HELGA

GENDER: Female

AGE: 1 ½ years

WEIGHT: 40 pounds

COLOR: Black & White, Heavy ticking

BREED: English Setter

SOCIALIZATION/TRAINING: Helga was found on the streets in Greece in an area where people often dump unwanted dogs. She was brought to the USA in April. She has settled in nicely to living in a house, has put on some weight, gets along well with the resident setter and is now ready to find her forever home. While she has done extremely well in her foster home, she is still very skittish and is easily frightened by sudden noises and quick movements. She needs a very calm home with not a lot of activity and with consistent people who are willing to work with her to gain her trust and build her confidence. She is very attached to her foster mom and is happiest sitting on the sofa being loved, but does enjoy running and exploring the backyard. She is very smart and has quickly learned to sit for a biscuit or her food bowl.

GOOD WITH CHILDREN: I don’t think so. She can be very skittish, and loud noises and quick movements scare her.

GOOD WITH DOGS: Yes, she loves to run and play with our setter. She would also do well as an only dog.

GOOD WITH CATS: Probably not. Our pet sitter has cats and she reports that while she does not think Helga would hurt the cats, she does like to chase them.

HOUSE TRAINED: Yes, but if she is startled or is extremely scared, she will piddle on the floor.

LEASH TRAINED: Yes, for the most part. She likes to stop and smell at times, but will also want to take off if she sees something to chase. Very easily redirected. She loves our walks in the woods and her tail just wags non-stop.

CRATE TRAINED: Yes, she sleeps in her crate at night in our bedroom. She walks right into the crate at bedtime and seems to like the comfort of the space. Her crate is her safe space and she will run into her crate if something scares her.

ACTIVITY LEVEL: She likes to run and play but is not a high energy setter. She loves toys and likes to chew on chew toys. She likes to go on walks but we are careful when we pass other people and dogs. We have not tried the dog park, as I think she would do better with a slow introduction to other dogs.

FENCE: It would be nice but not necessary. She likes to run in our backyard but will go to the bathroom on a leash and does not need seem to need a lot of exercise. She would probably do fine with short walks each day if she had a quiet place to walk.

BEHAVIOR: Helga is very affectionate and wants to be cuddled and petted. She loves to curl up next to you and be near your side. She will need a family who is able to give her a consistent and calm routine and is willing to work with her to deal with her fears. She does not seem to be afraid of storms, but sudden and unexpected noises make her very anxious and fearful.

MEDICAL HISTORY: Spayed and UTD on shots. She is on a monthly heartworm and flea and tick preventative.

Helga originates from Greece where Leishmaniasis is endemic. She tested negative before coming to the USA, but the parasite can remain dormant in the system for many years, so potential adopters must be willing to commit to annual testing for the next 7 years. Typically, the test needs to be sent to a special lab, but any regular vet can draw the blood and send it to the lab. The cost of the test seems to vary widely by area, but is approximately $150-$200.

FOSTER COMMENTS: Helga needs to have a family that will take time to gain her trust and help her feel safe. Helga seems to do better with women and can be fearful of men. Her foster dad is only home on the weekends and Helga has a hard time with the adjustment of an additional person in the house. She is fine when he is sitting down and will even come over for a cuddle but is fearful when he stands up. She has never been aggressive toward him but just fearful. She is a loving, beautiful and smart dog and deserves to have a family who will work with her to get past her fears and love and adore her.

ADOPTION FEE: $300

FOSTER LOCATION: Stone Mountain, GA