I'm ready for my new Family!

This loving girl is a true comeback kid. These days she is happy and making big progress. Licorice is learning that most people have treats and she's slowly letting her guard down around strangers. It really helps her to spend time around other dogs. Licorice loves every dog she meets, especially the ones who like to play with her and aren't afraid of her size. Deep down, she's still a puppy. We're looking for a loving home who will support her and help her feel safe so she can relax and enjoy the good life.

Licorice found herself on a euthanasia list at the crowded Contra Costa shelter in the East Bay. None of the staff could touch her and she cowered in the back corner of her kennel. A rescue group we hadn't heard of pulled her and sent her straight to an adopter who was not prepared for a terrified, shut down, giant dog who was a flight risk. Licorice was so scared. She escaped from her adopter's fenced yard in Calistoga after being there less than three hours. Licorice was in an unfamiliar area and had no one she could trust. Since this happened in our area, WCAL was asked to help catch her safely before she was hit by a car or caused an accident crossing a very busy road. It took 72 days and a lot of chicken and patience since no one could get within 20 feet of this big, smart dog. Licorice was caught in a specialized trap and now she is safe. Her adopter asked us to find her a great home and that's our goal. We had her spayed and she got a clean bill of health from our veterinarian. We were surprised to learn that Licorice is just a baby at perhaps one-year-old.

Now Licorice is in a foster home with a local reward-based trainer who is helping her get a fresh start. They are working on all the basics like potty training, crate training, walking on leash, taking treats from strangers, and making new friends. Licorice is really enjoying the company of other dogs and spends tons of time in doggy playgroups each day. She trusts dogs more than humans, but we're making progress. She LOVES rotisserie chicken! Licorice likes dogs of all sizes but isn't always aware of her size or how intimidating she can be to smaller dogs. Her ideal adopter has another well-socialized, confident dog, a calm home without many regular visitors, and is committed to force-free animal handling. She is going to bond closely with her next human and be an amazing companion. At only one year old, she's very much a silly puppy who likes stealing shoes, playing with toys and deserves an understanding and patient person who is ready for a long term commitment. We don't want this special girl to ever find herself scared at the back of a lonely kennel or running loose on the streets again!