About Dakota

8 yr old female shiba inu: This girl's former owner died at home, and she was then dumped by a neighbor at the animal shelter. Severely traumatized, she didn't do well at the shelter, so they deemed her unadoptable, and for rescues only. I pulled her out when no one else would, taking my chances that she would integrate with my other dogs, and my cats. She has proven to be a dog that really prefers to be the only pet; however, my other shibas seem to have been mostly accepted by her, particularly my submissive and lazy one. She does not like our chihuahua at all, and continues to want to kill him. The cats, well, I'd say it is best she isn't with cats. She is extremely attached to her one accepted person. With me, she is a lap dog who gives kisses and constantly wants her belly rubbed! She is very co-dependent on this one accepted person, not liking to be alone at all. She LOVES car rides! And is finally getting comfortable enough to start her 'shiba zoomies' (500 race around the room or yard out of excitement). She doesn't have any interest in toys, or playing. I had full intention of keeping her, were she to like other animals. But, I have lived the last 4 months attached to her leash, for constant management of her behavior so the other animals stay safe. If she is in a home without any animals, then she can finally be free from this 'chain', so to speak, and live a normal life! Due to her traumatic changes, I need to find a very special person, who is near enough to me that we can go through stages in getting her transitioned to another home. She will be VERY confused, and I don't want her regressing from the progress we've made. Here is who I seek: *Experience with this breed, and/or dogs who need rehabilitation *Not away from home more than 4 hrs at a time (retired, works at home, independently wealthy) *Extremely in tune with animals in your care: emotionally, physically - you give high quality food, love, and vet care *Willing to hire a successful trainer, or behavior therapist if needed *Fenced-in yard *Commits to the rule of NO dog parks, or strange dog socialization (she will fight/bite) *Commits to isolating her in a room or playpen when company comes over, for safety She is fearful of people and animals looking her in the eye and interacting with her, for some reason. Her way of dealing with this is through aggression. So, no animals in her home besides her, and guests/family need to accept just ignoring her at all times, and she then feels safe and comfortable. A single person, who doesn't have frequent guests, is obviously the best option or her. CENTRAL MAINE: Augusta to Portland to coast

Kennebec County
Gardiner, Maine