Animal shelters across the country report that the merriest time of year for people can be an especially heartbreaking time for pets. Shelter pets want nothing more than to be in a home where they will be loved as a family member, and there’s no greater gift a shelter animal can receive this holiday season than a loving family.
Today we are re-featuring stunning Emma! Another year has come and is almost gone, it is simply beyond heartbreaking that this beautiful girl is still waiting for the forever she was promised. She is a very sweet and super smart girl who has so much love to give. She is about 8-9 years young and has been at The Shelter Connection since 2016. There is absolutely no reason for her to wait any longer!
Emma was originally adopted from this very same shelter back in 2015, but unfortunately was returned. Although the family loved Emma very much, they were simply not able to manage her high prey drive. Just imagine how sad and confused this beautiful soul must be to be back in the shelter after having had what she thought was her forever home. The family has stated that in the house she was happy, relaxed, house trained, and not destructive — a perfect Angel!
Just like Emma, almost every dog has a natural tendency toward some predatory behaviors, and these behaviors can often be a challenge for pet parents. To most people in the dog world, the term “prey drive” refers to a dog’s eagerness or desire to chase and capture prey.
A strong prey drive in dogs can be a problem if it means your dog chases anything that moves. While this can be fun when you’re up for a game of fetch, it’s not such a good time when you’re out for a walk and your pup tries to tear after every animal that wanders into their peripheral vision. Prey drive also has a positive side. The term prey drive primarily refers to a dog’s level of excitement or motivation to perform a task involving hunting-related behaviors or going after an object. Prey drive is normal, it is manageable and you can train a dog to stop reacting or redirect those instincts into something just as pleasurable, such as games.
Emma is a pro at her commands, loves going on long walks on the nature trails, crushing the agility course (she even does the weave poles) and of course, a nice petting session! Emma walks nicely on the leash, but begins to pull when she sees another dog or an animal she wants to chase; due to this, the shelter does not recommend she be walked by any children in her future home. Finding methods to manage Emma’s prey drive – especially when out in public on walks – is vitally important.
Emma is the perfect balance of playful and couch potato; outside she can keep up with the best of them, but once she’s inside, a couch and a soft blanket are all she needs to relax. The volunteers at the shelter describe her as exuberant and happy-go-lucky but not over the top at all. Emma is thrilled to meet all people, but due to her high prey drive she would need to be the only pet in a household.
She needs an active home where she can exercise on a daily basis. A very special mom and dad — a savvy, experienced, strong, and patient individual or family who will be committed to her and will put in the time needed to teach her the ropes of life and help her become the best she can be. Individuals with time to engage her in other play activities that involve chasing, catching and retrieving, playing with toys, playing fetch, tug of war or involving her in agility sports as a positive and fun outlet for her prey drive.
Emma would make a fabulous family dog and would do best in a home with children 12 years and up; she is very friendly with people, she just needs a home with children responsible enough to not accidentally leave gates/doors open etc. Ideally a home with a solid 6 foot fenced in yard especially if the neighbor has a dog.
Emma is an affectionate companion and an all-around amazing dog with a lively personality. She is very people oriented, eager to please and very intelligent. She is a wonderful girl that truly deserves a second chance for a good life.
If you’re interested in this gorgeous girl, make an appointment and head down to the shelter — we guarantee you will fall in love!
The Shelter Connection
75 Marino Avenue
Port Washington, NY 11050
(516) 869-6311
Be sure to head over to Adoption Central, share Emma and all the other Featured Dog Friday pups still in search of their forever homes.