Hollie

Mixed Breed · Female · Adult · 8 years

Holly Bobbles Holly is an 8 year old bundle of gregarious mischief! She’ll have you grinning from ear to ear, or going grey…either way she’s somebody’s dream dog. Holly is the dominant lady in this pair, and doesn’t Stanley know it. That’s why Holly is a good kilo overweight, and on a diet. If she can slide him out of his food dish or take his treat off him she will. There is never aggression, never a growl or lip curl. It’s obviously just become the rule with them that Holly is boss. It’s the same with dog beds. If he’s in it, she’ll sit on him. Hence why we feel it might be time for Holly to branch out and perhaps join a more active home, perhaps with other young friendly dogs to play with, and the chance to use some of that mental energy in learning and play. She’s bright as a button, picks up new routines and rules so quickly and would love being with an owner who knows the breed and can get the best from them. Holly is an adventurer. She loves being out and about and has already proven that if she can find an exit point from a ‘secure’ garden she will! Thankfully once she’d had a few hours of scaring her foster Mum silly, she trotted back in tired and happy like butter wouldn’t melt. For this reason, homing near a busy road or built-up area would not be advised. Holly loves people. Really loves people. She wants to say ‘Hi’ to everyone she meet. She can get over-excited and will jump up if not corrected. However, she does learn quickly, and I don’t feel this should prevent her from being considered for a home with children of a suitable age and experience. Other than her weight Holly is healthy and active, and long walks aren’t a problem. An active family home, or regular walkers would be ideal. Like Stanley Holly isn’t always clean overnight, but I suspect this is unfamiliarity and change, and would settle once she feels 100% secure. It has already improved. Holly does use stairs, and made it clear on her first night that she would be sleeping on my bed, so puppy pads on the landing helped with this. As she has become more confident, she now chooses to sleep downstairs, only coming up if she is disturbed by wind or other noise in the night. Holly does have an embarrassing quirk. She likes worn underwear. A laundry basket is a must have!! Foster Mum had undressed for a shower and dropped her worn clothes on the bathroom floor, then stepped out of the shower to find Holly gleefully rolling in her knickers! This has become a theme when sorting washing for laundry day. At times Holly can be vocal, especially when left for periods. She has the funniest bark…more like a quack, and whilst it’s not loud it can be repetitive. She is learning that being ‘quiet’ earns fuss and praise, and hopefully this will also reduce as she settles. It is however part of her excitability and new owners need to be aware. ************************************** Neither Holly nor Stanley seem keen on toys, although Stanley did arrive with a rope toy. He likes to know it’s to hand, and with encouragement does now interact in brief play sessions. But it seems to be more knowing it’s his and there that’s important to him than playing with it currently. Both dogs do enjoy a game of chase, a little rough and tumble, tummy tickles and thrive on praise and attention, so praise-based training has proved quite successful (obviously treats must be restricted and monitored for weight and gluten issues). Stanley and Holly are just about the easiest dogs ever to foster. Well mannered, friendly, they know most basic commands. They really are a delight and will make any new owner delighted.

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