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For Adoption: Emilia!
Please read our dog bios carefully to be sure that the dog you are applying for suits your family and lifestyle.
We at PDR believe in the benefits of post-adoption training for our dogs and their families. This allows for continued socialization, learning and helps to create a well-mannered and balanced dog. Post-adoption training is a requirement in our adoption process.
To apply for adoption and for more information on our process and requirements, visit our website at https://pounddog.ca/adoption-info/.
Hi! My name is Emilia, and I'm a 4-year-old Bichon Frise with a soft, curly white coat, a long, slender little body, and a big personality waiting to shine! At my first vet visit, I weighed in at just under 10 lbs. I came into rescue underweight so am looking to add another 1 or 2 lbs tops.
I'm a happy-go-lucky girl who will greet you with the sweetest, most adoring eyes. When I'm really excited to see you, my tail doesn't just wag – it spins in circles like a little helicopter! It's one of my favourite ways to show just how happy I am.
My journey to becoming a beloved family pet has been a little different from most dogs. I spent the first four years of my life in a barn, where I was used for breeding. My interactions with humans were very limited, so I'm still learning what it means to be loved, cared for, and part of a family. Because of my past, I'm naturally cautious when meeting new people. I may come close enough to give you a little sniff, but I'll usually keep enough distance to make a quick retreat if I feel unsure. Sometimes, when someone approaches me, I roll onto my back or lift a leg. Although my tail may be wagging, these are learned responses from my previous life, and I still need time to understand that human attention can be a wonderful thing.
I'm looking for a patient, gentle family who will let me build trust at my own pace. I don't need someone to rush my progress – I just need someone who will give me the time and reassurance to discover how wonderful life can be. A calm and quieter home would be ideal, as too much activity or commotion can make me retreat and hide. I have a playful, joyful side that comes out when I feel safe, and I would love a family who gives me the opportunity to show it. A fenced backyard would be a wonderful bonus for my off-leash zoomies and exploring, although a grassy area where I can enjoy a little extra room on a longer leash would also make me happy!
I'm a very sweet and well-behaved little girl, and I've already learned many of the routines that come with living in a home. At bedtime, I happily go into my crate all by myself and sleep quietly through the night. I like having my crate in the bedroom with my family because I feel more secure knowing my humans are nearby. If I'm left alone at night, I may cry a little.
In the morning, when my crate door opens, I'll greet you with my signature helicopter tail wag! I may need a little encouragement to come out, as I'm sometimes still nervous about stepping into the day. A gentle leash assist or being picked up may be needed. Once I'm out, I need to go outside to relieve myself. I enjoy short walks of about 20–30 minutes, two to three times a day. The leash was a little confusing to me at first, but I've become a lovely walking companion. I don't pull and prefer to stay close to my human.
Mealtimes are simple! I eat just over half a cup of food in the morning and another half cup in the evening. I'm currently most comfortable eating in my crate or in my own bed, but I'm happy to learn a new routine in my forever home. When my family needs to go out, I'm comfortable staying home in my crate for up to a few hours. I'll need a crate that gives me enough room to stretch out and get comfortable. When you come home, I'd love to be let out of my crate and given the opportunity to go outside right away. Having this routine helps me feel secure and comfortable.
I'm generally a quiet girl at home. I might enjoy chewing on a bone, but you'll usually find me napping, relaxing, or patiently waiting for a little attention. When it comes to car rides, I feel safest travelling in my crate, as being in the car can make me nervous.
I really enjoy the company of other dogs! I'm friendly and curious when I see other dogs around the neighbourhood, but I'm not overly excitable. In fact, having another friendly, confident dog in my forever home would be a wonderful bonus. I tend to come out of my shell when I have a canine friend around. With another dog nearby, I become much more playful, running around, enjoying zoomies, and showing off a side of my personality that you might not see right away. A dog sibling could help me feel more comfortable as I adjust to my new surroundings and learn the routines of my forever home.
I'm looking for a family who understands that trust takes time. I need gentle, patient humans who will allow me to approach them when I'm ready, rather than expecting me to immediately seek out affection. A home without young children would likely be the best fit for me, as lots of noise, excitement, and sudden movements can be overwhelming. Teens who understand how to approach me calmly may be a possibility but ideally a quiet home with adults only would be best for me. Most importantly, I want to feel safe. Once I have that security, you'll get to see just how much happiness and love I have to offer.
I've made so much progress since leaving the barn, but my learning journey is far from over! I'm working on my recall and learning to come when my name is called. I've also learned to respond to a gentle verbal correction such as "eh-eh" when I'm being redirected. Some basic commands, like sit and stay, are still a work in progress. My cautious nature can sometimes make it difficult for me to focus on learning something new, so positive reinforcement and patience will be important. Basic obedience classes would be a wonderful way for my new family and me to build confidence, strengthen our bond, and continue learning together.
My beautiful white double coat is soft and curly, and I shed very little. To keep me looking and feeling my best, I'll need professional grooming every 4–6 weeks, along with regular brushing at home to prevent tangles and matting. A leave-in conditioner or detangler can also help keep my coat soft and manageable.
I've had my first veterinary visit, where I was spayed and received my vaccinations and all my other necessary vetting. I can be a little nervous at the vet, but I do well during examinations and am able to stay still while being checked. I'll need regular annual veterinary visits, along with daily toothbrushing to keep my teeth healthy and my breath fresh.
A few things will help me settle in and feel secure:
• A crate in the bedroom so I can sleep comfortably near my family.
• A separate crate in the main living area, if needed, for when I'm home alone.
• A cozy dog bed of my own – although I wouldn't say no to a spot on the couch beside my family!
• A consistent daily routine that helps me know what to expect.
• A fenced backyard or safe outdoor space where I can explore and enjoy my zoomies.
• A patient family who understands that building trust is a journey.
• Lots of gentle encouragement, positive reinforcement, and love.
I may not be the little dog who runs straight into your arms the moment we meet. I may need a little time to feel comfortable, and I might take a few steps forward and a few steps back along the way. But I have so much love and happiness waiting to shine through. Imagine coming home every day to a little white dog whose tail spins like a helicopter just because you're there. That's me, Emilia!
I've spent the first four years of my life learning how to survive. Now I'm ready to spend the rest of my life learning what it means to be loved.
Could you be the family who shows me?
Name: Emilia
ID # PDR1573
Age: 4yrs
Gender: female
Spayed: yes
UTD vaccines: yes
Breed: Bichon Frise
Colours: white
Coat length: med
House trained: yes
Special needs: no
OK with kids: teens
OK with cats: yes
Ok with dogs: yes
Status: adoptable
Microchip: yes
Size: small
Location: Milton, Ont
Adoption fee: $700
AVERY
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