2 month ‘pup-date’ on Flo!

Grab your tissues - here’s an adorable update on miss Flo!

“As soon as my husband and I were ready for a dog, I started applying EVERYWHERE - I wanted a dog so badly! At this point I had been waiting 6 years for the "right circumstances" and to make sure we were able to care for a dog in our apartment. During the application process, I saw a dog named Floresita. She was so cute! On her adoption post it talked about how she was a mix between a lab and a chihuahua, how she loved everyone, loved playtime and walks! We thought she would be a good fit given her size and that we both like labs. West Coast Paws contacted me shortly after I submitted my application. I was told that the person that was supposed to get Floresita was no longer able to take her. I had applied on Monday, and after the interview and home check I was approved and she was coming on Saturday! I never thought we would be able to get a dog so fast. I knew she was the dog for us, because of how quickly everything happened and because of her name. I had a list of potential dog names I want to use, and on the list was "Flo". What are the chances that we could just shorten her name?

I went and bought all the essentials during the week to prepare - tags, leash, collar, dog bed, bowls, food, toys, and of course treats! I really wanted her to feel at home.

Then Saturday arrived. It was an early morning drive to Vancouver Airport, made easier with the excitement of meeting our girl for the first time! After waiting for her to get off the flight and get processed, I finally saw her in her crate. She was so small and looked so scared!! She did not want treats. She did not want to get out of her crate. I just hoped she wouldn't be scared of me forever! The West Coast Paws founders (Zoe and Hannah) were both there to support me and Flo, as well as another dog that arrived on the same flight and their new pawrent. I was so glad they were there - I don't know what I would have done without their help getting Flo out of her crate. She continued to be nervous on the walk to the car, but gave me a few looks that said "I see you are taking care of me now". The car ride home was not great - she got sick and also went to the bathroom - oops! Thankfully I had put down lots of blankets so all was clean after a quick load of laundry.

When we got home Flo continued to be very nervous. She found a corner and lied down, so when she got up I put her dog bed there with the blankets from her foster home. She slept sooooo much at first! After the first day she finally ate and drank and we were able to go outside for potty breaks. She was not happy about outside - it was loud and scary! My friend called her a "Brave Little Toaster (like the TV show) and my husband gave her the nickname "Brave Little Floster", which has stuck.

For the first while, we just took Flo out to potty and came back inside. She was not interested in dogs or people. It was not the dog that was described, but I also understood how much change was happening that she was probably scared and confused about. After a couple days she started to lie beside me on the bed - and that was it. We were completely bonded!

We have had Flo for about 2 months now. She is very attached to me and a little attached to my husband. She is not happy when I go to work (my husband works from home), but is very happy when I come home. She now goes potty outside, and thanks to Hannah's dog training we are able to take her on walks! We are still working on leash training, and working on her being happy to walk with one of us, but I do appreciate our family walks. She loves to play with her toys, and goes crazy for treats. Her personality has really come out! She likes to counter surf, do zoomies on the bed, and show her teeth during her favourite - belly rubs! She is still unsure about new people and new dogs, but she has made a few dog friends. She is still not great in the car, but we are working on it. She barks when people come to our door, and does her rounds of the apartment before bed - we call her our little protector.

We are so in love with our little Flo! She has brought us so much joy and laughter, we are so happy she is part of our little family! We can't wait to see how she continues to grow and change, as she gets more comfortable and used to our routines. Thank you so much West Coast Paws for bringing us together - we really feel like it was meant to be!”