Flora is a little bit unsure of strangers at first, but quickly warms up if allowed to approach at her own pace.  She is more leery of men, and big men seem to scare her.  But she is getting used to them, and is already much better when running into them on her walks.

Flora can already climb over a 3ft fence, if given enough incentive, so a 6ft fence is going to be a must.  She has also discovered windows,  thanks to the cat; she watched it going in and out, and thought she might like to try that, too!

One quirk that might be a little dangerous, is she likes to THROW her toys (only the hard ones)!  She gives them a vigorous shake (the wind-up) and them lets them fly.  After getting beaned in the head by a smoked bone, all hard toys have been banned to the backyard!

 

Flora has not met children at my house yet, but is fascinated and curious with the ones she meets on her walks.  She travels well in the car with her seat belt on - just settles down and goes to sleep. She lets me take away her bones and toys without fuss.  All in all, she is just a very good, very smart puppy!

Flora is a real joy to have around.  Her hobbies include: mud bathing, anything to do with water, howling along with sirens, long walks, and cuddling on the bed.

She has decided that children can be fun!  Her favorite game is to be chased 'round and 'round the house by my friend's son.  She even has a few men friends now!

 

She still takes a lot of her cues from her foster sister, Ash.  If Ash isn't bothered by something or someone, then she isn't either! 

 

Flora has a good recall, and her reluctance to go through an entrance while someone is near it has been overcome.  She has also become good friends with the cat,  even sleeping on the bed together.  Of course, that doesn't mean she wont  give chase if they run, but it's all in fun.

Flora has been spending some time once a week with Cheri, her new friend and trainer. Cheri has been helping Flora with her socialization, and giving her tools to live in the 'real world'.  Between her foster mom and Cheri, Flora is coming along very nicely. 

Thank you so much to Cheri for volunteering your time this way!

Flora is about 7 months old. She is spayed and ready for her new home.

She is proving to be a very good puppy. She is cooperative and quick to learn, and settles into routines easily.  She hasn't had one accident in the house, but she doesn't have free run of the house either.  She stays in the kitchen/living room and the sliding doors are open all day.  Whenever she needs to, she takes herself outside to do her duty!

             

She is good in the crate - goes to bed about  9pm and doesn't make a peep until she is let out about 8am, when she casually wanders out with a stretch and good morning kiss.

She is learning about cats, and quite likes them, especially when they run!  But if they stand their ground, she gives them a sniff and a kiss, so a dog savvy cat would have no trouble with her.

Flora LOVES other Shepherds!  She likes all dogs, but she really likes her own kind. She doesn't greet strange dogs over enthusiastically, but likes to be properly introduced, thank-you very much.  Then it's playtime!

           

 

Flora's foster writes...

 

Flora is a petite girl, and will likely be over 60lbs. She is still a puppy and is looking for a home that will keep both her mind and her body stimulated, and continue on with her training.

  Flora was adopted December 28th 2007

Special thank you to all Flora's sponsors!     

 

Lindsay Burrell ~ For Flora. Love from Shadow

 

Lesley O.

 

Cheri Hamilton

 

Liz H.

 

Dayle F.

 

Darwin & Cindy

Another day another outing. :)

 

Yesterday was Flora's introduction to mountain snows and large temperate rainforests. She had a blast! Once we left the trail and headed up slope following the crest of a ridge the snow was deep, as both Flora and Cruver found out every time they left the snowshoe trail. Though she floundered a couple times, (As did Cruver and we were always right beside her incase she showed distress), like a typical German Shepherd she just put her head down and plowed through beautifully. I really think she likes the forest :). Her training is coming along as well and she is sometimes now actually healing on the lead when asked !! Still have a ways to go until she is ready for the mountains full time but she is incredibly smart and both learning and growing quickly.

 

Hope all is well and here are some more photos for you.

 

The trees might not look very big but at this latitude it takes 500 years for the lichens to grow up a meter from the base and there are many trees that have lichens 3 meters and higher......