Willow the Wonder-pup!

I usually wait awhile longer before I do a "pupdate" of how a foster dog has settled into their new home, but I have to say that Willow (Coho) is doing so well that I had to share some photos her mom sent me.  It took almost a week after she had arrived in foster care at our home before Willow would approach without creeping up to me with her ears flattened to her head, but look at her here, almost immediately seeking out attention and just hanging with the crowd!

Asking for some attention (or quite possibly some food)

Willow was one of those poor dogs who craved human attention while simultaneously being terrified of it. So when she arrived we did what we normally do with new, fearful dogs - we ignored her.  Well, I mean she was fed and got sweet talk and potty breaks and all that jazz but we were careful to try to never approach her but instead to let her take things at her own speed and choose to approach us. By giving a fearful dog the time and space they need to understand they are safe, you will speed up their ability to trust tenfold.

Hanging out at a family birthday party like she's lived there all of her life

Obviously though, she immediately felt safe in her new home and is doing great and just another member of the family. We can't wait to hear more of Willow's great adventures and prove that sometimes all a shy dog needs is a little patience and love and a family willing to see the potential in a not so perfect dog.