Maddy (Madison)

It's been just over two weeks since we took in Madison (Maddy). She's been an easy foster but she looked like she was suffering from PTSD. She was friendly enough, but her affect was flat, no emotion, certainly no joy, and it was hard to know what to say about her personality. She came in with another dog that we called Dolly. Dolly seemed even more distraught but she was adopted into a wonderful home a week ago is doing very well. Shortly after Dolly got adopted Maddy started insisting on sleeping with the rest of our pack in the bedroom at night. She has continued making herself more at home here and is finally coming out of her shell. She will be spayed this week and then she needs to find a home for her own. Although I hate to put her through another transition, the move to an adoptive home is generally smoother and easier than that initial transition into foster care.

So what I can about Maddy?  She's about 5-6 years old, she will spayed and current on vaccines by the end of this week. I'd certainly consider her to be housetrained. We crated her in the beginning and she was fine with that, but really didn't need it. I've gone back to crating Della and Serena when we leave the house and leaving Maddy loose indoors. She's never had an accident or caused any problem. It took some time for her to get used to going up and down stairs at our house. That must have been new for her but she's getting better at it. She's also becoming something of a velcro dog, wanting to be with me all the time. I took her out on a walk today for the first time, using just a leash attached to a harness. She pulled fairly hard but didn't jerk me around. She kept moving forward but she wanted to move faster. I think next time out I'll use a rope harness, an easy walk hardness, or a gentle leader on her. 

I can say that Maddy is good with other dogs since she's lived with nine or ten others since she's been here. I don't know about cats. She's a middle aged Dane, so she's well past all the energetic puppy stages. She has enjoyed a good run in the pasture and she certainly enjoyed our walk at Pleasant Grove today, but her exercise needs are modest. 

Maddy is a good girl and although she may not fall in love with you instantly, if you earn her trust you will be rewarded with a loyal, loving, and very devoted companion.