IMPORTANT - READ ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED

​ TILLY was saved from a high kill shelter in Texas in May 2018, where dogs generally have just 3 days to be saved before they are killed for space. TILLY is spayed, core vaccines, rabies, de-wormed, heartworm tested negative and micro-chipped. She has an estimated date of birth of  18 April 2010 and weighs around 14.20 pounds. She has been listed as a Cairn Terrier Fox Terrier Mix. We have no way of knowing the exact breed, so it is up to individuals to decide what breed they think is most likely.   

At the beginning of June 2018, Tilly was adopted and went to start her new life. Unfortunately in the middle of March 2019 I received an email from the family saying that she would need to be returned to the rescue. The problems the family had was that Tilly had started to get protective of her chair, and her home, she would bark and growl at people coming into the home. The family took her to the vet who recommended a training program and then anxiety medications. Tilly's negative behaviour continued and the family again reached out to the vet wanting her taken off the medication as there had been no significant improvement, the vet, even knowing that the rescue would take her back offered euthanasia as an option. Tilly had not bitten anyone and she had not a recent physical exam or blood panel done to rule out any medical issues for her personality change. Thankfully the family brought her back to the rescue.

When TILLY first got back to the rescue  I noticed how over-weight she was. I put her in the bedroom which is off the main living area where there is a gate installed so she could come out of her crate and get to know the dogs and start to decompress slowly. She was at first growly with me which I tolerated for the first day back, on day two I shouted at her, pointing and telling her "no, this behaviour was not acceptable". I sat on the floor and within minutes she came belly-crawling over and turned over next to me to let me scratch her belly. That has been the extent of her aggression.

After a few days I let her out into the main living area with the 20 other dogs of all ages and sizes and she was a little over-whelmed, she had places she could go to have her own space which she did do mostly for the first week. She was very needy in that she would want to jump up on my knee and followed me around, which was to be expected since that was what she was used to with her family and also I am sure she wanted to be near me for a bit of security. I didn't allow this as it is important to know that she is not going to dictate the rules, that she is a member of the family, but is not in charge. At the time of writing this Tilly has been back at the rescue for 2 weeks and she has been doing great, she has growled at the other dogs, but only for them to get out of her space, she instigated play with one of the smaller dogs and is definitely coming out of her shell and getting a lot more confidence in walking around.

The rescue has had her to the vet to have blood drawn and a full CBC  and 27 Chemistry panel including testing for thyroid issues so that we can rule out hypothyroidism, some symptoms are weight gain and sudden aggression. Her extensive blood and chemistry panel came back good with nothing of any concern. She had a vets appointment on 9th April and had an examination that went well and it was agreed from the information and medical assessment that this is more of a behaviour issue and she just needs a family that will not let her get away with things, which will encourage negative behaviour. We think it was more that she was allowed to become "alpha" of the home and family, which led to her being territorial and consequently aggressive. The good thing is that there are no medical issues that we need to worry about.

TILLY is going to need a family that understands that she has exhibited negative behaviour and is confident and comfortable in  giving a negative consequence to a negative behaviour, like you would do with children or any human for that matter. Her family said she absolutely loved going for walks and car rides and was a really happy go lucky girl although a little timid at times and they truly was heartbroken how things developed but did the right thing in bringing her back since they was not able to deal with her behaviour.

Rescue Bio before TILLY was returned.
TILLY doens't act  8 years old, she is pretty active, very playful, she is great with other dogs, but not too bothered in playing with them all the time, she likes to follow me around and will get a silly mood and spin around when I go over to feed and clean. She has a mischievous streak in she was trying to pull the to the other side of the fence she was on and started pulling it apart. She loves to have mad dashes and spins around in her crazy moments. 

We do not have cats or livestock at the rescue, so we cannot comment on how she would respond or act with or around them. 

A volunteer brought her young granddaughter over and she was great with her, initially she was a little bit shy, but soon warmed up and very loving and wanting to get lots of attention. 

TILLY does use the dog door to go out to do her business. I do not know if she would let you know she needs to go out since she has 24/7 access to the outside, so it is important to note she will most likely need some training. 

She is going to need a family that is used to small dogs. Someone who understand that he will need training and guidance and learns that humans are in charge so that he doesn't get too much of a handful. A somewhat active family who can give him the lifestyle that she needs. Going on road trips, to new places, hikes and adventures and letting her explore the sights, smells and sounds the world has to offer will be to his and your benefit. ​

We do not recommend dog parks for several weeks, if not months, it is so very important for families and dogs to form a strong bond and get to know each other before exposing them to the potential dangers of dog parks. Although all GaDaH dogs are very well socialized with other dogs, lots of other dogs have not had the benefit of this socialization and do not always know how to play and act with other dogs. You also do not know the control the other families have over their dogs and you should always have a good recall for your adopted dog before going to dog parks. 

TILLY is available for adoption for an adoption fee of $550. Canadian adopters need to know that customs charge 15% taxes when entering into Canada. 

This fee is not negotiable and is used to cover the rescue costs of pulling, vetting, health certificate, transport from Texas to Maine, monthly preventatives, supplements, food and anything else that is needed. 

If you feel that you have the heart and home to give this precious soul a wonderful life, please go to our website, under the APPLICATION tab, complete, then submit the APPLICATION. Our process takes around 2-4 days, and ensuring your references are aware that we will be calling, could speed up the process. Once you have been approved, we discuss any questions in regards to the dog you are wanting to adopt, then you complete and submit the contract, make payment and then we can work out the pick up / transport arrangements. 

Please do NOT submit an application if you are not looking to take home a new best friend within the next few weeks. 

https://giveadogahome.rescuegroups.org/

TILLY is LOCATED AT THE RESCUE IN SEBEC, MAINE.  We post in various states along the east coast and Canada where we have had lots of successful adoptions to enable more exposure for these beautiful saved souls. Families will need to be prepared to travel to the rescue to meet and take home their new best friend. Sebec is located just outside the towns of Dover-Foxcroft and Milo (approx 8 miles) and approx 45 miles from Bangor. There are also lots of hotels, motels, pet friendly accommodations  and wonderful camp-sites for the more adventurous families and what a great way to get to know your new best friend.