This special little girl - a dachshund/chihuahua mix - is looking for her special family. Until being rescued, the only value her owner saw in her were the puppies she could produce. Portia had no positive contact with humans and probably  had to compete with  other dogs for food. 

 

For several months she has been in a loving foster home and has made great strides.  However, she continues to be fearful and insecure in many situations. Portia wants to love and be loved but is having difficulty getting over the insecurities and mistreatment she suffered in her life before being rescued. 

 

Portia's reaction to sudden movements or loud noises is to run and hide. In no situation has she ever exhibited the slightest hint of aggression to any person. She loves nothing more than to lie on the couch beside her foster mom and also enjoys a good belly rub! Portia can be a bit possessive about her spot next to her humans and doesn't like to share with her four-legged foster brothers and sisters. She will occasionally snap at them if they try to move in too close. 

 

Her perfect home would be with a patient family who understands and has experience with rescue dogs and the issues they often have. She needs lots of time to adjust and a fairly calm family who can be patient and supportive with her. She may never be the ideal playmate for children, or a great walking partner for mom and dad. She may never be comfortable at the dog park or in large crowds of strangers. Because she is most comfortable in familiar surroundings, a medium to large securely fenced yard accessible directly from the house is required so Portia can have her own secure space to run, play, and explore. She is learning to use a doggy door and it would be beneficial for her to have access to the yard.

 

She is well behaved in the house during the day and quiet in her bedroom crate at night. She is spayed, current on all vaccinations, and microchipped.  Portia is slightly heartworm positive and is currently receiving treatment. She seems to enjoy having other mature, calm dogs around her and is slowly learning about how to play from her foster brothers and sisters.

 

She is a loyal and loving companion even considering her insecurities and is hoping to find her forever family soon. Could you be the lucky one for this little diamond in the rough?