Nikki (On Hold pending adoption by carer)

Nikki is a female, Shih Tzu x with poodle or Maltese, approx 6 months old. She is very affectionate with all people. She loves children of all ages. She is fine with my 2 cats, even when they swipe at her she takes it all in her stride; not bothered at all.

Nikki came into foster care because she wasn't what her owners wanted. So they left her outside and neglected her, letting her fur grow thick and matted over her whole body and covering her eyes. When I got her, she had to be clipped straight away. But now she is clipped and well cared for she is loving the world and is one very, very happy little girl with her whole life ahead of her.

Nikki has a low shedding coat which needs regular brushing (every few days depending on length), bathing (every few weeks) and clipping (every 4 to 8 weeks) to keep her comfortable and beautiful. Low shedding dogs like Nikki are good for people with asthma or allergies.

Nikki is great with other dogs but can become defensive if she feels threatened by them. So she will need to go to a home with either no other dogs or with a placid dog that she with not feel threatened by. Nikki doesn't cope well spending the entire day alone so she needs a home with either another dog or where not everyone works full time.

Nikki loves going out for a walk but because wasn't trained or socialised when she was younger she can become a bit fearful and pull and bark at other dogs when out for a walk. This can be changed with positive reinforcement training. She has had very little training so she needs someone who has experience training dogs in a gentle, reward based manner, or is willing to learn. Nikki travels well in the car.

Nikki is an inside dog and needs to be allowed inside at all times, with access to the yard when she chooses to go out for play and toileting. Nikki has spent all of her short life before rescue alone in a yard so we don't ever want her to be alone outside again. She needs to sleep inside at night. Currently, she sleeps on my bed and loves to give you a kiss in the morning to let you know that she wants to go out to do her business. She also loves to just jump on your lap just to give you a kiss while you are watching TV. If you want an outside dog, Nikki is not for you.

Nikki is so very loving and she has lots and lots of love to give, so if you feel you can give her what she needs, then please contact me. I love her to bits so she needs the right home, not someone that will just give her a bit of time here and there, but someone who genuinely wants a companion and friend to share their life.

For more information or to meet Nikki please phone foster carer Krystina on 02-4948-5557 or 0414-702-323 or email krystina_ws@hotmail.com. Nikki is in foster care in Charlestown NSW, Lake Macquarie, south of Newcastle.

Nikki's $450 adoption fee includes her desexing, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, microchipping, and lifetime registration. You can see all our available dogs at www.dogrescuenewcastle.com.au