Wheeler

Wheeler: age 5
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Updated 9/20/11

She’s special!

Wheeler has had a rough few months. Her dad passed away, and so she and her friend Angel, age 11, came to Gold Ribbon Rescue. Angel got adopted instantly, and Wheeler felt a little adrift without her pal. Her human foster family couldn’t have been more loving and understanding, but the resident tiny dog wasn’t always nice—not easy for a girl who was already on the high-strung side & shy with other dogs. (She starts out by rolling on her back immediately.) She had a tendency to do some inappropriate chewing when her folks weren’t home—a toss pillow, some clothing. And she chewed through a slip lead while travelling from one place to another. Seems plain that chewing is a way for her to channel her nerves!

We’ve started her out on some anti-anxiety meds to take the edge off…   all the upheaval she’s endured lately adds up to enough to make anyone anxious. We made one more  important change, too: we moved her to a foster home with big, welcoming Goldens and folks who are home most of the time. And so far, so good! Foster sister Brandy, who’s just a few years older, has made Wheeler feel more at ease. And Golden brother Mason, age 9 1/2, is sweet on her! “She has turned Mason into a stud muffin.  He used to stay up on the bed all the time .  Now Mason wants to be down on the floor so he can play with Wheeler.”

Wheeler just wants to be close and be reassured. She has a tendency to jump up and lightly put her paws on your chest and shoulders… not forceful or aggressive, just asking for attention. She’s not interested in retrieving – she’d rather stay by your side and get a tummy rub!

As you might expect, Wheeler is terrified of thunderstorms. A Thundershirt definitely helped her cope—along with lights turned on, music turned up, and Mom sitting on the floor to provide companionship. “Lots of panting and quivering, but she was fine once the storm had passed.”

Wheeler is outgoing once she relaxes a bit—loves to be around other people and friendly dogs. She’ll be right up there to say hi to new friends!

Wheeler’s new family will be getting a wonderful gal, but they’ll need to be patient and understanding about her anxiety & storm phobia—and soft, soft, soft. Harsh words are a no-no where this dear dog is concerned. “Wheeler is very vocal when you have been gone for a few hours and come home.  She talks to you, telling you how much she missed you, and why did you go?  It's so cute.  It's not a whine, a bark, or a howl.  But she is definitely letting you know she is trying to tell you something, and I like to believe it's that she misses me  and is happy I'm home. With the anxiety issues I think it would be best for Wheeler to be adopted by a family or couple who work out of the home.  She also needs a buddy. She needs a mellow companion to play & hang out with. Wheeler has so much love to give and she would be happy to tell you herself. She will melt your heart.”