Ella ~ Jack Russell, 8yo,(On Trial 23/6/16)

Are you the sort of person that asks how you can help a dog, rather than what a dog can do for you? Can you give sympathy, patience and understanding to a frightened dog? Ella is an 8yo Jack Russell Terrier who has been let down by her previous owners yet is still desperately looking for love. If you show her a tiny bit of kindness she will bond with you quickly in the hope that you, at last, will be the person that will not abandon her.

Ella loves going for a walk and will trot along happily sniffing all the sniffs and seeing all the sights. She is very healthy. She is not a demanding dog. She just asks to be allowed inside with you and to be your very best friend. She sleeps all night in her dog bed in my bedroom and doesn't move until morning. She is about 80% housetrained and we're working on improving that. She can use a doggy door. She hardly ever barks; even when the other dogs bark she doesn't join in.

Ella lives with her foster carers small dogs and just ignores them most of the time. However, sometimes she gets worried when one of them runs around to play and tries to tell them to stop. She doesn't understand dog play. For this reason, Ella needs to be an only dog. She is fine when she sees other dogs on walks, she just ignores them. I haven't seen her with cats. Ella just prefers people to dogs.

We think she's super cute, with her big brown eyes and funny "one up, one down" ears. You can't help but smile at her. Ella's also very clever! She can come when called, "sit", "down", "shake hands" and sit "up" when asked. Dog Training Newcastle will give you 3 free lessons to show you Ella's tricks and help her settle into her new home.

Ella is afraid of new people when she first meets them. But if you sit down and are quiet and calm and allow her to approach you, rather than you approaching her, then she will quickly come to like you. Therefore, she's not suited to a home with children under 16 who may not understand how not to scare her. If small children come to visit Ella can simply go to another room or outside until she gets to know them. Once she gets to know someone she is very affectionate and devoted.

Ella Bella has had a lot of upheaval in her life but that doesn't stop her from being adorable, curious, smart, and very eager to please. Ella is looking for a relaxed home with a person or couple that are home a lot (don't work full time) and where there aren't a lot of visitors.

If you have a place in your heart for Ella, please contact her foster carer Terri on 0419 470 910 or email dogrescuenewcastle@gmail.com. Ella is in foster care near Charlestown, NSW (Lake Macquarie, south of Newcastle). She is not available for adoption interstate.

Ella's adoption fee is $200 and she is desexed, vaccinated, treated for fleas and worms, microchipped, and lifetime registered. You can see all our available dogs at www.dogrescuenewcastle.com.au