Mila's Story

1.⁠ ⁠What made you choose to adopt not shop?

We chose to adopt because we’d had a greyhound rescue prior to getting Mila. She was a treasure so when we lost her, we decided to get another rescue. We saw Mila’s picture and her story tugged at our heartstrings.

2.⁠ ⁠⁠What is Mila's backstory?

She arrived as Mila and we kept her name. She was about two years old, past the puppy stage. She had been shot in her back leg. They did not have to amputate her leg but she now walks with a pronounced limp. According to all the vets she’s seen, she is not in any pain.

3.⁠ ⁠⁠What was the most surprising thing you found about adopting a street dog?

The most surprising thing we found was just how gentle she was. She has never shown any aggression. When she takes treats or food, she does so with no teeth. I can’t believe how good she is in this area. She is extremely bright and has “trained” us to get her supper at 4:00 sharp and to let her outside by simply staring at us. She was house trained from the get go which was a definite plus.

4.⁠ ⁠⁠What were some challenges, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenges we have faced is her skittishness when outside. She is comfortable in the house or in our large backyard. A trainer that we hired when we first got her helped us to read her “cues”. Thus we are able to not overfill her “bucket”. She does not go for walks as that is just too stressful. We were told that walks weren’t necessary. She does however, let me know when she wants to attempt a walk which is usually down the driveway and then back. When she came to us, she chose to sleep in the basement. As her comfort level rose, she moved up to our second storey bedroom and now sleeps there on her own bed. She has come so very far.

5.⁠ ⁠⁠How did your wadi change your life?

Having owned dogs for over forty years, I thought I knew dogs. Turns out I didn’t. She has taught me so much. I have become more aware of how to read her stress indicators. These include licking her lips, yawning, seeing the whites of her eyes, etc. I have come to realize that just because another dog is friendly, running up to mine unleashed is not a good thing. I realize that forcing an issue is not a good idea.

6.⁠ ⁠⁠What is your favourite thing about your wadi?

Mila fills that void in my life now that we are empty nesters. She never fails to brighten my mood.

To give a dog like Mila a home, take a look at our dogs still waiting for their forever home!