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Duchess

Hello, I’m Duchess. I’m one of those labbies with a story to tell. But first the basics. I am about 6 years old, housebroken, crate trained, good with dogs, spayed, and I have all of my vaccinations. Please continue to read my story - I am hoping that someone will want me no matter what my story is!

I came to LRR from a local shelter. The shelter got a call one day to go to the house that I lived in. My family had packed up everything and left me, they abandoned me. I was in the house alone, no food, no water, no way to get help. Thank goodness that someone realized I was there and called the shelter.

No one knows for sure how long I was in the house alone. But I was thin, scared, and the house was a mess - if you know what I mean. Obviously I wasn’t an important part of the family or they wouldn’t have left me behind.

Notice my photos, I have scars on my face and body. My teeth are worn down - the vet says it looks like I was chewing on something a lot, like a rope or something to get away. My eyes and my face are very sad - I just don’t know what I’m going to do.

I spent about a month at the shelter, and no one came for me. I was scared, and after what I had been through I was not about to trust just anybody that walked up to my cage. Needless to say, no one wanted me, so LRR came and looked at me. The nice LRR people talked to me, and petted me. They didn’t care that I was shaking and scared or that I had scars. They just kept telling me it would be okay. So, I left with them and went to my first foster home.

I visited the vets office. I got my vaccinations, I was spayed, and I got checked out really good. The vet says that I am healthy, but I had a hard life. She says that I could be 5-6 yrs old, not as young as the shelter thought.

During my stay in my foster home, I have been able to play with other dogs - thats fun! But then, I have to come inside and be with the people. They keep wanting to pet me, I just don’t trust anyone yet. I let them pet me though - it makes them feel good. I surely don’t want to get attached to them either, suppose they pack up and leave me?? I can’t handle that again-once was enough!!

Well, my foster Mom calls me Dutchie…she talks all happy and tries to get me excited. I like to sit at a distance and listen to her talk, she talks to me all the time - almost like she has nothing else to do. Then she brings me treats - they taste so good! But I am NOT ready to let her think I like it here.

Anyway, my foster parents never put me in the crate. They said I am perfect - I don’t get into things, I never have accidents. And I sleep all night on this nice big soft dog bed - WOW- its great!

I am starting to let them think I like it here sometimes. I bark at them when its time to eat - they seem to forget what time it is some days - they are 10 or 15 minutes late feeding us. Well, we can’t have that, I have to keep them on a schedule. My foster brothers love it when I remind everyone that it’s time for food - we all get so excited. It’s important to let my foster parents know that I can be a happy girl.

What do I need…are you asking that question yet? I need a good stable home. I need for someone to be willing to give me time, love and patience. I am a good girl, I won’t be any trouble, I am just not going to trust you right off. You’ll need to prove yourself. I am NOT a pushover nor am I ready to give my heart away to just anybody.

Well, I moved to my second foster home the other day - this lady is funny. She throws toys for me, its fun - and when she doesn’t throw them fast enough I bark at her–she thinks I’m cute. My foster sister helps me play the game. I don’t want her to think this is too much fun though, so I have to keep my distance. I know I am not staying her forever, so I don’t want to get too attached.

Please, I don’t want to be homeless forever, won’t you help to make my eyes happy again.

MY UPDATE - 6/30/08: Where are all of those great people that I have been waiting for? I keep asking my foster families that question. Because I am READY for a new home and I have happy eyes now!!

I have come out of my shell, I am loving life. I am still a calm sweet, well behaved girl, but now my foster families know that I’m happy. I love to talk to them and climb in bed with them. Gosh, snuggling is a fun thing to do - I wish I had known about it before! I am even playing with toys more. Most foster parents said that I will make someone a great companion.

Be sure to see my new photos. And please remember that I am looking for my forever home…I’m ready!!