Willow – ADOPTED!

Hi, there! I’m Willow, a 4-year-old GSP mix. You can probably tell by my name that I’m a girl! My mom is reluctantly trying to find a new family and home for me because our current home just doesn’t have the space or a real yard for me to get the exercise I need. In addition, she was in a very serious accident and can’t really go on hikes or run me and she can’t even walk me other than on leash, Even that is hard for her. We used to live on 14 acres but had to move so I am not getting the exercise I know I should have. Because she is having yet another surgery due to the car accident a few years ago, she is hoping I can find a home soon.

I know some basic commands – sit, down and off and in-in (to go into my crate) and, of course, I am house-trained. I just stand by the door until she notices me or I might bug her a little to go out. I’ve never had an accident in the house. I’m good with other dogs unless they run up and want to hump me; then I bark at them! My mom describes me as an alpha with most dogs but, mostly with males, I’m submissive. Another thing you should know is that, unlike a lot of pointers, I’m OK with cats. And, of course, I love my people and really enjoy toddlers. I’m a bit nervous when strangers come to our house but I do warm up. Mostly I’m just reserved or stand-offish, wanting my own space for a while until I feel more relaxed. But when we’re visiting other families in their homes, I’m fine. When my mom is not around, I am good in my crate but that’s never more than 4 hours. But I want to be with her when she’s home at night and I’m happy on a dog bed when it’s bedtime! One other thing you may want to know: I do have a habit of sometimes digging in the yard but not under fences. But I only make little holes that are already there a little bigger. So If you have a gorgeous yard that you spend a lot of time making beautiful, one that already has some small holes in it, you may be reluctant to let me out there!

I do have a very strong prey drive – I am a pointer, after all – so I sometimes want to go after an animal like a rabbit or squirrel when I’m walking on leash. My mom says I’m not very good with recall so maybe a training collar would help me with that. When left alone and uncrated for too long I can get anxious and chew on things I probably shouldn’t, mostly because I’m bored or lonely. Maybe living with another dog would keep me from doing that. I love being with other dogs so that is a pretty good idea!
Some of my favorite activities are fetch, Frisbee (although I can be possessive over one), running (especially next to a bike!), wrestling with my dog friends, and swimming. I like riding in a car, too. When my mom describes me she really smiles. Although I am somewhat protective of her and can be reserved with some strangers who come to our house, she says I’m a happy girl who is friendly, playful but gentle, and so affectionate and loving. I know this decision has been so hard for her but she wants me to have a home again that will give me the space and exercise that I really need.