Update on Rocket (now Roxy)

To: info@bowvalleyspca.org
Subject: Rocket Update
 
Hello Sonya and Bow Valley SPCA Staff!

We'd like to let you know that we decided to change Rocket's name to Roxy. After repeatedly using that name for the last three weeks, she is responding to it positively. We think it suits her well!

When we brought Roxy home a few weeks ago we were expecting a lot of nervous whining and barking on our way back to Medicine Hat but to our surprise she was rather quite calm. We even let her out of her crate for the last couple hours and other than a bit of pacing she did exceptionally well.

Roxy was very curious of her new home and sniffed out every room from top to bottom. It didn't take her long to get comfortable though as she will now crawl up on the couch to get in some snuggles. We were not expecting Roxy to be house trained right from the start but its seems like she is. We have not had a single potty accident since we've had her, and she will always let us know when she is ready for her bathroom break. Roxy can sit on command, and is learning to lie down, stay, and come. She is very smart and is keen to please us. We are thrilled and impressed with how much she is learning in such a short amount of time.

Roxy loves playing with her squeaky toys and especially loves one sided fetch. The only way to get her to give up her toy is if you snatch it from her mouth or throw another toy to distract her from the one she already has. We've ALL been getting lots of exercise since her arrival!

We've been going for lots of walks on the walking paths around our home. We still see a lot of tendencies you would expect from a dog that was essentially free roaming. Her instincts kick in and her nose is almost permanently glued to the ground trying to sniff out other dogs and small animals. She gets anxious when cars drive past us on our walk and for the first little while would go into full attack mode. I am pleased to see that within this past week this has significantly improved. I believe with time, exposure, and lots of patience she will no longer be wary of her surroundings.

It is obvious Roxy misses the other dogs at the shelter. Whenever she hears a dog bark or whine, she instantly responds by whining and wagging her tail. Once Roxy is fully comfortable with her new home and is familiar with our routine we will consider getting her a companion.

Roxy has met our extended families and everyone absolutely loves her! They can't believe that just a few short months ago she was living on the streets. I think it's fair to say that you had a lot to do with that. We are so grateful to you and the other staff members at your beautiful facility for taking such good care of Roxy before she became ours. She is such a sweet and overall wonderful dog and we absolutely love our new fur baby. Thanks again!

Paulina and Justin