Meet Mabel, formerly known as Loch Ness! Her foster family fell in love with the meaning behind the name Mabel-it comes from amabilis, meaning "lovable" or "worthy of love"-and they couldn't think of a name that fits this sweet girl better. Now weighing 54 pounds, Mabel has blossomed in her foster home and is showing just how much personality she has to offer.
Mabel is the kind of dog who wants to be your very best friend-and preferably know exactly what you're doing at all times. She is curious, affectionate, and wonderfully nosy, happily following along with whatever her people are up to. She absolutely loves being near her humans and will soak up as much affection as she can get. Belly rubs, couch cuddles, hanging out beside her person-Mabel is happiest when she can be part of the action.
Mabel is also a friendly girl who has enjoyed meeting both men and women while out on walks. She has been a social butterfly with people she meets around the neighborhood and is always happy to make a new friend. Her sweet, affectionate personality really shines once she gets comfortable, and she has a lovely way of making people feel like they've known her forever.
On leash, Mabel has made great progress and is now a very good walking companion. She generally walks nicely and stays focused on her outing, with her biggest distractions being the small creatures that dare cross her path. Rats, squirrels, and ducks can inspire a little extra enthusiasm, especially during evening walks, but otherwise she is easy to walk and enjoys getting out to explore. She is also becoming quite the adventurer and is looking forward to a hike with her foster family.
Mabel is a smart, food-motivated girl who enjoys learning new things. She knows "sit," "lie down," and "shake," and this week she added a very important skill to her résumé: fetch! She loves playing with her stuffed shark, her favorite toy, and has an energetic, playful side that keeps life interesting. With her 8/10 energy level, Mabel enjoys having things to do and people to do them with, but she is equally happy to settle in for some quality snuggle time afterward.
Mabel is still working on feeling comfortable when she is left home alone. Her foster family has noticed signs of anxiety during departures, including barking, destructive behavior, and occasional accidents after they leave, even when she has just been outside. She does best with thoughtful management when alone and has been using her crate for longer absences, as well as a smaller, puppy-proofed space for shorter periods. At night, she may bark for a while before settling in her crate. Her foster family is interested in developing a training plan to help her build confidence with being alone, and this will be an important part of helping Mabel continue to thrive.
Despite that challenge, Mabel is doing wonderfully overall and has come a long way in her foster home. Her allergies have improved, she is gaining healthy weight, and her foster family describes her as a sweet, lovable girl who is simply thrilled to have people around her. She would love a home where her humans enjoy having a devoted sidekick who wants to be included in everyday life and where she can continue building confidence at her own pace.
Mabel is currently enjoying the comforts of a foster home and is ready to find her forever best friend. If you're looking for an affectionate, playful, curious companion who loves walks, fetch, stuffed sharks, and approximately 47,000 cuddles a day, Mabel might be your girl! If you're interested in meeting her, please complete an application and email dogfosters@barcs.org for next steps.
