Sophia

Once upon a time, in a pound, far far away, there was a scared little dog who was too fearful and nervous to be adopted.

The lovely staff reached out to KPR and the little 6 year old, dog began a long, interstate journey to start to heal and learn about love.

The transporter was worried about how scared she was, but we all knew that, in order to get the chance, she needed, the trip was a necessary evil so she boarded the freedom bus with some of the other poundies.

When she arrived, it was clear that she was more than just nervous. Poor little Sophia was terrified. Everything scared her. Everything she could see or hear, or smell stressed her out. Within days, she even started plucking her own hair out.

Slowly we got to know her. Snippets of her. Only as much as she would let us know. We found out that she LOVES food and that formed the bridge between Sophia and her humans.

As she began to play and allow us to touch her, we took the risk of sending her to foster with one of our team, knowing that even moving her could set her back. We all held our breath…………

Incredibly, Sophia began to thrive. She started to show her cheeky side and incredibly, her hair began to grow back. She learned about sleeping in the human bed and about the chicken that magically appeared when her foster mum opened the big cold cupboard in the kitchen.

As she gained more confidence, Sophia went from strength to strength, even convincing someone that NEVER shares his food, to give her something off his plate!

A few days ago, I was told that “as much as it breaks our hearts, we think that Sophia is ready for her own home.” I know wholeheartedly that if her foster carers didn’t already have a full house that they would never let her go. I know how difficult this one is going to be for them so Sophia must go to a home that they approve of.

Sophia’s perfect home will have at least one other small, friendly dog. She is much more confident with women than with men. She is definitely an inside dog, and she is toilet trained. No small children or cats please (she will chase them).

She is too nervous to take on walks at this stage. Her new humans must be prepared to give her time to settle in and adjust at her own pace. Sophia has the quirkiest expressions and will have you laughing as you get to know her.

Sophia needs a human who will allow her to feel safe and be willing to let her process her new environment at her own pace. Someone with a BBQ chook, a soft bed and a kind, gentle, calm and predictable home would be perfect.

Also, if you are someone who likes to eat their dinner on the couch, be warned, this girl will have you sharing your dinner without you even realising!