Say Hello to Sophie

This is Sophie (fka Sheba, but that had to change). She is an 11 month old, female, black and tan Shiba Inu. Her owner had to leave the country for work, so she is living with us until we find her the perfect forever home. Sophie will celebrate her first birthday in a couple weeks and she is very much a PUPPY. She has crazy puppy energy and wants to play non-stop all day. Snickers has been giving her the “what for” every time she steps out of line. (There was a good bit of snarking and snarling yesterday but that’s getting MUCH better as she learns to give Snickers and Secret their space. They will let HER know when they want to play with her.)

She’s learning the rules of our house very quickly. She will sit for a treat along with Snickers and Secret whenever they all come in from the yard. She has a hard time waiting her turn – she is third, after all – but she’s getting better FAST. She seems to have learned that she’s not allowed on the furniture yet. (My foster dogs aren’t allowed on the furniture until Snickers gives his approval.) She LOVES to spend time outside in the back yard, so I let her go out pretty much whenever she asks. Mostly, she just loves to play, PLAY, PLAY; she enjoys toy tug, fetch, chase… pretty much any game we’ll play with her, she enjoys. She is affectionate too though. She lets me pick her up and carry her around (and she kisses my face whenever I do). She rolls over for belly rubs and even sat in my lap for a little while last night. She responds quickly to corrections, like if she gets too excited while playing and I feel her teeth on my hand, I can tell her “no” and she’ll stop playing and sit down till I pet her and say “ok.” Oh, and she likes kids. She was playing with the little girl next door last night.

Facts About Sophie

• Female (spayed), black and tan, Shiba Inu
• Shots up-to-date and heartworm negative
• Date of birth February 15, 2010
• Dog and child friendly. Untested with cats.
• Extremely playful. Would do well with another playful dog for company.
• House trained and crate trained
• Sophie is not leash trained, but my daughter walked her yesterday and she did OK. She won’t be hard to train.

There is one strange thing about Sophie. She “fly bites”… she snaps in the air, like there are flies there. Her owner said that she does it for attention, but I’m wondering if it could be neurological. She doesn’t seem to have any control over it. I have to check it out and talk to my vet about it.

Sophie will be going to my vet for a checkup on February 11, 2011, and will be available for adoption thereafter. I am willing to travel to meet up with the right home for Sophie. There will be a small adoption fee to cover my costs (vet care and travel) and to demonstrate your commitment to her. If you’re interested in adopting her, please complete this adoption application.