Meet Dior, a sweet and playful girl who came to the shelter through no fault of her own and is ready for a fresh start with a family who will give her the love and patience she deserves. Her former family described her as happy, playful, sweet, and kind, and she's continuing to show what a loving companion she can be in her foster home. With her adorable ears, happy wiggles, and serious love of snuggles, Dior is an endearing girl whose favorite place is wherever her people happen to be!
When Dior first arrived at the shelter, she was very shy, but with time, kindness, and gentle encouragement, she's been coming out of her shell. She's a brave girl who isn't afraid to communicate when something makes her uncomfortable, particularly when meeting men or encountering unfamiliar things. She's making progress with men both inside and outside the home, and her foster has found that she warms up more quickly when they give her time to observe and approach at her own pace. She'll appreciate a patient family who helps her feel safe rather than rushing introductions. Once she gets comfortable, treats and a gentle approach can go a long way!
If there's one thing Dior wants you to know, it's that she LOVES her people. She adores pets, scratches, belly rubs, snuggling, and simply being wherever her favorite humans are. Her energy level is moderate and very manageable when people are home, making her a lovely companion for walks followed by some quality time together. She recently enjoyed a long walk to a pet store and continues to show how much she enjoys getting out and exploring with her person.
Dior is a wonderful walking companion who walks beautifully on leash with her harness. She may vocalize a little when she spots other dogs, but she's easily redirected and seems much more interested in the possibility of playing than in having a confrontation. Even when other dogs are around, her attention tends to come right back to her person. She has also been learning some useful manners, including "wait" at crosswalks and "go to bed," and she's picking up these skills as she continues to settle into her routine. Her former family reported that she got along well with both large and small dogs, and she enjoys the company of gentle canine friends. A well-adjusted dog sibling could potentially be a helpful companion as she learns to feel more comfortable spending time independently, though introductions and compatibility should be assessed carefully.
Dior has experience living with children ages 7 and 9, and her former family reported that she did very well with them. She's a loving, social girl who enjoys being included in everyday life, and she would thrive with a family who appreciates her affectionate nature while continuing to help her build confidence. As with any dog, interactions with children should be supervised and respectful.
Dior has been doing very well with housetraining when people are home, and she typically takes care of business as soon as she gets outside for a walk. However, she continues to have accidents when left alone, and she has occasionally had an accident even when she's recently been outside. This appears to be part of her ongoing difficulty with separation, rather than a reflection of how she behaves when her people are home.
Being alone is Dior's biggest challenge right now. She is deeply attached to her people, and separation can be distressing for her. When left alone, she may vocalize and persistently pull at her crate, even when the crate door is left open so she can choose to enter or exit. Interestingly, she also seems to have a hard time fully settling without the crate available as an option. Her foster believes a heavy-duty crate may be needed for her safety when she's home alone. Dior will need a committed adopter who can patiently work on building her independence, provide appropriate mental enrichment, and help her learn that time apart can be safe. Snuffle toys and lick mats are some of her favorites and may help keep her busy, but she'll need continued support and realistic expectations as she works through this challenge.
Dior is a devoted, affectionate girl with so much love to give. She'll thrive with someone who enjoys having a loyal little shadow, understands that confidence and independence take time to develop, and is ready to help her navigate the world at her own pace. In return, you'll get happy wiggles, sweet snuggles, a clever companion who enjoys learning, and a girl who is happiest simply being part of your day. If you're looking for a loving friend and are prepared to help her grow more comfortable with alone time, Dior could be your girl!
Dior is currently enjoying the comfort of a foster home. If you're interested in meeting her, please email dogfosters@barcs.org to be connected with her foster family and learn more about next steps!
