About Nala
Nala is a 3.5 year old 78 lb ‘red’ Golden Retriever who was surrendered to GRRACE just a few short months ago needing a quiet place to land to prepare for right knee surgery. Her left knee was surgically corrected last fall but hadn't yet gotten to 100% when Nala's right knee gave out. Her knees are both now surgically repaired and ready for exercise, fun and a very bright future
Nala had been the only dog in her previous homes but is now living with two resident dogs in her foster home and is having fun playing daily. She is still comfortable being independent but has no problem joining in for playtime or roaming the yard with her foster siblings. She likes spending time with her humans but is good with dogs - she approaches them, initiating play or just wanders the yard with them sniffing all of the locations that she can! She will enforce a boundary but it is a quick response and then it is done. She is not reactive and will move away from the other dogs if she isn't interested.
Nala would like a place where she can be a part of everyday activities with the whole family. She likes kids very much and will ask to greet them in stores. She enjoys chatting with you in the morning when you wake up as she greets you with wags, kisses and asks for pets while she’s smiling at you! She would love a home where she will be a member of the family, playing with kids and/or resident playful dogs, or being your #1 Girl! She would flourish while spending time with her human/family at the park, lake/pond or hanging out at home near loving humans catching treats, being groomed, having belly rubs and snuggling on the sofa next to you!
What you’d want to know about Nala:
Nala will ask to get up on the sofa with you and lay there for hours while you pet her. She sleeps there at night but always appreciates a cool floor or her soft beds as well.
Nala is talkative! She will let you know what she wants - to go out, if someone / something is outside or if you’re not on time with dinner! She will greet you and guests with tail wags and some barkies, even some kisses. She likes meeting new people. She is very sweet. She isn’t hyper but also isn’t timid - she is the perfect balance!
Nala loves to roll in the grass and she likes being groomed/brushed too! She gives kisses during grooming sessions. She likes to walk through your legs to rub her back so make sure you're ready! Along with back scratches, in the warm weather, she has been happy to walk in the rain. No problems with storms or going out in the rain. She loves the attention and cooing voice while being dried with a towel and she will give you kisses to say thank you!
Nala is great in the car. She is comfortable in her harness and she comes with all sorts of toys/equipment for safety in riding, swimming, brain stimulation toys and her beloved balls! She has two orthopedic beds and will use them unless the temperatures are high then she will find a cool spot in front of a fan. This girl is smart and lovable!
Nala wants to be with you - she loves walking and sniffing to keep her brain stimulated. She loves to break sticks, the smell of organic fertilizer in the soil, eating grass and chasing wildlife - she needs a human with her to help her make good decisions - like avoiding eating grass that could be treated with chemicals, no swallowing sticks, etc.! Redirecting her with a treat always works when reinforcing “no!” Or “leave it.” She can be stubborn so a repeat and dog treat near her nose may be required!
Nala will stay close if you work from home. If you have to go out, she will find a spot to rest near a door to be sure she sees you first thing when you get back. She loves to go for rides if you’re able to take her. She’s learning how to use a ramp to get up into and out of the vehicle to avoid the stress on her joints. She needs a little assistance getting up into the car for now until her knees are stronger. We’re using a ramp to help her get into the SUV to avoid the strain on her joints.
Nala is very interested in chasing small animals - chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits - if you have resident pets, she will need introductions and oversight, especially with cats to ensure she does not push her way into their space and scare them. She has had limited exposure to cats so a proper introduction is essential.
Nala is food motivated and open to new commands and reinforcing the basics with treats. This will be a great opportunity to train her to work with your family’s needs, to help her understand boundaries and help her feel safe in her new environment. Nala knows the basics - and she is smart and a fast learner. She may take her time to comply - she can be stubborn.
Nala’s knees will need daily exercise/walks for her to stay at a healthy weight and active to keep her strong. She will require a daily joint supplement for the rest of her life per her surgeon and luckily, the chewable Dasequin supplement is something you can use for rewarding a good sit which is great PT for her legs. Exercising her legs is crucial to keep them strong. Beware though - once she is strong enough, she will use those back legs to jump up and surf your kitchen counters! Keep human food and any items bad for dogs put away because she goes looking for goodies!
Nala is a brilliant, loving and happy dog - she is the perfect example of what we love about Goldens!
To be considered for Nala you MUST have the following;
--Structural fence.
--Active family that is committed to continuing her rehabilitation to strengthen her knees.
--Someone home often.
If you have an approved application on file and are interested in being considered for Nala, please contact GRRACE at info@grrace.org. You can find our adoption application and guidelines on the Adopt-A-Golden page of our website at www.grrace.org.
Interested?
Details
GRRACE Golden Retriever Rescue
PO Box 513 Plainfield IN 46168
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