Our wonderful volunteer, Wendy is Teeka’s foster mom in Calgary, Alberta.

A little 3 year old rescue girl named Teeka came into my life almost 4 weeks ago. Coming out of a breeding/puppymill situation, this little one came with a few issues and a lot of cuteness! For the first few days, she was very unsure of humans and would retreat to the back of her kennel. Within a few days she would come out of her kennel on her own…..very slowly. By the end of the first week, she would come bounding out of the kennel to greet me. We have been working on potty training and I think we are past the “clean up on aisle 5” stage and now she is into the routine of going out with her foster brother to do her business.

Leash training has been a new thing to learn and for a little 13 pound girl, she could be quite stubborn when we first started out. However, once she got the hang of it she would trot along nicely, taking in the sights and smells and totally enjoying the feel of the grass on her paws. She made me smile when she would throw herself to the ground and roll around on the grass forgetting where she had come from and enjoying this new life that was opening up to her.

She wasn’t sure of her foster brother at first as he wanted to play and to show her the ropes. She knew nothing of “play.” After a few days she took some interest in toys but still preferred just hanging with the humans or laying in the sun with her foster brother.

She was quite pleased to learn that when she did something good, she was rewarded with a nice little treat and usually a nice little cuddle or doggie pat. She is enjoying good nourishing food and clean water to drink.

She was also very leery of stairs when she first arrived, but now runs up and down them without any hesitation. She has always been very good in her kennel where she sleeps at night and when we are gone. She graduated from an occasional hand lick to full blown kisses. She is getting more comfortable and relaxed. She entertains us with her little happy dance and bum wiggle. It’s a joy to have this sweet girl in our home.