Angel

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Angel was our first foster dog. She was obviously abused.To the right is a photo of Mark with her on a leash. I had to put the leash on her and hand it to him. Then he had to sit down or she would pull as far away from him as the leash would let her. Now, some years later she is a completely different dog - or rather, her true nature has come out. She is very devoted and has also become attached to Mark over time. Mark often trows the Frisbee with the dogs - or pets, I should say, since Toby frequently does his best to run with the pack - and Angel will sometimes jump and catch it. It has only taken her 2-3 years to learn! She has plenty of self-esteem In relation to other dogs and runs the dog pack with an iron paw, only deferring to Amos,,, except when there is food, of course, when she doesn't deferr to any dog! She is also good with visitors -people and dogs. That's really helpful for a foster family.

I actually found her a new home but she came back after ruining the woman's bedroom carpet since the woman didn't wish to follow my advise of crating Angel when left unsupervised. Angel had gotten so attached to me - and me to her - that we couldn't let her leave again and finally decided to adopt her. She is now a well adjusted girl, great with new fosters and visitors, and only shows a few signs of her former abuse. She is still crated most times we leave or she will find something to chew. Hard plastic like you find it in alarm clocks and pagers is her favorite chew as well as Neosporin, lip balm, and other lotions! She goes in a large crate so she doesn't feel claustro-phobic, and has plenty of room to move around in.

We have little idea of the breeds that have gone into making Angel. I think there is some whippet or greyhound and probably a bit of pit bull, and at least two other breeds. I wish I could do some DNA testing.