Ava (20260915-05)

My story

Ava was rescued in the south of M?rida from a family who abused and killed animals for fun. When she was brought to the shelter, she was only 7 months old, covered in fleas and had no hair due to a really bad case of mange. The staff couldn't tell what colour she was at first but after she received treatment and started recovering her beautiful coat started to grow back. As she started to recover, she started to gain confidence and her true personality flourished. Ava is an absolute doll, and although a bit shy at first, she warms up to new people quickly. She is so happy and curious about the world, and her tail rarely stops wagging. She adores her people, running over to greet the people she loves and soaking in all the attention she can get. She gets along well with other dogs and tends to stay away from drama. Ava's behaviour is strongly influenced by how familiar and secure she feels in her environment. When she first arrived at her current location, she was shy, particularly with unfamiliar people. She tended to avoid being approached or handled unless she had already developed considerable trust. As she adapted to the environment and became familiar with her caregivers, a very different side of her personality emerged. She is now highly affectionate and actively seeks human interaction. She follows familiar caregivers, approaches them for attention, stands on her hind legs to ask for contact, and will lean into them almost as if she is giving a hug. This initial adjustment period is important to consider when Ava travels. After a long journey, arrival in a new country, and another major environmental change, she may initially present more like the shy and cautious dog observed when she first arrived in her current setting. Her current behavior, however, shows what can be expected as she begins to feel safe and develops trust. Ava is social with other dogs. When she was first introduced to unfamiliar dogs, she could initially bark or briefly chase them while becoming acquainted. These interactions appeared energetic rather than conflict-seeking. After having an opportunity to investigate and become familiar with the other dog, she generally interacted without difficulty. She is interested in food and may try to take food when the opportunity arises, but she responds to redirection and does not show food aggression toward people. Structured feeding and individual feeding spaces are recommended during her transition. Ava's adjustment in her current environment provides useful information about what her future caregivers may see after adoption: she may need patience and space initially, particularly following travel, but once she feels secure, she has demonstrated a strong capacity to build trust and become an affectionate, socially engaged dog. Medical Notes: Medical: Treated for Ehrlichia and anaplasmosis Good with men: Yes, she has had positive interactions with male caregivers and the male veterinarian Good with women: Yes Good with kids: Yes, older children recommended as her interactions with kids has been limited Good with other dogs: Yes Good with cats: Unknown House trained: Unknown, she has never been in a house before; however, in the area that she is currently living in, there is an interior and exterior area and she knows to go to the bathroom outside on the gravel, versus on the tiled area where she sleeps. House training will be required when she is introduced into a home environment. Crate trained: No Energy Level: Medium Can be handled/touched: Yes, she did well for her grooming and vet examination and enjoys being pet by people she knows Barker: Occasionally, she joins in when other dogs start barking around her Flight risk: No, but after a long and stressful travel day from Mexico and being introduced to an entirely new environment, with new people and nothing being familiar she will be quite nervous and may try to run. Extra precautions should be taken to ensure she cannot escape a home or vehicle while she settles in. Food aggressive: No, she tries to steal other dogs' food but responds well Walks on leash: In progress, currently walks fairly slowly on a leash but is improving Leash reactive to people or dogs: No Rides well in car: Yes, she has had limited experience in a car, but the times she has been in a car she has been okay Destructive: No known destructive behaviours Needs a home with a yard: Preferred Needs a home with another dog: Could benefit from another confident dog but not a requirement Can live in an apartment: Yes, provided she receives regular exercise and enrichment Please visit our website niagaradogrescue.com to learn more about this amazing pet and to see other available dogs.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Ava (20260915-05), please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.