Meet Ethel - The Quiet Heart Who Wants to Feel Safe
Ethel is a 6-year-old Chihuahua mix who has lived a hard life before rescue. She came from a hoarding situation, and like many dogs who've had to fend for themselves, she learned to survive by being small, quiet, and unseen. Now she is safe, but she's still learning what safety feels like. Ethel is not vocal. She won't bark for attention or follow you from room to room. Instead, she quietly observes, watches, and slowly, slowly decides who she might be able to trust. If given the choice, she'll pick a cozy hiding spot to feel secure – blankets, corners, a covered dog bed. At first, she keeps her distance, but she wants to be brave. Food is her bridge, her soft spot, her love language. Ethel is very food motivated, which is both helpful and endearing. It also means she has put on a little extra weight (she should be around 10 lbs), so her adopter will need to help her stay on a gentle, healthy routine. She may never be the dog who leaps into your arms, but one day – after time, patience, and love – she may choose to sit next to you. Then maybe she'll rest her head on your leg. Then, one day, she may choose you on purpose. And when she does, it will mean everything. Ethel is not for everyone, but for the right person, she will be one of the most meaningful loves you ever experience. If your heart is pulled toward the quiet ones, the ones who need time, the ones who bloom slowly and softly, Ethel is waiting.
Ideal Home
Ethel is looking for a calm, quiet home with a patient, kind adopter who understands trauma recovery. She would benefit from another confident, friendly dog to show her how to "dog." A securely fenced yard is essential as she is not yet used to leashes. No young children, as slow and gentle is best. Someone who celebrates tiny wins.
Ongoing Health
Ethel is spayed, up-to-date on vaccinations, microchipped, dewormed, heartworm checked, and on flea/tick and heart worm preventatives. She has put on a little extra weight and her adopter will need to help her stay on a gentle, healthy routine.
Training & Support
Ethel is not vocal and prefers to observe quietly. She is very food motivated, which can be a great tool for building trust. She is not yet used to leashes, so continued work in this area will be important.
Application Details:
- Applications start by contacting us through Wags.
- Your current pets must be up-to-date on core vaccines, spayed/neutered, and on heart worm prevention year-round.
- You must be at least 21-years-old to adopt.
- Please have your veterinarian and two non-family reference phone numbers ready.
Transporation
Ethel is located in Bloomington, IL. We do not ship, so you would need to travel to pick her up if you live out of state.
