New pups come to the SPCA of Niagara each and every day, but there are some that simply steal your heart. That couldn’t hold more truth than for Isabella and her friend, Pat McMahon.
“There’s just something about her,” said McMahon, volunteer at the SPCA of Niagara. “She’s just a gorgeous dog and I always look forward to seeing her. She makes me smile and laugh every time I’m with her.”
But a warm welcome wasn’t always the case for poor Isabella. Frightened and nervous when she was first brought in, Isabella didn’t know how to trust humans. She kept to herself in her kennel and when people would approach she would jump up and down and bark — not your ideal candidate for potential adopters.
“I said you’re never going to get adopted with behavior like this,” said McMahon. “I don’t think she realized people were fun and nice, so her manners were atrocious.”
However, that didn’t stop McMahon from giving Isabella the attention she deserved. She took the time to take her for walks outside the SPCA and while she didn’t pay any mind to McMahon at first, the two are now great friends.
“She’s so special to me because I’ve seen her bloom,” said McMahon. “She first came to us and she had no manners whatsoever and she didn’t relate to people. She didn’t look at us, but now that we gave her lots of love and attention she picked up on that.”
While it still takes a moment for Isabella to warm up to strangers, her progress is undeniable. She’s ready to be in a home with a family that can show her the love and attention she truly deserves.
“She’s a little nervous when she first meets people, so she needs people to go slow with her, but I know she would make an awesome pet for someone,” said McMahon.
Isabella now knows how to sit, stay, and give paw. She loves to play with squeaky toys and is very selective when it comes to that. If they don’t squeak, she doesn’t want them. She’s a big lovable pooch that is full of life and energy. She sometimes thinks she’s a lapdog and will do anything for snuggles and hugs. She also likes to play fetch outside and is great at catching a ball.
“It was just so wonderful to see her blossom,” said McMahon. “She turned into the dog she should be.”
Isabella is a medium sized dog that would make a good companion for a family with older children or even a single person looking for a best friend. She is good with other dogs, but a meet and greet would be required before adoption. The adoption fee for Isabella is $135 and includes spay, microchip, up-to-date shots, and one free vet visit. To learn more about adopting sweet Isabella, please call the SPCA of Niagara at 731-4368.
