I've found my furever family!

How does a dog learn to trust when she’s been raised in a pen, considered “breeding stock”, with little human contact? Parker was released from a commercial breeding farm and began her SPIN journey at BlackDog Pet Resort in Bowmanville, where she was with other dogs and could slowly acclimatize to her new life of freedom. A small but mighty group of volunteers visited her regularly to show her that the world – and the people in it- are not as scary as she thinks. Next came grooming and spay.

It was not long before Parker was ready to transition to a foster home where she had to master doors, stairs and potty training, meet cats and children. Her favorite thing soon became cuddling on the sofa; this was comforting for her as often puppy farm dogs are many to a stall so they huddle together for comfort. She learned to enjoy petting on her terms and when she was feeling brave, would nudge a hand. Parker decided that she wanted to be near people, but she made her boundaries clear. Her foster family gave her space and let her build confidence at her own pace.

Parker’s days in foster were not without hiccups. One day she decided to eat an entire bag of kibble belonging to a visiting dog. Ooops. After a night and day of extreme discomfort, she swore she would never do THAT again. Another day she had a smelly accident right in the middle of her foster dad’s VERY important Zoom meeting. Ooops. She swore it was not her fault. But mostly her days were quietly uneventful as she settled into routine life in a house for the first time. Everyone was amazed the day she went to a party and acted the social butterfly, mooching snacks and scratches from many different folks. Parker was ready to find her forever home.

And now Parker has found that home in a family that is willing to meet her where she is and continue moving forward. She joins another dog and two cats. She also has a new name: Stella. Happy days are ahead for this little girl!