Bellaluna's previous owner sadly came to the decision to surrender her to FBRN when she bit their new puppy, a bite that resulted in a vet visit. Bellaluna had a history of attacking the dogs in her previous home, and her owner felt that she would be better suited to another home.

In foster care, Bellaluna has been introduced to the idea that she is not the one in charge, as her foster family has observed that this is probably one of the sources of her dominant behavior. Even though she was much loved and cared for in her previous home, it does not seem as though she had the boundaries and rules to regulate her behavior. Bellaluna benefits from strong leadership, patience, and gentle re-training methods. She does not respond well to harsh or frustrated authority. She has learned to follow commands, and is practicing obedience, and is rewarded with treats (she is very treat motivated!) She wants to do well, and needs consistent rules to keep her on her new path of calmer behavior.

Bellaluna has "nipped" at her foster dad at times, and a few times at the older kids in the home. She has never broken the skin, but this seems to be some sort of nervous or anxious trigger that her foster family is working on with her. She immediately will lick and seek affection after she does this. Though she is OK with kids of all ages, we feel it's best that any children in the home be over age 8. She has done great with the 11 & 13 year old kids in her foster home.

Bellaluna has had no potty accidents in the house at all. She is totally potty trained and has done well following the other dogs outside on their regular schedules. A fenced yard is preferred, or she will need to be taken out on a leash to do her business. She has bolted out the front door a couple times, and did not respond when her name was called. She did however, come back with the bribe of some treats. This door-dashing is something that her forever family will have to be very careful of, and preference will be given to homes on quiet streets. Bellaluna has learned to sit and stay back when the front door is being opened, but she is still curious and wants to know what's going on.

Bellaluna does not like being crated! Her foster family has been working with her on getting used to the crate at times, but she will not go in it on her own, and will start panting and getting anxious while inside. She even chewed up the blankets in the crate a couple of times. So she should not be crated for very long, as this triggers her nervous behavior.

Bellaluna would do well in a home where she can be in the house during the day, not in a crate. She would like to have a mid-day potty break, though.

She loves to be with her people, and will follow her foster mom to whatever room she is in, find a comfy spot, and take a nap. She is currently enjoying sleeping in the 13 year-old's room, on the floor in a cozy dog bed, with a fluffy blanket to snuggle under.

Bellaluna has a history of some mild allergies. She needs drops in her ears once a week to keep infections away (this is a $20 prescription that has so far lasted a few months.) She also has some itchies that show up in her paws. Her foster family is working on figuring out what she may be allergic to.

Bellaluna had a lump removed from her lip and underarm while in her previous home. The lab results came back showing the lump was "borderline cancer". So she will need to be checked if any new lumps appear.

Bellaluna has learned to get along and even enjoy the company of the other dogs in her foster home. There have been some fights over treats or toys, but she has shown a lot of progress in this area. It is important that her forever family be strong "pack leaders", and that they are familiar with signs of dominance and how to correct that. First preferrence will be given to a home where Bellaluna can be the only dog. If there are other dogs in the home, this will be carefully considered, depending on the temperament of the other dogs.

Bellaluna's foster mom has this to say about her:

"Bellaluna is such an affectionate dog. she really does love her people. She has done so well with learning rules and boundaries. We are seeing such a positive change in her. She just needs it to be clear that she is not in charge, and all she has to do is enjoy being a dog. We will take care of everything else!"

Bellaluna is going to school in NW Oregon. She will not be shipped.