Nina

          This is Nina. We started off fostering her almost 3 years ago, and ended up adopting her about a year ago.  She was rescued by GEARS after she was struck by a car while pregnant.  Unfortunately she lost 5 of the 9 puppies she had.  My partner and I actually met her puppies a year prior to fostering her at a puppy parade adoption event.

         Nina is a behavioural issue dog, so she can be the only dog in the household.  She is a very sweet girl, and is often described as being aggressively affectionate.  She just wants to be everyone’s friend… as long as you’re human.  Nina does not get along with other dogs.  Poor thing has a lot of anxiety and is on medication to help with that.  She likes lots of cuddles, playing keep away- not fetch with her toys, and food.

         We can’t really go on walks with Nina because of her anxiety and dog reactivity.  Being outside with all the smells and noises immediately puts her on high alert, and if we are to run into another person walking their dog, well… she kind of loses her mind.  As such, as part of my personal goals this year, I am working on training with Nina to help her be less anxious and less dog reactive.  My partner and I have made some progress in certain areas, but if we want her to thrive more, we need to do some more work with her.  There’s three modules to go through with lots of fun exercises for Nina.

         Oh, there's one other thing I want to mention.  Often her rewards for good behaviour and for her exercises are treats; however, the vet has told us a few times that she is overweight.  I disagree, she is just a sturdy girl, I think it’s the pit bull in her.