This Overlooked Poodle Was Just a Number—Now She’s Searching for Her Forever Home
Here's What You Need To Know:
- Adopted Date: 12/07/2024
- Pet's Location: farmington MN, 55024
- Pet's Age: 3 Years 2 Months
- Pet's Size: small
- Pet's Gender: female
- Pet's Color: white
- Pet's Breed: Poodle (Miniature) / Mixed
- Pet good with dogs? yes
- Pet good with cats? yes
- Pet good with kids? no
Organization:
- Name: wags and whiskers animal rescue of mn
- Address: 315 4th Street, Farmington, MN 55024
- Site: http://www.wagsmn.org
Shirley’s Second Chance: From Breeder’s Tattoo to a Life of Love
Shirley’s journey is one of quiet resilience. This gentle dog, marked only as #90 by the tattoo in her ear, spent her early years at a breeder facility, never sold and likely kept for breeding. While other dogs frolicked in backyards and soaked up the love of devoted families, Shirley missed out on the simple joys that make a dog’s life full—playful romps, warm snuggles, and the comfort of being someone’s cherished companion.
Now, Shirley is beginning to learn what it means to truly be a dog. Safe in her foster home, she’s tentatively exploring a world beyond the confines of her past, but her journey toward trust and joy will require a special kind of adopter.
A Home Built for Shirley’s Needs
To help Shirley thrive, her forever home must be as unique as she is:
- Adults-Only Environment: Shirley feels uneasy around younger teens, likely due to their unpredictable energy or movements. A calm, adult-only household is where she’ll feel safest.
- A Gentle Canine Friend: While Shirley occasionally picks up a toy and enjoys a brief dash of play, she’s not one for roughhousing. An older, mellow dog who shares her love for quiet companionship would be an ideal match.
- Limited Stairs: Stairs remain a challenge for Shirley, as she often tumbles when attempting them. In homes with stairs, she’ll need to be carried for her safety—a routine her foster family currently manages with care.
- A Secure Fenced Yard: Leash walking is difficult for Shirley, so she benefits from the freedom to explore a fenced yard at her own pace. Trusting new people takes time, and she prefers to bond deeply with one person before feeling comfortable being picked up.
- Patience with Potty Training: Progress is slow but steady. Shirley has daily accidents and requires frequent outdoor breaks and gentle encouragement. She thrives on verbal praise, especially when told she’s beautiful and loved.
A Heart Worth the Effort
Shirley is not a dog for everyone. Her journey from neglect to trust will take time, patience, and understanding. But for the right family, Shirley offers the chance to witness an extraordinary transformation. Safe in her foster home, she’s discovering what it feels like to be cared for, inching closer to the life she deserves.
For those with a heart for the quiet, overlooked dogs—the ones who need a little extra care—Shirley might be the perfect companion. In her own way, she’s waiting to prove that love, no matter how late it arrives, can make all the difference.
