Hi... my name is Maddison, but everyone calls me Maddy.
I’m about 6 years old and 16 pounds a miniature poodle mix.
'm already neutered, up to date on my vaccines, microchipped and crate trained. My foster family says I'm a smart little guy who's ready for my forever home.
I will travel from south California to Ridgefield, WA by September 27th to live with my foster family. I can also travel to Vancouver, BC if there is a potential family for me.
My adoption fee is $700 US
Adoption Application:
https://forms.gle/D7a5AnW8BbZUdi24A
(Please copy & paste if the link is not clickable.)
Here is my story:
For the past year, I’ve been learning something that might sound very simple to you...
I’ve been learning that human hands can be kind.
When I came into rescue, I was severely neglected.
My coat was so painfully matted that even being touched hurt me. Every little movement pulled at my skin.
Imagine wanting someone to help you, but being afraid that every time they touched you, it was going to hurt.
That was me.
My mats were so severe that I needed several medical grooms before I was ready to see a regular groomer.
Nobody knows everything that happened during the first years of my life.
And I wish I could tell you.
I wish I could explain why I still get scared when someone tries to pick me up.
I wish I could tell you why seeing a broom can make me cower and cry.
Maybe then you would understand that I’m not trying to be difficult.
Sometimes my body just remembers things my voice can’t explain.
But something beautiful has happened over this past year...
I’ve learned to TRUST.
Slowly.
One gentle touch at a time.
One safe day at a time.
One person showing me kindness at a time.
And you should see me now!
I still don’t like being picked up—and I hope my forever family will respect that.
But guess what?
I WANT to sleep with you.
I WANT to sit on your lap.
I WANT your attention.
I WANT to be close to you.
The difference is that I want to choose when I’m ready.
Once I trust you, I have so much love to give.
And when I’ve had enough, I’ll tell you. Sometimes I give a little growl that means, “Okay, I need some space now.”
Other times, I simply get up and walk away.
That’s all I’m asking from you.
Listen to me.
Respect me when I tell you I’m uncomfortable, and I promise I’ll keep learning that I’m safe with you.
Oh, and there’s something VERY important you need to know about me...
TENNIS BALLS!!!
Show me a tennis ball and suddenly all my worries disappear!
I LOVE playing fetch.
Throw it again.
And again.
And again.
Did I mention again?
That happy little girl chasing a tennis ball is the Maddy I was always supposed to be.
I’m potty trained, I’m not a barker, and with proper introductions, I do well meeting new people.
Because of everything I’ve been through and my sensitivity to handling, I would be happiest in an adult home or with older, respectful children who understand when a dog needs space.
I don’t need someone to “fix” me.
I’ve never been broken.
I just need someone patient enough to understand me.
Someone who will let me come to them instead of forcing me.
Someone who will keep showing me that grooming can be gentle, hands can be loving, and home can mean safety.
I’ve spent the last year learning to trust people again.
Now I’m ready to learn one more thing...
What it feels like to have a family that will never leave me.
Maybe someday I’ll be curled up beside you in bed.
Maybe I’ll climb into your lap because I decided that’s exactly where I belong.
Maybe you’ll throw my tennis ball for the hundredth time and wonder how such a little dog still has so much energy.
And maybe one day, when I look at you, I won’t remember all the reasons I once had to be afraid.
I’ll just know...
These are my people.
This is my home.
And I am finally safe.
Love,
Maddy
MS. SWEETIE TANIE
Portuguese Podengo
🇺🇸
Ridgefield, Washington
female, small, baby
Portuguese Podengo
Ridgefield, Washington
