Missy ~ Maltese, senior (On Trial 2/1/18)

Missy is a sweet, 8yo, Maltese girl looking for love. She is a charming and amusing little companion that will brighten your day. Some of her daily activities include playing with squeaky toys, playing with another little dog, cuddling with her foster carer, enjoying her meals and going for a little walk on lead. She loves to look out of a door or window and watch the world go by. She sometimes sits on the back of the lounge so she has the best view out the window. She has a cute way of lying down with her back legs out like a frog.

Missy weighs only 3.6kg. She is an inside dog and is well housetrained. She likes having a little run around the garden but mostly she likes to be inside with her companions. She likes to sleep in a person’s bedroom and even snuggle up in bed with a person. She doesn't shed so she's very clean. She has a beautiful, soft, 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.

Missy is living with another small dog and gets along well with her. She also loves the little dog next door that often comes over for play dates. She thinks it's very interesting to watch the chickens in their hutch but she doesn't bother them. Missy travels well in the car.

Missy is good with older children but is best suited to a more mature individual, couple or family as she prefers a slower pace of life. She needs a home where there is someone who doesn't work full time. She gets anxious if left home alone for long, but is fine if you leave the TV on for her. She could be an only dog if she gets lots of time with people, but she would also be happy to live with other small, friendly dogs.

Missy was recently diagnosed with Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a condition which means she is slowly going blind. She is not in any pain. Her vision is good now but she may be fully blind within 1 to 5 years, there's no telling how long. She has started medication which we hope will give her the longer time. The medication costs $1.55 per day. Since the loss of her eyesight is very slow she will adapt very well and still lead a long, happy life. She is only middle aged and small dogs like her often live to 15 or 16 years old so she still has many years to enjoy her wonderful new life in her forever home.

She is wearing little socks in some of her photos because when she first came into care she used to lick her paws because she was anxious about all the changes in her life. But now she has settled in she rarely needs the socks. If she does wear them she just ignores them and doesn't seem to notice them at all.

Missy found herself in a pound after her owner became ill and could not longer look after her. We think Missy deserves a second chance at life. She is an affectionate, well behaved little girl and perfect companion. We look forward to finding her a home where she will receive attention, care and love.

For more information or to meet Missy, please contact Terri by sending email dogrescuenewcastle@gmail.com. Optional: download an Adoption Questionnaire from http://www.dogrescuenewcastle.com.au/adopt/adoptionquestionnaire.docx, fill it in, then email it to Terri.

Missy is in foster care in Belmont, NSW (Lake Macquarie, south of Newcastle). She is not available for adoption interstate. Her adoption fee is $350 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