Jenny (aka Sassy)

I just thought I would give you a quick update on Jenny. She joined our family a year ago when she was about 6 months old. Her first few days with us were quite mellow as she was still recovering from being spayed. After she was feeling better, she quickly learned her housetraining and enjoyed playing with our kids, who were 2 and 3 at the time.

Although she is an extremely loving dog, she is very timid of anyone who is not part of her family. We believe this is due to her lack of socialization at the start of her life. We got some private, one-on one training for her to help her overcome her fears of everything unfamiliar. She has made great strides and is truly a wonderful pet and companion.

She is well loved and we are so glad that she is a part of our family.We were a bit surprised at Jenny's change of personality once we got her home too, but considering her terrible early experiences, it was quite understandable. She has really come a long way since we first brought her home. Even though we got her some private training, she will never be an outgoing, trusting dog with unfamiliar people, but when she is with her family and in her comfort zone, she is the most loving, affectionate, happy dog. She walks great on a leash, although she doesn't need one as she never leaves our side. When we first took her to the off-leash areas, she was very nervous of all the other people and dogs, but she is becoming more and more confident each time we go, and will even let strangers come within 5 feet of her. (This is a HUGE improvement. She used to run in the bush when a stranger would approach, and come out only after they had passed us). When I first started taking her for walks, the street traffic would stress her out, and anyone approaching on the sidewalk would send her into a panic. She is still very cautious of others while on our walks, but will not bolt off the sidewalk and take all of the leash to avoid them now. Small steps, but they all add up.

She is quite funny with her treats too. It has only been in the last few months that she does not go and stash them somewhere as soon as she gets them. She has been known to keep/play with a milk bone treat for 2 days before eating it. She will smell it and lick it, and savor it for a good day before deciding to eat it. She's smart as a whip too. I can ask her to go find her "treat", "biscuit" or "pig's ear" and she will know exactly which one I'm asking for, and go retrieve it from her one of her many hiding spots!

She really is quick learner and is very eager to please. I am hoping to get her involved in agility training or flyball in a year or two, if I can find the time. I'm sure she will really enjoy it, and I think it will help her a lot with her socialization.

We have a cat also, and they play chase all the time. LOL The cat pretends to not like it, but half the time she will start the fun. My sister has a little Yorkie/Pom cross, and they are the best of friends, so she gets to play frequently with another dog too :-)

Listen to me..... going on an on like a new Mom! LOL We all love her very much and couldn't imagine our family without her. I would also like to say "thank you" for working so hard for such a wonderful rescue organization. I have told everyone I know about SCARS and encourage them to adopt from you folks. Sincerely, Stephanie.