Material has never been my style; with that in mind, all I really want for Christmas is a home for Frosty.
This endearing goofy three year old lab/dalmatian mix has never experienced anything remotely resembling a real home. Rescued from a horrible hoarding situation as a pup, Frosty has been in rescue all his life. I chose to write about Frosty for multiple reasons. He has: won my heart, overcome illness and shown remarkable resilience. His is a face and spirit to fall in love with.
Kate choosing myself as her substitute trainer for the month is surely an honor. Pictures and training news are posted daily on my Facebook page. This dog has a fan club; Friends of Frosty are cheering him on from Georgetown DE. Frosty absolutely is cherished and to write about this soft deserving fellow is the least I can do.
Really striking to me is the resilience of this dog, and his willingness to befriend and trust strange humans. Not every dog from such a deprived background is able to recover. Frosty is going to be one of the lucky ones, especially lucky to have found such a champion in his friend Kate. Were we not full up with our own three labs, Frosty would be adopted in about a heartbeat.
Frosty has impressively learned a multitude of behaviors. Cats are of interest but he is a gentleman and not inclined to give chase. Frosty is not reactive to other dogs on leash while a comfortable distance away, but is uncertain about closer encounters. A lifetime of a noisy shelter environment certainly does not help.
One of my priorities is to introduce Frosty to as many strangers as possible. He has met my husband, all the kennel staff and a student I am mentoring. Some road trips to hang out in our fenced yard and spend time in the house are on the horizon. Given his background, this boy is a survivor. All I want for Christmas is a home for this deserving dog.
Hearfelt blessings to Kate Hungerford and all those who similarily dedicate themselves to the underdogs of the world.
Until next time, Leslie Fisher: CPDT-KA, Pat Miller Certified Trainer
“your pet positively trained” Rainwood Kennels, Elkton MD
