Time for an update on Clare! She's been doing so well and is such a good girl, I guess I just have to reiterate on what's already been written about her.
We're taking our walks pretty regularly and I have noticed the more comfortable she is with me, the better she is at meeting other dogs. She's still curious and pulls like a train, but shows no agressive behavior. I just keep a tighter, closer hold and it's just easier to control her that way. She really likes people, pets and attention.
We did have an incident with the latest storm. I wasn't aware that our rain was going to include thunder and lightening so I left for a few hours and hurried back when I saw it was starting to thunder, and then the lightening. Clare had tried to get 'out', so my front door took a beating and the trim on one side was torn off. It was my fault, I know she has storm anxiety, and should really not be left alone, and frankly kenneling doesn't work either. I feel she could hurt herself.
So, my suggestion for Clare's new family would ideally include one or more 'stay at home' parents because she is nervous during storms, but if she has someone with her she is easy to handle, she just wants to be close. As for the pulling, she may benefit from an obedience class. It seems to help when they are able to be around other dogs exhibiting good behavior, but it is totally controllable.
I have never had a perfect dog. There are counter surfers, loners, garbage divers, barkers, diggers and the list goes on and on. Clare has so very few issues. If her new family can love her during storms, and control her for the very few times she pulls - hard - she can be a very sweet and easy to take care of companion.
See, I get along swell with Charlie and Coop - waiting for our treats
This is how I handle storms.... Thunder shirt (Coop got one too)
And this.... ;)
Isn't she a beauty? If you would like to meet Clare, please contact your placement adviser.