Weds 28th June: The small and the shy

 There were two adoptions at our Kennedy Town Centre today, one being no surprise as it was another of the very gorgeous "B" puppies, this time Bliss.  Now only Bella is left, but she also has a family who want to adopt so I think we can close the file on this particular litter. We assume they're not going to be bigger than medium sized as adults, and that's another reason why they're so popular.

Bliss leaving KT

Jude has grown a lot in confidence  

The second adoption was less expected, so doubly happy as a result.  Jude also came to us as a small sized puppy, but one of the more timid types.  In fact his (possible) brother Josh is now staying at the Lamma Home for Small Dogs because he wasn't getting any better in terms of his confidence at the Kennedy Town Centre, and moving him to a quiet environment has made a huge difference to his life.  Josh can now play happily with the other dogs in the house and garden without the scary (to him) visitors and volunteers trying to get him to change.  I'm sure he will calm down as he matures, but for now he feels secure in his Lamma hideaway.

Going back to Jude, although he started off being as shy as Josh, he made the breakthrough that we have seen so many times in similar scaredy pups (and adults).  Today he left as a happy and confident one year-old, so all of the work from staff and volunteers paid off. 

Odette and Avia at WNP playing happily

There's another very timid and small-sized puppy who may have to make the move to Lamma if she doesn't also make the breakthrough that we've been hoping for, and that's Avia.  Like all of the very shy dogs, Avia loves the company of other dogs and puppies, but remains wary of humans despite having been in a loving foster home for several months, and having just returned from a two-week holiday with our regular and very experienced foster parent, Lyndsay (Instagram @why_i_foster).  Avia had a great time with the four-legged residents, but still remained resistant to opening up to the humans.  

Avia is a small sized girl

We know that these types of characters need to be in a home with another dog, and it will inevitably take time but they will come round eventually.  It takes patience and and understanding that the more you try to force the issue, the less successful you will be.  In fact the Lamma Home is proof of exactly this, because all of the dogs that are staying there are there for the same reason, and yet with each other and no pressure to become "pets", they  all eventually become affectionate and wanting to be petted.  You just have to let each dog go at its own pace and choose when they want to approach you.  If you can offer this type of home to Avia, or any of our less confident dogs,  you'll find the moment that they start to accept and trust you very rewarding.