Meet An Adoptable Dog

Name: Malia
Gender: Female
Breed: Maltese and possibly Chinese crested powder puff mix
Estimated Birthdate: 11/21/2014
Height: Est 9" at the shoulder.  shorter than it would be but Malia can not stand up straight
Weight: 7 lbs and we struggle to get her up to 9 lbs
Good with dogs: Yes of all sizes, ages and breeds unless they step on her, then she tells them off
Good with cats: She has only met a few cats.  She ignored them
Good with kids: Malia is tiny, old and fragile.  She has no problem with children but I think it would be rough on her to live with other than the gentlest child
Good with men:  Malia is an equal opportunity cuddler, men or women are find with her
Good with women: Yes, see above
House trained: She will use pee pads and sometimes she misses. She likes going outside to go also
Crate trained: No
Leash trained: No
Must have fenced in yard: No
Adopt

Why am I with a rescue group?   Found as a stray by a Good Samaritan and taken to a NC shelter where we pulled her

Malia is listed both as an adoptable dog on our available dogs list and as a dog eligible for sponsorship here on our SOS page.  Malia could be adopted to the right home but we also understand that not everyone can give a dog like Malia a home.  We would also gratefully accept help taking care of Malia. She is worth it.  

Here is all about our girl, Malia.  

Malia's new owner, if we can find one, will be one of those incredibly unselfish people who understand that life is precious - all life.  They will also understand that nurturing life until God takes them home is our job.  We've spent two years getting Malia healthy enough to be able to be placed and we're committed to her care if she does not find a home.  If she does not place, she is part of our sanctuary program and will be for her entire life.  But if there is someone out there who has that heart. If there is someone who understands that different is not bad and that little girls with crooked bodies still need love.  Well, if your out there, please speak up.  It's Malia's time and she would love to find you.

Malia would do best in a low traffic home that is all on one story. She cannot and will never be able to do stairs and when she is presented with stairs, she manages to stumble down them every single time.  We keep baby gates over the stairs she has access to.

She needs a home for whom leash walks are unimportant because Malia can't walk well. She could care less. She enjoys a few minutes out in the yard every day and it's good for her.  The more she moves, the more she strengthens her muscles but she does not need or can do even a short block. Unless you have a stroller.  She would love to be pushed in a stroller, going places and doing things.  

She needs a home that has a lot of snuggle time on the couch available for that is Malia's favorite thing to do.  She is affectionate and enjoys touch time. You don' thave to pet and rub all over her.  Just hold her.  That is enough.  

Malia can get along well with other dogs of all sizes.  If she has a dog buddy large or small, it needs to be one that is polite and conscientious around other dogs. Malia cannot get out of the way.  She is needs someone who won't step all over her.

Malia would love a home with rugs.  Hard floors are - well hard.  They are also slippery.  She slips and can't get her legs under her.  She can't always get a good grip to get herself upright.  To Malia, rugs are a blessing. 

What is my personality like? Unstoppable.  Malia has no idea that her normal is not normal. She has compensated for her whole life for severe luxating patella's (very bad knees,  her knees could not hold her body weight).  Now that she can walk (slowly and hunched), she enjoys it.  We enjoy that Malia no longer pees or poops on herself.  Malia loves affection and loves her people. She is a fan of soft beds where she can curl into them and a fan of being kept extremely clean.  She loves the grooming process and being pampered.

Malia never let all the bad things that happened to her body get her down.  She still takes everything in stride and makes the best of every day.  I wish everyone would be like Malia.

How do I act when I first meet new people? It depends on the circumstances. She is curious about new people but just as curious about the room when she goes to the adoption center. She may come up to you (bring treats - that helps) or she may ignore you.  Pick her up, and she'll stop for a moment and say "this isn't bad at all."  

Other tips and tidbits: We have no idea how old Malia is.  She had a rough, rough life before coming to CPR and that ages a girl.  We gave her a birthdate of 2014, which makes her 10 this year. She is a senior, that is for sure.  We just don't know how much of a senior she is. We do know that keeping weight on her is very hard and she may be much, much older than that.  We celebrate every day Malia gives us as a gift.  

Malia has had multiple surgeries since coming to CPR.  Spay and major dental are two of them. She has had the cyst on the top of her head removed twice but it has come back so we're simply watching it.  It is significantly reduced from the first times.  She has also had luxating patella surgery on both back legs.  Both surgeries were successful, but we've gone through a bit of an anxious time when sores appeared at the surgery site on one leg. That has healed now but we watch it closely.  There is some concern she will have to have the surgical hardware removed at some time in the future but for now, she is doing well.

Malia loves pajamas.  She wears her onesies at all times (except when it is exceptionally hot) and the pressure of the fabric seems to help her to walk better.  She has quite a collection started and would love more.  

Malia loves going outside and walking through the grass.  She is house trained to a pee pad and is very good about using her pads.  She loves to sleep with her foster mom at night and snuggles down into the big bed each evening, surrounded by those who love her.  Sleeping in the bed is an absolute must for her new owner.  She loves car rides and her preference is in a raised dog booster bed so she can look out the window and watch the world go by her.  

Can’t have a dog of your own? Have a soft spot for old, sick or hard to place dogs? It only takes a $20 a month donation for me to be your virtual dog!  I need at least 10 virtual adopters (sponsors) to help cover my monthly costs.  If I have medical challenges I need even more!  The caregivers at Carolina Poodle Rescue will do the rest.  Just think, without ever having to leave your home, you can have your very own online dog that will send you update emails, make Facebook posts, and be eternally grateful for your support!  Go to the donate link at the top of the page for instructions as to how to donate. Questions? Email: cprsosdogs@carolinapoodlerescue.org

I LOVE MY Virtual Adopters!  Malia is looking for sponsors to help her live the good life

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