Paula

Paula is an approximately 4-year-old female who arrived at the shelter as a stray on 7/25. Videos: Tin and Paula: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6VDxFdGpiw Rin and Paula: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_3abFY1Rkg Sarge says hi to Paula: https://youtube.com/shorts/CnxsZCXS--M?feature=share Behavioral notes: 7/26 Per volunteer-- Paula was laying down when I approached her kennel. She was easily leashed. She walked nicely through the kennels. Once outside she hesitated to walk on the pea gravel. I crouched down and offered words of encouragement in a baby voice and then she continued to walk. She did great meeting other dogs. She had loose body language and appropriately sniffed/greeted other dogs. She walks very nicely on leash and enjoyed sniffing the grass. She allowed all over petting and handling. She also knows sit. She was easily returned to kennel. BEHAVIOR EVALUATION (7/26): KNOWN HISTORY: Stray KENNEL PRESENTATION: Paula was very submissive and appeasing in her sidebank kennel. She was laying near the door and sat up with soft, bloodshot eyes and a tucked wagging tail. She sniffed me and gave kisses through the bars, but when I opened the door and showed her the leash she cowered away into a back corner. I tried to coax her forward and she came up, but when she saw the leash again she retreated. I lassoed her and when the leash touched her she flinched hard and opened her mouth in a warning, but did not snap at the leash or me. Once the leash was secured she came out on her own. LEASH SKILLS: Pulls minimally HANDLING: When we got to the room I gave Paula a little space since she seemed pretty timid and her kennel presence seemed mostly like appeasement. I offered some treats and she snatched them up, so watch your fingers and use an open palm for treats! Paula stayed near me and did not explore the room much on her own. WHen I reached out to touch her she pushed her head under my hand and cuddled in right away. She was still nervous of sudden, unexpected touches, like if I randomly touched her back, but she leaned in hard for cuddles and pets. Paula allowed all handling, and was just a little sensitive around her back. She head whipped around a couple times but never escalated, she was just suspicious of what I was doing back there. Overall, she's submissive, appeasing, and affectionate. I would recommend taking things slow with her, and using lots of treats and gentle head pets to help her warm up to you! PLAY: Played with toys but not super interested in running around TOYS: Likes squeaky stuffed toys, will bring them back and let you take them from her mouth! Also trades very easily for treats! Medical notes: During an intake exam on 7/26, staff found Paula to be in good general health, but noted several spots of hairloss as well as fleas. The noted she was "Very sweet, Very friendly, Very hungry".