FUZZBALL - Labrador Retriever-Unknown Mix Female Dog For Adoption in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA

Dog Breed: Labrador Retriever / Mixed (medium coat).

Meet Fuzzball! Fuzzball is a beautiful black lab mix with a gorgeous coat, soulful eyes, and an incredibly shy personality. Fuzzball is very nervous in this noisy environment, but if someone is able to give her space as she decompresses and allow her to set the pace and learn she is safe, she will be able to build trust and blossom in a new home, and will bond closely with her person. Fuzzball has been shut down and did not show great interest in other dogs initially, but she is curious when other dogs are nearby so she may be interested in spending time with a mellow, well-socialized dog who is able to give space when requested. If you have a dog you believe would be a good fit please bring the dog for a meet. She may be content as an only dog, but she cannot live with a cat or small animals. Because Fuzzball is shy and wary of hand movement, she will need an owner who is patient and experienced with positive reinforcement, or willingness to learn, so she can create happy associations to her new home and to the scary world. Once she begins decompressing in a home she will be able to learn that toys are fun, and her playful side will have an opportunity to come alive as trust builds. Because she is shy and finding her way, she is not a good candidate for living with children (adult only home), and would not thrive in a chaotic environment. Despite being nervous, she gravitates to trusted people for comfort, but this will take time. As she learns she can relax and enjoy the good life, she'll benefit from regular exercise combined with lots of mental enrichment such as food puzzles, snuffle mats, sniffing outings, and learning a few new tricks to fully meet her mental & physical needs, and prevent boredom. Mental enrichment also helps dogs feel less anxious. Dogs who are nervous are often not able to tolerate confinement such as a crate without a lot of preparation and learning the crate is a safe space, but some dogs never do well in a crate. Having a relationhip with a regular vet will help keep Fuzzball healthy. To meet sweet Fuzzball, please come to the shelter on Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri from 12N-3:30 pm, or Saturdays by appointment. When given a chance and time, Fuzzball will be a wonderful companion.