Grace

Hi Everyone,

My name is Grace (I'm also known as Gracie, GG for Gorgeous Gracie and lots of baby names that my foster Mum likes to call me which are too embarrassing to mention here - luckily I can't hear her)!

I am a Staffy Mix and am approximately 16-18 months old. I am a very special girl because I am completely DEAF (so I will never have to listen to you complain about my adorable snoring and I won't hear yours - Win Win I say)!
I have recently learned that I absolutely love toys including squeaky toys (which again, I can't hear but you will) and balls. I don't destroy them, I just love to leap, jump, play and gummy them with a kind of bulldozer style.
I absolutely love walking and exploring the neighbourhood and couch time is my new favourite, especially if there is a human and a blanket involved. I'm also quite partial to Netflix action series!

My Foster Family
I am currently in care with 4 dogs and 4 cats of all sizes and breeds. I get along extremely well with all of the dogs, big and small and I walk most days with one of my foster siblings as well as other doggy friends from the hood. I am polite with all dogs that I meet out and about. I am still learning that I am quite a big, strong girl and so my play style needs a little bit of work but I am very respectful towards the rest of the pack when it comes to understanding their signals of how we should play together.
Now, let's talk about the cats. I have to be honest, they are a little too exciting for me and I find it hard to contain myself when they start to run and play so my foster family have decided that the kitty life is just not for me! You could say that I like them a little too much...

How I Ended Up Here?
I was surrendered (some may say dumped) to a rural pound as a young puppy and I spent 10 long months waiting for rescue. I used to be a little nervous around other dogs but the amazing carers at the pound kept me safe and helped me work through that so that I could find a rescue and move into foster care. It took a really long time but it was definitely worth the wait! Not only do I have lots of doggy friends here but the toys, treats, amazing food, soft comfy beds, endless cuddles, daily walks and weekend hikes are more than I could have ever dreamt of while stuck in the shelter.

Why I Am So Irresistible ?
Literally everyone I meet falls in love with my beautiful blue eyes, my snow white coat (which stays clean all the time as if by magic) and my non-stop wiggling and joyful nature as soon as the pats start! I also know how to rock a set of jammies and pink really seems to be my colour. I am looking for a family that will love me like I will love you - unconditionally and will make me the centre of your universe. I really don't need much but I have created a list below just in case you were wondering!

Things you need to know about me:
- I am 100% deaf and 100% pure Good Girl!
- While it is not mandatory, my ideal home would be one that has some prior experience with deaf dogs. I am very eager to continue learning my hand signals so far I've learned a number of signals that my foster family will handover to whoever my lucky family will be . I would love someone who is committed to my ongoing training and more importantly has time for me because true to my breed - I loooooveeee being around humans
SO because of my special needs and I'm still very young..I'm NOT suited for a family of full time workers where I will be left at home for 8 to 10 hrs every day.

- I need you to keep me safe at all times, being deaf means that unless I have eye contact with you, I don't know what is happening around me with regard to noises, traffic, people or dogs approaching so I really need you to be my ears!

Important to know is I need to feel safe & I have to be able to trust my humans to not put me in a position that would worry me. For this reason, you should always keep me informed of your whereabouts the best way you can.
It's also important not to startled me.

Did you know ? Deaf dogs usually goes really well being paired with another more mature well balanced dog so it would be a dream come true if I get to be adopted by a family that already has a resident dog.

- I currently weigh around 28.5kgs (I have lost a little bit of weight in foster care and would benefit from dropping another kg or so according to my strict Foster Mummy).

- If you work from home, I am your dream office buddy, I love to snooze in a comfy bed and won't listen in to any of your Zoom meetings and can't reveal any company secrets or gossip about your co-workers!

TOILET & CRATE
I am toilet trained and crate trained and will sleep through the night in my crate without a peep (but I don't really understand why I don't sleep on the humans bed every night)?? I am also happy to snooze in my crate for 3-4 hours if you have to head out to run errands or have dinner without me!

ADVENTURES
I walk beautifully on my leash and I love all walks, long or short. I regularly walk between 5 and 8kms and I love to finish with some Zoomies in the backyard afterwards (before my 4 hour post walkies nap).
I like car rides and adventures, I am a social girl and would love to join you at the cafe or the farmers market. I promise it's really not about the snacks, it's more about sharing my beautiful nature with everyone and getting all the pats.

MANNERS
I (sometimes) wait patiently for my breakfast and dinner.
I do bark at times to tell you that my food appears to be running a bit late or if the doggy door is closed and I need a toilet break. If you are heading out without me, I tend to bark a little in my crate before settling into my nap. Being deaf, I am not quite aware of how loud my bark can be so no apartments for me please (I need a good sized yard for my incredible Zoomies anyway).
I do have a tendency to get very excited and may jump up from time to time but I am very responsive to the Sit and Drop hand signals and will calm down quickly once I have said Hello - I promise I am working on this.

DOG FRIENDLY- YES!
I get along great with dogs of all sizes and ages and love being part of a pack but I would probably be OK as an only dog as long as my humans are around so I would love a family that is home more often than not or works from home, with inside and outside access to a fully fenced, secure backyard. Solid fencing would be preferred as I do tend to bark if I can see things on the other side of the fence and you have to then make eye contact with me to give me the quiet signal.

SUN PROTECTION
Being a gorgeous white doggy, it is critical that I do not spend time in the sun during the heat of the day and that doggy safe sunscreen is applied regularly, especially to my nose, face and ears and tummy. It is really best if I just lounge around inside during the warmer months.

DIET/FOOD
No matter what I tell you, I need to remain a healthy weight (my foster Mum made me write this part) I currently have a balanced diet of human-grade raw or cooked meats, Prime 100 rolls, premium kibble, lactose free yoghurt, various healthy supplements including pre and probiotics and lots of healthy snacks like raw carrots, and raspberries (I do not like Blueberries apparently as I always leave them in my bowl for my foster sisters to gobble up).

TOYS: I love toys, especially crinkly, squeaky toys that I can squash and mouth and indestructible balls.

SPECIAL NEEDS
As mentioned above, I am 100% DEAF. It does not affect my quality of life at all and I am otherwise a very healthy, fit young lady. I just need someone extra special to keep me safe and be my ears!

PS:
I will bring everything I have to my forever home including my harness, leash, personalised collar, and enough food for the first couple of weeks so you don't have to buy too many things for me. I even come with some of my very own outfits!

Adoption form
https://zfrmz.com.au/8lV6kTX7SZ6DGEJ6wqiC