SAUERKRAUT – A1101302

There’s nothing sour about Sauerkraut. Sweet as pie and soft as velvet, 2 year-old Sauerkraut is all you need to warm your heart this winter. She is a beautiful, grey, miniature hippo looking runway ready in her cherry red coat with the tips of her delicate white feet disappearing under the soft snow. She may have played shy when first we met but quickly peeked her way out of that shell before coming out completely. Got treats?? Yes, please! Our little hippo is hungry and after a good lick of the lips has no problem propping those sweet feet upon your knees the moment you procure some from your bag. But don’t worry. Sauerkraut definitely knows how to mind her manners taking those treats gently as can be and saying “thank you” with some lingering kisses after. She also loves the camera – and me thinks the feeling is mutual – agreeably striking pose after pose and happily sitting on command. Sauerkraut is a comfort food to many, prepared at home, made with love, shared amongst family and friends. In that way our sweet girl is perfectly named. Right to a tee. Sauerkraut the sweetheart, all love and all heart, she is waiting in adoptions at Manhattan’s ACC.

BEHAVIOR :

KNOWN HISTORY: None

Unaltered female, stray

Other notes: Sauerkraut initially responded to the finder by growling and snapping, but with a slow approach Sauerkraut warmed up and allowed the finder to handle her.

 

SAFER ASSESSMENT:

Look: 2. Dog’s eyes are averted. Her body a bit tense; her tail is low and not moving. She allows head to be held loosely in Assessor’s cupped hands.

Sensitivity: 2. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, her eyes are averted, her tail is between her legs, mouth closed, slight lip lick.

Tag: 2. Dog is not fearful, a bit distracted, and approaches the Assessor at the end of the game, jumps up lightly and affectionately.

Squeeze 1 / 2: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. Her eyes are averted and her ears are relaxed

Toy 1. Minimal interest. Dog smells, then walks away.

Summary: Sauerkraut took a few days to warm up here at the center, but warmed up significantly outside in playgroup. She allowed all  handling, may benefit from a slow approach/slow introduction.

DOG-DOG INTERACTION ASSESSMENT:

Summary

PLAYGROUP:

1/12: When introduced off leash to other dogs in the care center, Sauerkraut is reserved and mostly keeps to herself.

MEDICAL BEHAVIOR:

During her initial medical exam Sauerkraut was tense but allowed all handling and restraint without issue.

ENERGY LEVEL:

RECOMMENDATIONS: Average (suitable for an adopter with an average amount of dog experience)

Potential challenges:

_X_Fearful: Sauerkraut seems to warm up through play (with dogs and with humans), though she is initially reserved with new people. She does best with a slow approach and should be permitted to initiate interactions with new people.