Velvet (61471)

Hello!
My name is Velvet. I am a 9-month-old American Staffy who was found wandering the streets of Geelong, so I've become extremely nervous of people and the outside environment.

However I've gradually met a few people at GAWS who I love and trust and I am now very happy here in foster care with people I also trust and feel safe with. BUT I need to find a Forever Home ASAP as I am getting to love it here too much. It will be so much harder to say my goodbyes if I stay here too long.

Once I meet a new carer, I won't take long to feel safe to love and trust them and I'll want to be with them all the time and sit on their knees or bed or couch and have a tummy tickle. Wherever they go I just fall asleep at their feet. I would make a great companion pet.

I really love to run around the yard (here I have3 acres), or a normal backyard would be lovely too, but I don't feel so happy about going to the park. I shake if people talk to me. I'm pretty good on the lead in the yard but can't help pulling a bit when I'm out walking.

I'm still a bit nervous so I bark at every strange noise I hear or movement I see outside and often growl, but I have never bitten anyone even if I'm hurt or feel threatened. When visitors come, I usually bark and growl, but I stop if they ignore me and after a while I realise I'm not being threatened I just go to sleep on my bag or sidle up to them and sniff them to see if they are dog lovers or have treats in their pockets. I'm really quite a relaxed dog once I know I can trust the person.

I love children but I get a bit excited and jump up on them if they stir me up. I jump up on my carers too if they've left me alone too long. I get so excited. I don't think they like it though as they turn their back on me. I must remember not to do that if you become my forever home.

When I feel safe with my carer I follow them everywhere. For comfort I hide between their legs or lean against them. I don't like being left on my own for too long. During the day I sleep with one eye open just in case they go out of the room. BUT I'm happy to sleep in a crate at night once they have gone to bed.
I would really make a very good companion pet. Especially if I could sleep with you.

I am still learning to use the outside grass for my toilet and not to do it inside. My carers keep reminding me by taking me outside at regular intervals and give me a treat when I do it. I'm getting the message and have only had a couple of accidents but I'm not sure yet how to let them know that I want to go outside. It's confusing!