Minnie - Miniature Australian Shepherd
STATE: near New Haven,CT
AGE: 3 years
DOB: Unknown
WEIGHT: 25 lbs
SEX: female
NEUT/UTD: Yes/Yes
COAT COLOR: black tri color
CHILDREN under 4: no (too nervous)
CHILDREN OVER 4: ages 10 & up
SEPARATION ANXIETY: no
OTHER DOGS: Yes
CATS: probably with dog savvy cats
CRATE TRAINED: yes
HOUSE TRAINED: yes
OBEDIENCE TRAINED: No
LEASH TRAINED: learning
MICROCHIPPED: Yes
ADOPTION FEE: $675
AGE: 3 years
DOB: Unknown
WEIGHT: 25 lbs
SEX: female
NEUT/UTD: Yes/Yes
COAT COLOR: black tri color
CHILDREN under 4: no (too nervous)
CHILDREN OVER 4: ages 10 & up
SEPARATION ANXIETY: no
OTHER DOGS: Yes
CATS: probably with dog savvy cats
CRATE TRAINED: yes
HOUSE TRAINED: yes
OBEDIENCE TRAINED: No
LEASH TRAINED: learning
MICROCHIPPED: Yes
ADOPTION FEE: $675
2/5/24-Minnie is doing great. Although we don’t have a way to cat test her, she doesn’t seem to have prey drive. She is still shy too so I can’t imagine she would have an issue with any. Also most mill dogs are good with cats as we heard they often have a lot of barn cats. We think she will be fine with a dog savvy cat.
2/3/24-So proud of this peanut! Introduced Minnie to a new floor in the house (she was thrilled to find the basement romp is where it’s at), Did stairs by herself for the first time & attempted some outdoor play, what a big day! No one seems to realize how adorably cute & tiny Minnie really is. See her new picture with her full size aussie foster brother. Minnie is the size of a puppy! (or like a french Bulldog) Still looking for her furever home!
1/29/24-Minnie is the sweetest. Really has come out of her shell with us but even more with me. I think a home with a low key owner with at least 1 woman would be her dream come true!
1/24/24-Minnie’s adorable little personality is shining through and there’s no stopping her now! Her adopters will need to give her time to see her full potential but I have no doubt that the little puppy that never got a chance to play wants to come out. She is tail wagging and smiling when she sees her people and loves to be close. She will happily couch lounge with you on a rainy day. The last few days when given time she has come out of the crate on her own (major improvement) and even caught grabbing a bone from the toy bin to chew on. We tried a harness for the first time yesterday- she hated it but who wouldn’t after being cooped up for the first three years of her life. With time and exposure she could be an active gal and adventure partner, but she needs patience. She has come so far in just three weeks. Are you looking for a mini to love? Cause Minnie is looking for a loving home she is so deserving of!
1/22/24-Minnie is a sweet girl & doing better. She is crate trained and house trained – no accidents in quite some time. We tried for a little photo shoot this morning but Minnie prefers licks and love & showing off! Here is what we’ve learned about this sweet girl:
– 100% attaches to the female in the house and still shows some fearful behaviors towards men. Not severe or in a way that would prevent her from going to a home with males, but will take a little longer to build trust so it would be helpful for Minnie to have at least one female owner.
– Still fearful of the outdoors, leash and any unexpected noises, but it’s a work in progress. For this reason she would not do well with a city lifestyle. She needs her humans to watch her anytime she is somewhere new for right now, high flight risk like many ex mill dogs. We gated off a section of our yard to feel more manageable for her and she has been going to the bathroom in her “area”. Not having any issues with accidents indoor, just a process to get her comfy outdoors. We’ve been attaching the leash inside to get her more comfortable. No walks on leash just yet but she will get there!
– Which leads me to how she loves her safe spaces: corner of the couch, crate, by her people is where she feels safest.
– The presence of another dog has helped to build her confidence. She’d do well with a fur sibling but not a necessity as people are her jam. We do not have a way to cat test her so needs a home without cats. Though no aggression, she would be better with a little older kids (10 & up) just given her discomfort around quick movements/noises that would come with younger kids.
– She shows glimmers of playfulness / tail wags but hasn’t quite got the hang of it yet. So far she really has just been leaning into lounging in a safe, warm space.
– She is FULL of love. That’s really all she wants too but she isn’t sure how to accept it yet. As this little girl opens up she will truly be your “mini” and will never leave your side. She needs someone willing to help her get over her past life & learn how wonderful life really is.
1/15/24-Ms Minnie has kept us busy the last 24 hours. Flight risk alert! we’re always on guard but extra with this girl. Right now she hates the lead and won’t go potty on it so usually take her off for a brief period in the fenced yard. Well she was spooked by the high winds last night and bolted underneath our deck. Took 4 hours and lots of taking turns thawing out in the house. Lol Finally resorted to ripping some of the deck paneling up a little after midnight, but she made it in safe and sound. Unfortunately, starting from scratch with her as she’s re traumatized. Poor girl- it is clear she will need extra decompression time from her mill life. She’s a little dusty but otherwise just fine and warm and cozy tonight while we all catch up on rest! Minnie will need a patient home willing to help her adjust to life.
1/10/24-Minnie is recovery from her spay. Vet did note exam findings of luxating patellas (like “trick knees” lol) but does not think should impact her in any major way. We have seen no issues with walking or her cute little trot. Otherwise she is perfect health wise. She is still very nervous and unsure of the outside world or any unexpected noises. Her crate is her safe space but she doesn’t mind peeking out of the door once in a while. We had some luck with soft food and water today. Terrified of a leash but we’ll continue to work on it. Because she is so reserved we are still unsure about interaction with other dogs but certainly doesn’t seemed bothered by her big foster brother and hoping he is showing her what it’s like to be loved. Will keep everyone updated!
1/8/24-Minnie is the mini aussie from this past week’s mill rescue. Looks just like a mini me of our Aussie so the name fit! LOL She is currently very nervous but oh so sweet. Went in for spay already today so we will have plenty of time to settle her in and let her get comfortable now that that’s taken care of. Thanks to everyone again who helped get her here!
01/04/24-Minnie is a very cute 3 year old female mini aussie (miniature Australian Shepherd) saved from being killed by a puppy mill as they just got done breeding her. She arrived safely into our rescue tonight thanks to her transport & temporary foster volunteers. Her initial vet check said she has bi-lateral luxating patellas in her back legs. Next Monday 1/8 is her spay & we will have a 2nd check on her legs to. Once we get to know Minnie a little more & her needs for her new home she will be ready to be adopted. This sweetie won’t be here long!