After being at one of our partner shelters for almost a year, Greta came to the SF SPCA with the hopes of getting a fresh start and finally finding her forever family. Greta was described to us as being selectively reactive toward other dogs, and had some health concerns that made it more complicated to find her perfect match.
Greta stole hearts as soon as she arrived, but we knew she needed some medical and behavioral help. Our Shelter Medicine Team removed three benign masses from her body and we began monitoring her for mild anemia. After getting her medical situation under control, our Shelter Behavior Team started working with Greta to teach her how to remain calm around other dogs. We created a plan to help Greta’s reactivity and get her ready for life in her new home. Our volunteers were spectacular at giving her breaks from the shelter to hang out on a couch, providing extra training, and giving her plenty of additional love. She was making amazing progress!
We found out that she loved giving and receiving kisses, was super smart, and even liked baths! But given her large size and complicated history, she wasn’t getting as many applications as other dogs. It was starting to feel like déjà vu.
We knew the perfect home was out there and her forever family would come. Finally, after five months, hundreds of staff and volunteer hours, and many a squeaky toy, Greta was adopted by a wonderful family!
We recently got an update from them – she’s been adjusting well and her new family thinks she’s a doll!
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