Blossom

Blossom — A Gentle Golden Girl Learning to Feel Safe

DOB: 24 June 2021
Breed: Golden Retriever
Sex: Female
Weight: 26 kg

Apply here:
https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/

Blossom is a beautiful, gentle Golden Retriever who has already made remarkable progress in foster care.

She was found living rough and apparently surviving off the land, including scavenging roadkill. No one knows how long she had been fending for herself before she was impounded. She remained unclaimed and was then released by the council into ARK’s care for rehoming.

Given what she has endured, Blossom’s gentle and affectionate nature is quite remarkable.

When she first arrived, Blossom was frightened and overwhelmed. For the first couple of weeks she remained in flight mode, circling the yard and showing little interest in play. Loud noises and sudden, fast movements still worry her, but she is learning that she is safe and that the people around her can be trusted.

Blossom responds beautifully to quiet reassurance and a gentle pat. She does not need to be pushed or fussed over—simply given time, patience and the chance to work things out at her own pace.

As she has settled, her lovely nature has begun to shine through. She is very happy in the company of both people and other dogs and now runs and plays enthusiastically with Rosie, the resident Beagle. The anxious circling has stopped completely, and Blossom is beginning to enjoy the ordinary pleasures of life in a secure home.

She has been through a great deal, and her new family will need to understand that emotional recovery does not happen overnight. Blossom needs adopters who will be patient when she is uncertain, celebrate her progress and allow her confidence to continue growing naturally.

Her foster carer believes that, with safety, kindness and permanence, Blossom will become an exceptional companion for the right person.

Blossom currently weighs about 26 kg and is still quite lean. She would benefit from gradually gaining a little more weight through a good-quality diet and appropriate veterinary guidance.

Blossom’s ideal home will offer:

✓ A calm, secure and predictable environment

✓ Patient people who understand that trust takes time

✓ Gentle reassurance when she becomes frightened

✓ Protection from unnecessary noise, pressure and sudden movements

✓ Indoor access and inclusion in family life

✓ A friendly, well-adjusted resident dog may help her confidence

✓ A good-quality diet to help her gain a little weight gradually

Blossom is not a dog who should be expected to walk into a new home and behave as though nothing has happened. She will need time to learn her new surroundings and understand that she is finally home for good.

What she offers in return is very special: a gentle nature, affection, loyalty and the privilege of watching a frightened dog gradually discover happiness.

Blossom has already come a very long way. In the right home, with people prepared to give her the patience and security she deserves, she has every chance of becoming the devoted and loving family dog she was always meant to be.

Cats and children have not yet been assessed.

Applications are online only:

https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/