Over a year ago we received a dog who was coming to us from an outdoor lifestyle with little-to-no human contact experience. She was basically a feral dog. With the help of some experts, we broke through to her enough to keep working with her. In her own little world she liked to play with toys and when she would, she’d pile them up and lay on them when she was done playing. Her favorite toy was her namesake – a floppy monkey.   

Her new family sent this update:  “A year ago, I was searching for the perfect dog for my daughter.  She has dealt with anxiety all her life and has overcome many of her fears, mostly with connections through animals.  As I searched shelter and rescue pages, Monkey’s picture and story was the one that always kept coming back in my mind.  Her story was heartbreaking and a little background about myself….I am a special needs para at an elementary school.  I know that sometimes animals, just like people, when given love and a second chance can thrive.  When my daughter met Monkey for the first time, they both had an instant connection.  This dog who previously had such a fear of any human contact, let my daughter enter her kennel, pet her and even started falling asleep as my daughter was gently petting her!  We adopted her shortly after.

Long story short, Monkey took quite awhile to warm up to the family as a whole, but with a lot of patience and love, she is doing amazingly well!

While she and my daughter are inseparable, my husband can only pet her when he gives her a ride in the car, which is her favorite thing to do!  Well, that and walks! 

She is quite the “talker” and gives everyone a morning wake up howl when it’s time to go outside.  Despite her severe anxiety, she is slowly learning to trust people.   We have been working with our vet to help Monkey with her anxiety.  When she’s relaxed and let’s her guard down, she is a funny, sassy, spirited dog with lots of personality!  Much like my daughter. Thank you TCHS for not giving up on her!”