Birch's story

　　Regal best describes Birch's pose, but there's a gleam in her eyes and the start of a smile on her face. The 40-pound beauty, found as a stray in Texas, is learning the meaning of safety as she adjusts to her new life. Brimful of enthusiasm and energy, she's happiest when active, and takes special delight in playing with rope toys. She also LOVES being with people, whether it's sharing snuggles, having her belly rubbed, being bathed or riding in the car. Very treat motivated, she knows her "sit", "come", "stay" and "leave it" commands, remains calm in her kennel, and is well mannered when leaving it. Although new to the company of other dogs, the proper introductions quickly put her at ease, and she barely blinked when a cat recently swatted her nose! At work on her leash and housetraining, what bouncy Birch needs now is to be the only pet in a patient and attentive home (only calm teenagers and older, please) committed to completing her doggy education and to keeping her mentally stimulated and physically satisfied.