GIVING ROSIE A SECOND LIFE

Meet Rosie, a 16 pound, 3 year old Scottie who has the makings of a wonderful little companion. Due to her previous life in a cage, Rosie's behavior is just a a bit unusual as she seems to have no interest in things like squirrels or cats or toys. She is fearful of life out of a cage and runs from hiding spot to hiding spot throughout the house. To this point we have seen no response on her part to anything we say. I am pretty sure her hearing is fine, but she just doesn't seem to pay attention to anything we say, even her name. Part of that is just from being a Scottie, and part may be from her being a bit overwhelmed in a totally new environment. She has shown some jealousy when other dogs approach us in her presence.

Rosie was undernourished with a case of tapeworms, a problem that exaggerated the size of her head in proportion to the rest of her body. She now seems to show a lot of excitement about meals and is not a picky eater. With proper exercise and nutrition she will fill out to a proper 20 pound Scottie. Rosie is not completely housebroken and we are working on getting her to let us know when she needs to go out.

Last week Rosie went to the veterinarian for a general examination and received all the necessary vaccinations. In early December, after she has had an opportunity to put on some weight, she will be spayed and have her teeth cleaned. She should be available for adoption soon after that.

After watching Rosie interact with our own dogs, we are developing the opinion that she would probably fit best with a family that has no other dogs and are familiar with the Scottie personality. We believe the adoptive family will have to spend considerable time training her as she did not develop the behavior of a normal Scottie in her early life. She is a charming little dog that is truly in need of a constant, life-long companion.