Gina – From Shy to Smiley

It was clear to everyone that Gina was nervous and unsure of people. She would hide under blankets or growl when staff approached her. Our behavior staff knew she was exhibiting difficult behaviors, but with time and training she could learn and overcome her fears.

During her medical check, we learned Gina had fleas, some dental issues, and needed to be spayed. Our staff gave her flea treatment, performed a thorough dental cleaning, and spayed her. Once her medical needs were accommodated, Gina spent a month and a half in foster care to help her learn to trust people and reinforce good behaviors 24/7.

While in the foster’s care, he noticed that one of her eyes would drift like a lazy eye and every so often her head bobbled. Our veterinary staff ran a variety of specialized tests to assess if it was due to a neurological disease, or simply a congenital aspect. After all the correct tests came back negative, we concluded that it was not an issue and would not create any quality-of-life problems for Gina.

Play time with a volunteer

Gina also spent time visiting staff members in their offices and met a few of her fellow shelter dogs during playgroups. She is slowly and surely learning that people and dogs are friends!

After 124 days in our care and within a week of become available for adoption, Gina found her forever family!

Gina received the medical care, behavior modification, TLC, and time she needed trust in humans thanks to our donor-funded Hope Program. Our community’s support of our Hope Program helps us give animals a second chance at life and finding their forever family.