Sponsored by Nancy Kinsella -in memory of sweet Benny with love from his groomer and friend, Nancy

 

Layla is a sweet and gentle former puppy mill mama who is an absolute delight to be around. When you meet her the first thing that draws you in is the soft eyes and those long eyelashes (eyelash envy!). The blonde and golden reds in her coat, the surprise white patch on her chest and those adorable freckles on her nose make her a natural beauty. What I love the most is that she mirrors this beauty on the inside.

Layla is a kind-hearted soul that wants nothing more than to be loved. I can imagine her as the perfect dog that sits and listens to young readers at school or make visits to nursing homes (once she is confident and certified of course). That is just who she is. Quiet (has never barked) Gentle. No sign of aggression has ever been seen. I have tested her in circumstances including around food (both dogs and people), touching (face, ears, feet) handling (lifting, leashing) also when meeting dogs or people, Children are also fine if they are respectful and slow in their movement. Layla runs away, unsure, if they are quick or loud.

Due to her limited exposure to everyday life Laya is finding this new adventure and the sights and sounds that come with it unfamiliar and frightening. She will continue her learning curve for some time yet. It is crucial that everyone in her new family understands this and is committed to consistent, patient and the most important requirement for her success, the use of ONLY positive reinforcement with her ongoing confidence building. All will be amazed when they see how smart she is and how quickly she learns when done in a positive way. She has not been pee pad trained but is very good at recognizing “outside’ as her cue (cue can be changed) to go to the back door. Doing this on a schedule has kept it accident free since her arrival. She now goes out, relieves herself and returns to the door effortlessly. The routine was set after only a few repeats. Layla loves her time exploring outside and follows me around the yard or watches where I am. A couple of attempts to play with the neighbour’s dog have occurred and it will not be long before she figures out how this is done. Walking on a leash is a work in progress. Because she is unsure of new things I find with plenty of verbal praise and no tension at all on the leash we have more success. The more confident she becomes the more she will naturally excel in all the other areas.

Patience, kindness, consistency and love is what is needed for Layla to nurture trust, confidence and knowledge. She wants to give love and be loved. Her favorite place is on the couch with her head on your lap. She will give “kisses” on request. At bedtime she likes to “spoon” closely beside her person. I am working on moving her to the bottom of the bed.

Layla has the traits most people hope for when looking to add a new member to the family. She is calm, low maintenance, loveable, gentle, quiet and would fit in easily. Her only desire is to please her people, be with her people and feel love from her people. Our search is to find someone that will offer the peace, security and happy ever after she deserves. Layla has her paws crossed wishing but wants me to add “has treats”. To do this for her they must continue the confidence building at her pace. Invest the time to love and be loved by her. A quiet home in the beginning is best as she adjusts. If children, they must be old enough to understand her need for them to be respectful. She is looking to be included in things and not left behind. Another dog who can teach her to be a dog would be great. If no other dog Layla will be just as happy with doggy friends and having all the attention to herself at home. Wherever she goes for life’s next chapter anyone involved will be very fortunate as she is one special girl.

**Adoptions within the province of Ontario only