Most of the dogs we rescue from puppy mills adjust to life as a “real dog” relatively quickly, but occasionally there is a special dog that takes more time. Each dog has a different story and how soon they will develop confidence and trust often depends on the level of abuse and/or neglect the dog endured during their years in the cage.
Nikki is one of those special dogs. We rescued this sweet, but shy little girl early in April 2012. She is a 6 1/2 year old Miniature Poodle and weighs just over 10lbs. Though Nikki has come far in the past months, she still has anxiety and fears. With love and patience she will blossom – but it will take a special person to guide her.
A volunteer at our kennel takes Nikki home on the weekends. She works with Nikki, takes her for walks, and has been helping her gain confidence. Nikki's "buddy" provided the following information:
“Nikki is the sweetest little thing. She will sit on my lap and let me pet her, and sometimes she even seems to enjoy it. She is absolutely beautiful when she’s outside running in the yard. She gets along great with my other dogs. Nikki does wonderfully walking on a leash, and she is beginning to show curiosity about the things she sees during our walks. New situations make her very anxious and she will pace or run in circles. Sleeping in a crate at night gives her security and she’s less frightened. She’s had very few peeing accidents in the house. Even though she has no teeth, she eats just fine – I give her soft food or put warm water on her kibbles. Nikki needs an understanding family who will love her so she can develop confidence. I’m willing to assist the family who adopts her in helping her adjust."
If you’re interested in adopting Nikki please click here. If you can offer Nikki a foster home please click here.
Nikki is one of those special dogs. We rescued this sweet, but shy little girl early in April 2012. She is a 6 1/2 year old Miniature Poodle and weighs just over 10lbs. Though Nikki has come far in the past months, she still has anxiety and fears. With love and patience she will blossom – but it will take a special person to guide her.
A volunteer at our kennel takes Nikki home on the weekends. She works with Nikki, takes her for walks, and has been helping her gain confidence. Nikki's "buddy" provided the following information:
“Nikki is the sweetest little thing. She will sit on my lap and let me pet her, and sometimes she even seems to enjoy it. She is absolutely beautiful when she’s outside running in the yard. She gets along great with my other dogs. Nikki does wonderfully walking on a leash, and she is beginning to show curiosity about the things she sees during our walks. New situations make her very anxious and she will pace or run in circles. Sleeping in a crate at night gives her security and she’s less frightened. She’s had very few peeing accidents in the house. Even though she has no teeth, she eats just fine – I give her soft food or put warm water on her kibbles. Nikki needs an understanding family who will love her so she can develop confidence. I’m willing to assist the family who adopts her in helping her adjust."
If you’re interested in adopting Nikki please click here. If you can offer Nikki a foster home please click here.
She is absolutely adorable. We adopted a chihuahua from our local shelter, Oct 1, 2010. She just now is settling down with much less fear. I taught her the command, NO FEAR and when she gets scared, when I say that, she relaxes now. Our Itty Bitty Little Bit is our joy and blessing. I hope Nikki will soon have someone like us who have the time and love to love her through her fears and anxieties, for it is so worth the time.
ReplyDeleteThe pain that she must of had with her teeth rotting is so messed up. Do any of the puppy mills get closed down or do you just take dogs from them ?
ReplyDeleteI think I can answer that question. NMDR has a delicate relationship with some breeders, and those breeders allow the dogs that would otherwise be euthanized to go with rescue organizations to find their retirement homes. Others come from auctions between breeders. NMDR only takes those dogs from the auctions that are being sold for so cheap that the breeders make no money from their sale.
DeleteThank you guys so much for everything you are doing for Nikki. She has had a tough life so far but she is lucky to have found you. Crossing my fingers for her to have a new, loving home very soon.
ReplyDeleteI understand what is needed for little Nikki. I used to foster Mill dogs through Small Paws rescue, and ultimately adopted my last foster. She was 8 when she was rescued from the Mill, and she was very, VERY damaged. That was 3 1/2 years ago, and she is still nervous around my husband. She will come to me and finally shows excitement to see me. She also has no teeth due to rot, but eats just fine.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could take little Nikki into my home, my dogs are all very good at heling the mill dogs adapt. Undortuantely I have 2 year old twins so I am not in a position to do so. Thank you for caring for Nikki! She is beautiful!
my little daisy is also an NMDR rescue - completely warm and loving from day 1 - but she also is missing most of her teeth - i found that boiling baby carrots and apples until they are almost mush makes for a very happy daisy girl! sometimes i freeze them after boiling for a summer treat! im sure nikki would love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious baby. I adopted a dog who has no ears. He was set on fire by a little boy. He has some issues, but he is amazing at living in the present moment. I think that is what our dogs teach us the most. Presence. Thank you, Mill Dog Rescue, for your love and dedication.
ReplyDeleteWhere in Nikki located? Thank you for giving her a second chance! Amy S
ReplyDeleteLooks like she got adopted!?! I don't see her on the NMDR website any longer...
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