Ivy - Maltese X (on trial 12/7/17)

Introducing Ivy.

Ivy is an absolute sweetheart.

She is a 3 year old Maltese cross (possibly chihuahua) little girl. Weighing almost 5kg, Ivy is mainly white in colouring with some light caramel markings. She has kind of a scruffy hairstyle with massive ears. This is balanced out by her enormous big brown eyes.

Ivy came into Dog Rescue Newcastle care after being left at a pound. She was skinny, hairless and covered in sores from scratching fleas. Some of her front teeth were broken or missing. She was terrified of being picked up and very nervous around new places and people.

Fast forward to now and Ivy is now a different dog. She is no longer hairless, and is now sporting a very stylish long at the front, short at the back style. She loves her food and has put on weight and condition. Fleas are history. And we love her new toothless look that has been professionally treated by the Vet.

Her personality has also flourished and she is the sweetest, snuggliest little girl ever. She is now happy to be picked up and carried around. She will snuggle right next to you on the lounge and if this isn’t good enough, she will jump on your lap and nestle in an armpit. At night, she likes nothing better than putting on her jumper and finding her place on the bed. And if she is really cold, she can be found under the covers by your feet.

Ivy is however, a very shy little girl. Although she is only 3, she is usually very calm and quiet. She is happy to be around older children (and adores my 11 year old daughter) but I am not sure how she would find being around younger, more energetic children. She has not been tested with cats but does live with 5 other little dogs and has no problem with them. Occasionally, she will try to play with one of them and sometimes will have a game with a toy.

Ivy loves her walks and does like to get a bit of speed up but as she is so little, she does not pull hard on the lead. She is also happy travelling in cars.

Ivy, however, has had some issues with toilet training. On the whole, she understands the concept but due to the cold weather and having to go down stairs to go outside, she finds it easier to pee inside. This is a work in progress and for anyone interested in Ivy, would need to be willing to work with her in her new environment to continue her toilet training.

Ivy would be an absolute delight for any person, as long as time is taken to develop a trusting relationship and patience is given to help her with her toilet training.

For more information or to meet Ivy, please contact her foster carer Lea on 0400931061 or email leaparker4@optusnet.com.au. Lea is in foster care in Cardiff, NSW and is available for adoption interstate.

Ivy's adoption fee is $450 and she is desexed, vaccinated, treated for fleas and worms, microchipped, and lifetime registered.

Ivy 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.

Ivy is an inside dog and needs to be allowed inside, at least when people are home, and to sleep inside.

You can see all our available dogs at www.dogrescuenewcastle.com.au