Meet Crysta, a sweet little Jack Russell mix who is just over a year old and has perfected the art of being both a snuggly little shadow and a surprisingly goofy playmate.
Crysta can be a little shy when she first meets new people or encounters unfamiliar noises, but give her some time, patience, and a little love, and you'll start to see her personality shine. Once she's comfortable, she's incredibly sweet and affectionate and wants nothing more than to be near her people. She's never shown any signs of aggression and is simply a gentle girl who takes a little time to warm up.
And once Crysta decides you're her person, personal space is apparently no longer necessary. She loves to snuggle and will happily curl up beside you, climb onto your chest for cuddles, or follow you around when she's ready for attention. She is perfectly content to spend the day curled up with you watching movies-her foster family discovered this firsthand during a few sick days-but she's equally happy to get outside for a walk, play in the yard, and show off her playful side.
Crysta loves squeaky toys, Kongs stuffed with treats, lick mats, and having her toys thrown for her. When playtime gets serious, she may stand on her hind legs for her favorite toy or suddenly break into a case of the zoomies. And when all that excitement catches up with her, she settles in for a nap. If she's in a really deep sleep, you may even hear some tiny snores. It's pretty adorable.
Crysta is a smart little cookie and is making great progress with her training. She's learning basic obedience and catches on quickly when treats are involved. She's mostly potty trained, with very few accidents, and when she does have one, she politely heads straight to the potty pad. She's also learning her potty cues, and her foster family is getting good at recognizing when she suddenly gets up from her cozy spot and starts sniffing around.
She's doing well with leash training and enjoys walking and playing in the yard. Walks can still be a little intimidating when unfamiliar noises appear, but she's making progress every day and getting farther and farther as her confidence grows. Her foster family is also helping her become more comfortable with everyday sounds at her own pace.
Crysta has met other dogs and is currently pretty neutral with them. She isn't bothered by their presence, and with more time and positive experiences, she may become more playful and social with canine friends. She's also neutral with cats-she'll check them out and then happily go about her business.
Crysta is a wonderful example of what can happen when a shy dog is given the time and space to feel safe. Beneath that timid exterior is a silly, playful, affectionate little girl who is just waiting to show you who she really is.
If you're looking for a gentle, quiet companion who can happily spend the afternoon snuggled against you but is always ready for a little playtime and a case of the zoomies, Crysta might just be your girl.
