasn't quite sure how life worked. For the first couple of weeks, I wouldn't come when called, and foster mom usually had to come get me. Routines were confusing. Treats were confusing. Being loved was confusing. But then something amazing happened. I started watching the other dogs. They showed me where to go, what to do, and that good things happen in a safe home. Because of that, I would love a forever home with another friendly dog to help guide me and continue building my confidence. Now I'm learning all kinds of things! I love sunbathing in the yard, I love snacks, and I've even started getting the zoomies and playing with my foster siblings. Watching me discover joy has been one of the sweetest things my foster family has ever seen. The Gentle Soul I'm not the life of the party, and that's okay. Right now, my favorite things are my house, my yard, my dog friends, and my people. Big adventures and busy social outings aren't really my thing yet. I like quiet moments, soft blankets, warm sunshine, and knowing I'm safe. Once I trust you, I become the sweetest cuddle bug. I absolutely love being close to my people and soaking up all the affection I can get. It just takes me a little time to believe that you're not going anywhere. I also love spa days and baths. There's something about being clean and cozy that makes me feel extra special. Foster Update Well I am four weeks inn, and my personality is starting to shine! I love my foster siblings, and they are so much fun to play with!! So I did this little thing where I pulled out the security cameras and carried them around the house my foster mom was trying to get me and tell me no but whateves! Then there are the DVD’s who actually watches those anymore!! I was just trying to help her get rid of them. I love zoomies and Ill snack on a turd occasionally. Oh well they look like chocolate treats!! Loving this new love really has me excited! Home Sweet Home I'm still learning potty training, so my future family will need patience and consistency while I continue figuring everything out. I've come a long way in just one month, and I'm proving every day that I'm worth the extra time. I don't mind a crate, but because I was so timid when I first arrived, my foster family focused more on helping me feel safe before introducing structure. Confidence comes before everything else for a girl like me. When meeting other dogs, I can sometimes be curious and get a little close to their faces because I'm still learning social skills. The good news is that I take corrections well and listen when another dog tells me to give them space. Little Spaces & Cozy Places For such a little girl, I have some pretty funny habits. One day, my foster mom couldn't find me anywhere. After searching around the house, she discovered I had crawled right into a box of diapers and fallen asleep. Apparently, tiny spaces make me feel safe and cozy. There's just something comforting about being tucked into a little spot all my own. I also have a serious love affair with giant dog beds. Foster mom has these huge fluffy Muddy beds, and I sink right into them like a marshmallow. If you can't find me, there's a good chance I'm curled up in one of those beds dreaming about snacks. Speaking of snacks, bamboo bones are one of my favorite things ever. Give me a comfy bed, a bamboo bone to chew on, and a sunny spot to nap, and I am one happy little girl. The truth is, I'm a simple girl. I don't need much to be happy—just comfort, kindness, a few dog friends, and people who love me for exactly who I am. Built a Little Different, Loved a Whole Lot Right now, I don't show any signs of underlying medical issues, which is wonderful news. I do have a unique little build. My back legs are slightly longer, and I'm very compact through my body. Because of that, my foster family believes in being proactive with my mobility and comfort as I age. Things like chiropractic care, laser therapy, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding excessive jumping may help keep me feeling my best for years to come. Truthfully, though, I'm not much of a daredevil. I'm a gentle little soul who prefers cuddles over chaos. My foster family treats me like the delicate little flower I am, and honestly, I don't mind that one bit. My Forever Wish What I want most isn't complicated. I want a family who understands that healing isn't measured in days. I want a home with another kind dog who can show me the ropes. I want people who will celebrate the little victories—like the first time I run to greet them, the first time I ask for a cuddle, or the first time I finally realize that I'm home. Because once I know you're my safe place, I will love you with my whole heart. I've already come so far in such a short time. A month ago, I wasn't sure what treats were. I wasn't sure people could be trusted. I wasn't sure where I belonged. Now I'm learning. Learning that soft beds are wonderful. Learning that cuddles are safe. Learning that friends can be forever. If you're looking for a loud, outgoing dog, that isn't me. But if you're looking for a sweet, gentle soul who will quietly steal your heart and remind you every day that healing is possible, then I just might be your girl. I promise, if you give me patience and love, you won't regret it. Love, Nellie Nellie is vaccinated, microchipped, and spay! She is being fostered in Mesa, AZ and her adoption donation fee is $1100.00. You can apply for her at freedomfrenchierescue.org

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