Maple Sugar

Maple is a 50# (+/-) pit bull mix. She was discovered at the Greenville Shelter by an independent rescuer with a heart for the bully breeds. Her default position was to roll on her back and submissively pee. The Rescuer took her to her home but soon realized she had maybe taken on more than she could handle. The rescuer and our team loaded Maple up in our transport van (literally two people carrying her) and moved her to my house. Our first stop was at Veterinarians Emergency Group (VEG) to have her evaluated. There was concern that her mobility issues might be caused by a physical problem and we wanted to eliminate that possibility. Their diagnosis was "congenital/developmental transitional T13 - variations in the ribs-likely incidental and not clinically significant." Next stop was Dallas Animal Urgent Care who gave her a complete checkup including vaccinations and heartworm test. She was physically carried into both facilities by two people. She did walk out of DAUC on her own. Maple Sugar was taken to TCAP for her spay, TriHeart Plus, Dewormer and Rabies. The synopsis of the next eight months was constant care and encouragement, love and attention. Gradually, with the use of treats and the occasional neighbor to help carry her when she dropped and rolled over, she became more confident and mobile. Next was an evaluation at Velvet Snout where she started a board and train program which lasted several months. She made tremendous progress. The training was not necessarily a routine protocol but rather focusing on socialization, confidence, staying upright, etc. A much improved pup was returned home and we began the process of helping her to be a regular dog. It was discovered that she was extremely affectionate, treat motivated and stubborn. Her foster's living situation changed from a big house and yard with a dog door and almost total freedom to apartment living with extremely restrictive leashing requirements. She regressed a little and the trainer came over to the apartment several times to work with her in her environment and gave her unlimited access to daycare at Velvet Snout. What is being observed now is a socialized dog who wants nothing more than to run and play with the other dogs and puppies but still has some fears that restrict her. She is afraid of the gates to the dog park, rain and high wind, sudden noises. Her full time foster is older and not as mobile. Maple pulls on the leash and she is strong. She doesn't follow instructions very well but she knows where she lives and after doing her "business," runs like a little racehorse to the front porch and waits patiently to be let in. Her progress has been amazing to observe and, while she still has a lot to learn, she is more receptive to training than she has ever been. Her living environment is very laid back and she has been allowed on furniture but does love her crate to sleep in. She is totally house trained and her signal that she needs to go out is to go to the door and stand there. If no one responds quickly, she will find where you are and "lead" you to the door. Maple Sugar is participating in The Love Pit's iRehome program, so ongoing care and custody are provided by their foster. All behavior and medical information is provided by their caretaker, and TLP encourages all adopters to verify the information with their caretaker prior to adoption.