While TLC primarily focuses on small breeds 15 pounds and under, once in a while, we find ourselves unable to turn down a larger dog that is about to die. This was one such case...meet beautiful Laika.
Laika was turned into the shelter by her owners who claimed that a family member developed allergies and she had to go. Laika quickly became a shelter favorite as the clock began to tick and her time began to run out. Pleas went out to the rescue community for someone to step up for this gorgeous gal or she was going to be killed.
TLC happened to be pulling a smaller senior (King Justin) from this same shelter and, on a whim, contacted a special foster mom who was very active with a large breed rescue years ago. Without hesitation, our foster mom said YES to Laika and we immediately went to work to save her.
We soon discovered that Laika is actually a very special dog - not because she's gorgeous, incredibly obedient and well trained, loving, great on lead, or sweet...but because she is a very rare breed that was almost exterminated in the 1940's and 50's. Luckily, once the war was over, the breeding program was reestablished and the breed was saved, though they still are considered quite rare. While we don't have purebred paperwork to prove it, we firmly believe that Laika is a purebred Dutch Shepherd. You can read about their history here.
Laika is a short coated gold brindle with a black snout, which is very desirable. She weighs in at 44 pounds. She is a natural on lead, is very alert and responsive to those around her. We think she must have been a family pet as she 'alerts' on children and adults. She seems to be drawn to cars, as well, ready to jump in and go for a joy ride. She knows all the commands and excited the TLC Director by staying in a sit/stay command for a long 11 minutes, before being given the verbal 'release' command! This dog has been very well trained and is very intelligent.
We are looking for a loving family for Laika. Our vet said she believes Laika is no more than 7 years old. She would make a wonderful family pet or a companion for an active senior. She loves to walk on lead and would love to have a family that will appreciate her for the amazing girl she is.
Laika enjoyed her ride from the shelter to the rescue. Before leaving, she got some hugs and kisses from a volunteer who sent out the initial plea to save her life. When you watch her video, you can see her giving kisses to the volunteer, one of the special angel's in Laika's life. She is very, very loving and even gave a kiss to one of our junior volunteers that she just met.
Laika arrived at TLC Rescue and enjoyed hanging out in the back room of the rescue shop while she waited for her foster mommy to come pick her up. She was quiet, obedient, and enjoyed watching the puppies play in the puppy pit. She also went nose to nose with the TLC alum LemonCello (known as Big Momma) who is a boxer/pittie mix. Both ladies were well behaved and non-reactive to each other.
Laika went out for some exercise and we discovered that she walks like a dream. We do believe she was very loved at one time. She is very well balanced, potty trained, and true to her rare breed, looking for a job to do. This is a girl that strives to make your life better.
We would love to find a great home for Laika as soon as possible. She is just too sweet and too lovable to be kept waiting for long. Surely someone would appreciate this rare breed for her exquisite qualities and stunning personality. Laika is truly one in a million...
Is she the baby you've been searching for?
Please call the shop at 1-805-527-SAVE or email us at tinylovingcanines@yahoo.com to set up an appointment to meet her in person. She is currently in private foster care. Laika will be so excited to see you!
~ Jen
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