Adoption status: Adopted!
Shari is a female, 4.5 years old sesame Shiba Inu.
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Hello everyone, my name is Shari and I was adopted out by DC SIR when I was just a young puppy. I am a small sesame female Shiba Inu and I am now 4.5 years old and back with DC SIR. I am so thankful to have a wonderful place to come back to! I met up with my old foster mom at a store but didn’t recognize her so I growled a bit. I mean, she forgot to bring me boiled chicken! Thankfully, my mom had some yummy dehydrated treats that she gave the volunteer and soon enough, I was giving my old foster mom kisses. I’ve been kept on the raw diet and minimal vaccination protocol, so I look really good!
I’ve been living with two other Shiba Inus, but over the years I haven’t been around other dogs and have recently been getting into fights with the other Shibas in the house. My mom’s life changed and she is no longer able to care for me so she reached out to DC SIR. She kept me safe until DC SIR had a spot for me in the rescue. My old foster mom decided to work with me and try to integrate me back with a friendly group of Shibas rather than placing me in a no-dog home. When I got to Shiba HQ I didn’t remember much. Everything changed so much since I was so young. I first met up with Katniss, DC SIR’s neutral dog, who used to be my best friend. I growled at her and she gave me space. After several hours of slow, controlled and positive introductions, I was integrated with so many dogs. I got to go inside the house and cuddled with my foster mom and the other dogs on the couch.
DC SIR was told I have issues with food and play so I will be assessed over the next couple weeks to determine if I can go to a multi-dog home. DC SIR always emphasizes experienced, reward-based trainers for any behavior modification and I may have a training contract for my adoption as well. So if you think you could be a good fit, watch my album for updates and tell DC SIR you would like to adopt me when they say I am available!
FOSTER UPDATE: Shari is physically healthy and has been on a raw diet her entire life. She was surrendered back to DC SIR for not getting along with the other 2 dogs in her home. Shari has been living with other foster dogs in a multi-generation foster home. She generally gets along with most of the other dogs but can be possessive with feeding and couch time with humans. This has been worked on in rescue and she now group eats and shares the couch with other dogs. However, this required extensive behavior modification and she may not translate the behavior into a new home. We feel that she would only be considered for another dog home if that other dog is very appeasing (submissive) and friendly but not too much in her face. Otherwise, we think she would be happiest as an only dog with a family that will let her cuddle on the couch an take her on family trips and adventures.
When Shari first arrived in rescue, she was very nervous on car rides. Shari’s foster mom has taken Shari on dozens of errands with a lot of treats and sometimes another friendly dog to help her relax. Once she is at the destination, Shari will gladly greet people when she is in the mood. She is calm and aloof and would make a great lunch companion on a pet-friendly patio! Shari seems to enjoy meeting children and will happily go to greet them and give them kisses but she can become tired of the attention quickly and will let you know by trying to remove herself.
Shari tried to escape the first day in rescue, however, now that she is comfortable and happy, Shari makes no attempt at escape and will follow her foster mom indoors and stay in the yard when people are carrying things inside. Shari’s previous owner followed a species-appropriate raw diet and a minimal vaccination policy, both of which are advocated by our rescue. We chose to titer Shari on her last exam so we would like to find adopters who would continue her optimal health program.
Dog Interactions: Shari will play with other friendly dogs she likes (Buddy and Kukaku are her BFFs) and she tolerates the senior dogs bumping into her. Shari does not tolerate other assertive female dogs (Kichi!). Shari does fine off-leash and on-leash around a large group of dogs but does not like face to face greetings.
People Interactions: Shari does not like strangers in her face and she may growl if you put your face too close or you try to pet her and she isn’t comfortable. Once she knows you are a friendly person and has built a bond with you, she will be your best friend and go to you for comfort. Shari has a potential of getting over her threshold when near other dogs she doesn’t like and could redirect a snap at a person. However, she has shown no aggression to people and we are able to handle her food bowls, high-value treats, and body handling without issue. Shari is extremely sensitive about her paws being touched and will growl. Her foster mom has been working on creating a positive experience with this and is already working on her second paw. This will need to be worked on with a new owner.
Location: Local (DC/MD/VA)
Dogs: Some
Cats: No
Kids: No
Weight: TBD
Intake Date: 12/18/17
Available Date: 1/11/18
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Shari’s previous rescue album.