Millie

Millie was found in the most shocking condition in Broome. A victim of horrific abuse, encrusted with ticks and fleas, she was found with 6 puppies, 3 already dead, 2 that had to be put to sleep, and just 1 that survived. As soon as her remaining pup was weaned and adopted it was Millie's turn to finally experience the love and attention she deserves. She was speyed and transferred to SAFE Metro for some rest and rehabilitation. Her carers can hardly believe she's come out of that past as good natured as she has. Other than being very timid, they say Millie is a gorgeous dog.

We're pretty sure Millie is a working breed dog (Kelpie X Blue Heeler) If Millie could talk she would tell you:

1. EXERCISE ME
Exercise! Exercise! Exercise! Working dogs are bred to spend long days working, using our brains to solve problems, so we have a strong drive to be active and mentally stimulated. If I'm not working, I'll need help to use up that energy.

2. PROVIDE ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
I have a very active mind & am super smart. Things like flyball, agility courses, herding & search & rescue are great, but there are lots of enrichment activities you can provide for me at home, too. I'd love to work for my food instead of just being given it. You could make food puzzles or hide treats for me to sniff out and find, give me big frozen blocks of stock or an ice block with a chicken wing in the middle. And what about games of fetch where you teach me to drop the toy instead of turning it into a tug of war. Yeah!

3. BE CONSISTENT WITH YOUR BOUNDARIES
Consistent, clear boundaries mean I'll always knows the right way to behave. If you don't want me in the kitchen, teach me to sit outside the entry. It's confusing if you allow me in the kitchen one day & the next make me stay out. My carers allow me on the sofa, but not the human beds, but your house, your rules. If you let me break a rule once, I'll probably break it again.

4. TRAIN ME
Teach basic commands as they'll get us through any situation. I didn't know ANY when I first came into care, but I've mastered Sit and Come now, and am working on Stay & Down. I'm not sure about No & Leave it yet. Let's practice every day! Use positive reinforcement for training as negative training may lead to fear & aggression. Reward me with treats or pats when I pay attention or perform a command correctly. Don't punish me for unwanted behaviour. Instead, redirect my thoughts/attention. I'm not a big chewer, but if I take something you don't want me to have, trade it for a toy.

7. SOCIALISE ME
When I first came into care I was SO timid that *everything* terrified me. But my carers have been working hard to build my confidence. Now that I'm coming out of my shell they're introducing me to lots of people, places, animals, sounds & smells. I've started long-lead training, and supervised visits with other dogs have shown I'm dog friendly, and submissive. I haven't shown any interest in the cats I've seen (outside or at the vets).

8. I'm not wild about being left alone for long periods of time, and if I am, I'll create my own entertainment. I like to take one shoe or slipper out to the yard for some gentle play. And that skein of yarn I unravelled was lots of fun.

Do you have the time & energy for a dog like me? We could develop an epic bond! Click on the link & complete an application. Put in as much info as you can to speed up the adoption process, & I could be with you in no time!

5 GREAT REASONS TO ADOPT FROM SAFE:
Lifetime guarantee: if you can no longer care for me, SAFE will take me back
Vet check, first vaccination, desex & microchip
Foster care instead of cage confinement, so I get love & socialisation
Speak directly with my foster carer
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