Sponsored by Maria and her beautiful girl Belle

Hazel was surrendered by a backyard breeder to a Quebec Shelter. She arrived terrified and shut down; unable to look at anyone and went limp when touched. Hazel has made incredible progress in a quiet foster home with lots of space for her to come around when she was ready. She barely left her xpen for the first two weeks but as she became less fearful her curiosity kick in and she wanted to explore both inside and outside the home. We’ve taken a very slow pace introducing Hazel to the world outside of a crate. Always careful to push her comfort level just a little but to not overwhelm her. She has become a silly, energetic girl that loves walks, exploring new things and even has taken her first city walk with confidence.
Hazel is house trained only through routine outings. She doesn’t appear to understand that outings are to pee, but we get the business done with a little walk around the block. She doesn’t seem to like the snowy weather but a winter coat and some encouragement work well. She is not treat motivated, rather a soft voice of encouragement and plenty of space has helped her over many fears. She is being walked on a long training leash to keep her safe but also give her the space she needs. She looks up and checks in often on walks.
Hazel has been curious and friendly with all dogs and people outside. We’ve seen no reactivity or barking outside. Inside the house she tends to ignore visiting dogs and needs space from visiting people, so she can approach in her own time. Hazel will bark when she’s excited and wants to play ‘chase you around the house’, and barks initially when left alone, but she settles quickly. Typically she is a quiet companion as you go about your daily tasks.
Hazel has bonded quickly with her foster Mom and clearly prefers her taking care of walking and feeding so now her foster Dad is doing these jobs to help offer a balanced environment. She will have the time and space needed to get used to this change.
Hazel needs a home environment that allows her the space she needs to overcome her fears, if given time and kindness and not pushed too much, she has proven that she will blossom into a sweet, loving family member. In order to encourage independence, Hazel has not spent a lot of time on laps, she is happy to sit in her bed on the floor at our feet and stays in an xpen when left alone. She happily sleeps in a crate in her foster parent’s bedroom at night.
Hazel has been fully vetted, brought up to date on her shots. She arrived with very little fur on her back and sides with a skin infection. Medicated baths are helping to resolve and her fur is showing signs of regrowth already. Hazel will be spayed shortly and will be ready for adoption once she recovers.

For more information, you may contact Lisa (foster parent) at lisaalexander3car@gmail.com

**Adoptions within the province of Ontario only