I adopted Amber in August 2010.  It had been 8 months since I had lost Sasha and thought I was ready to have another dog in my life.  I missed having a dog by my side; I missed the companionship.  So I began looking thru Petfinder when I saw Amber’s picture (known as Shasta at the time).  She was a cutie, and I imagined meeting her for the first time.  I envisioned a happy, goofy, playful puppy just like Sasha had been.  So I drove the 2 hours to the Wenatchee Humane Society to meet her.

When I met Amber she was nothing like I had envisioned.  She was nervous, timid, unconfident, and withdrawn.  I prefer more outgoing social dogs, but she was sweet and I could not leave her in that loud, cold, noisy shelter.  Shy dogs don’t have a good chance of being adopted. I knew I could help her with my background of working with animals.

Amber was already 4 months old, but with the advice and help from a friend who is a certified trainer, the hard work began.  I had no idea just how much work socializing an under socialized dog would be, but at the same time it has been so rewarding. Each month I see subtle changes.  She has slowly become less withdrawn, more playful, and has begun to understand that human affection is a good thing.  Amber will always have issues, her biggest obstacle is meeting new people, but her fears of everyday ordinary things has improved immensely.

She has come a long way in the last 9 months.  I am proud to say that she knows sit, down, touch, wait, come, and heel.  She also has learned to enjoy walks and car rides.  I know our relationship will continue to grow, and instead of living a life of fear, she will live a life of comfort, security, and love.

This is Amber 5 days after being adopted. (4 months old)

Amber at 6 months of age.

Amber at 10 months of age.

Amber at 1 year old.