Roxy

Roxy came to IBR as a stray after her finders couldn’t locate her family and were unable to keep her themselves.

Roxy has been a testament to rescue.  She came in at just a year old with zero manners, no training at all, and just overall unruly.  A true PUPPY but weighing in at 40 pounds. We assume she was left in a yard to languish alone without much human interaction as she had no idea how to conduct herself inside a home and the simplest of things scare her half to death (vacuum, trash bags, washing machine).

Roxy went into foster care and did well with the other dogs in the home.  A couple random spats, which is to be expected.  She seemed food aggressive initially, as she would devour her food hastily and attempt to take other dogs food also, but now we think she came from a home where she didn’t have adequate nutrition regularly , as she has been nothing but sweet with hands in her bowl or taking treats from an adult human.

Then, within a very short time in foster care, she ate an article of clothing and needed emergency surgery to save her life.  Upon getting to know her more, we have learned she will hoard and chew clothing, blankets, household paper products, or dog toys made of a cloth fabric.  She will need to be watched closely and those items kept out of her reach. We are now keeping all bathroom doors closed to reduce the temptation.   With monitoring and correction, this behavior may eventually subside.  She is already showing signs of understanding that is a no-no.

Roxy also played rough upon arriving.  She was dominant, insecure,  and once excited, would become very mouthy, jumping at hands and chewing at feet/shoes.  It was beyond our capacity to manage, so we sent her to a board and train program at Duffy’s in Clarksville, Indiana. Her foster mom participated in countless hours of behavior modification with Roxy.  We have prepaid for two additional sessions for an adopter to help them learn to help Roxy continue to grow into the bestest girl.  Big changes happened at board and train for this girl.

Roxy now sleeps well in a crate, plays independently, but still exhibit signs of wanting to engage in rough play.  We de-escalate that immediately, by disengaging and redirecting her.  This is the reason we have labeled her as ‘no children’.  Children do not have the capacity to read her queues.  Until which time Roxy settles into a new home, with a strong pack leader, and is responsive to additional positive reinforcement, she will have no access to children whilst with IBR. She is simply too strong and wild.  No aggression has ever been exhibited from this girl.

Roxy loves being outside with a human.  She is suspect of being locked outdoors therefore she will not go out without someone joining her.  This is also a point that leads us to believe she lived the majority of her life outside without much human contact. She must have a fence.  Roxy would absolutely run off and chase anything she found amusing.

Roxy is awful in a vehicle.  The board and train staff mandated use of a crate while in a vehicle, not only for the drivers safety but Roxy’s.  She attempts to chase passing cars and its quite the scene.

With all that said, we would be remiss by not  highlighting that Roxy is the sweetest girl.  The only thing on this earth she really needs is someone to just snuggle her.

So she plays rough?  Snuggles instead!

So she won’t stay off the couch?  Snuggle on the couch!

So she eats toilet paper?  Close the bathroom door and snuggle on the couch!

Roxy is a young girl and eager to please.  She just needs someone to give her a chance. Is that you?  Apply to discuss with her foster mom at indianabulldogrescue.com