Exuberant by elektroyu on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

Please look at this sweet, happy face!

Sammy (8y Papillon) is the newest addition to my family, I adopted him in August 2018, so about half a year ago. His former home wasn't suited for his sensitive nature, he was keeping humand in check/ defending himself with snapping and biting, he was severely overweight, was in overall bad condition (he had an eye injury, joint pains, a sagging back from lack of exercise, wasn't groomed and instead his beautiful long fur had been cut short bah) and he basically had shut down and wasn't moving much anymore, let alone playing. He spent a few weeks at his breeders and started his recovery there, before he was briefly rehomed to the hubby of his former owner (they split up). When that man broke the rehoming contract, though, the breeder demanded Sammy back asap and asked me to take him with me when we were picking up my sister's dog from her. Said, done. Originally I wanted a Papillon puppy from my trusted breeder, the pups had already been born, but I couldn't refuse to help him instead. So no puppy for me in the foreseeable future.

All I can say is... Sammy is an amazing dog. I've never met a dog that is SO HAPPY and playful and active and just always up for a game of tug, chase or even earning treats with trick training. He LOVES it and he's just as clever as Bats! He immediately felt good about being here, he was so happy to explore the surroundings of his new home on a little potty walk in the middle of the night right when he got out of the car (most of the traveling was actually done by train and he was a v good boy in his crate). He also is very cuddly, but he likes some quiet time for himself as well and he has learned that he actually has a say in the matter. Previously he would very easily snap if someone touched him, but now he mostly just says 'no' with a little glance or maybe a little growl and that is respected. Resource guarding has gotten better as well, especially regarding toys. He's found out that playing with us is more fun than playing alone and he doesn't mind sharing his toys with us now. I could fill books about his improvements, but I'm shutting up now. Looking forward to our journey in the future!