ADOPTED

MIMI

What glorious, effervescent energy our Mimi has. She greets her foster family with an exhuberant hug and big wet kisses! Our Mimi is a total lover.

And yet, she has every right to be pissed off! On a freezing February day, a pair of Good Samaratins found Mimi tied to a bench in a public park because her dutiful and loving owner had been Shanghaied on a slow boat to China and couldn't come back for her. Well.....thats what we tell ourselves so that we don't lose faith in humanity. We don't want to believe that a human being would abandon a lactating dog, who had just given birth, tied to a bench....... without food....or water..... in a snowstorm..... in February.

The sad, frozen, pitiful girl was transported by Animal Control Officers to the pound. Mimi actually seemed glad to see these big, burly officials, and gleefully left her park bench for a cement cage and a bowlful of kibble.

Shelter workers became enamored with Mimi, and lovingly named her "Mama" as homage to her saggy, empty belly, but we figured she'd want to forget her recent past and start life anew! We swapped a few vowels and, "Voila," the Fabulous Mimi was born.

We are in love with Mimi! She has the joyful, outgoing personality of a true survivor, who is grateful to be alive. She made quite a favorable impression on shelter staff and volunteers, and she was given the best possible score on her behavior evaluation, and deemed appropriate for folks with average dog experience.

While she has gotten rave shelter reviews, and generally likes people, we have observed some protective tendencies in Mimi, when some strangers have approached the car, and some fearful behavior at our vet. We'd like to place her with experienced dog owners who are comfortable handling high energy rescue dogs.

Mimi is suspected to be a cross of Labrador Retriever and Basenji, so the outdoors hunting instinct is at play in her personality. She has a lithe and athletic physique, yet she is strong and well muscled. Mimi loves to run and is quite fast. She would love to join her adopter for running or hiking outings.

Neglect has been the norm in Mimi's life, and it is no surprise that she has had no formal obedience work. She is an exhuberant dog, who needs some basic manners training. Mimi thinks she is a lap dog! So far, Mimi has responded well to basic commands and leadership. Adopters should pursue some formal obedience and leadership training, including some focussed leash work. A Halti "no pull" harness might be a good idea.

Mimi would be a good choice for an active single, or couple, who can make Mimi's training and exercise needs a priority. She could certainly join a multi-dog home with other calm, well trained dogs, but she would not be suitable for a feline home. Also, we'd like to avoid small children in Mimi's new home, because we think she might overwhelm them.