Liza

Hi, I’m Liza. I spent the first four years of my life roaming the beeches in Curacao, looking for handouts from tourists. Then, I was rescued by CARF and spent the next two years living at their sanctuary in Curacao. I've been living in Canada for the last 5 months with a wonderful foster family, but I really want a family of my own that will love me unconditionally forever! Despite all this, I still wake up excited to live each day and enjoy lots of affection and cuddles. I’m currently in a foster home with two human siblings (ages 9 and 12) and another dog who is 70 lbs like me! I love my foster home because there are always plenty of people around to give me tummy rubs, lots of comfy beds to use, and a large fenced yard for me to explore. Yes, I’m 6 years old, but you don’t need to worry about my age because I’m actually really into fitness and taking care of myself! I’m strong; I love to exercise (walks, runs, playing tug), and I have no problem keeping up with my 2-year-old furry foster brother. Currently, I spend about half the day lying around the yard, on the deck and in the gardens. Occasionally I hear something and have to bark to keep strangers away, but generally I just relax. I also like running, wrestling with my foster brother, and going on evening walks. Compared to other dogs, I’m generally low energy inside and medium energy when I’m outside. My foster Mom says that I’m a really confident dog. I guess that’s true since I have had to take care of myself for so long. I can be a little bossy when I want something, and I have no problem telling other dogs what I want. Is that unusual? I thought girls were encouraged to be confident and assertive these days. I’ve lived with my foster family for 5 months now, and I’ve learned so much! I can finally walk up and down the stairs without looking like a newborn deer and can ignore the dog next door (he’s loud). I’m also sleeping through the night! When I first arrived, I would wake 2-3 times to check that my foster parents were still there. I’ve also learnt to be comfortable staying home alone as I know everyone will always return! Oh, and I have mastered sitting for a treat, which I always take gently. Something you should know about me is that I LOVE affection. My foster family thinks that I’m trying to make up for lost time since I haven’t had a family in so long. As soon as I see you look my way, I roll over for a tummy rub. My favourite thing to do is to nudge you with my nose so that you will rub my head, face or chest while I sit beside you. My foster Dad also loves how I snort like a pig and wag my tail super fast when I’m excited. I know what you’re thinking: I sound perfect! Well, I’m definitely awesome, but I do have some things that I’m still working on (like everyone). I’m getting better at it, but I still bark when new people enter the house. I know I shouldn’t, but I just feel the need to let everyone know that someone new has arrived! Once my foster family tells me it’s ok, I am able to relax. Also, remember when I said that I can be bossy? Well, about once a day, I will bark at my foster Mom to tell her I want to go outside to chase something. She usually ignores me or says ‘shhhh’ and I quiet down, but I just get so excited that I need her to know how I’m feeling! Lastly, I’m good on a leash and love going for walks, but I can get overly excited and lunge or pull when I see squirrels/animals or people on bikes/scooters. My ideal home would be one with a family that spends lots of time with me and gives me attention and love. I’d also like a fenced yard in a quiet neighbourhood, as I really enjoy being outside. Kids? I like kids, but I prefer older ones (age 10+). I also like dogs, but they have to be the right fit. I get along great with my foster brother, who is a young male dog with a relaxed personality who likes to play but lets me have my way most of the time. However, it may be best if I end up in a home without other animals so that I can get all the cuddles, as it’s finally my turn to be the centre of attention. Also, I’d like confident parents who have large dog experience and can teach me the rules! If you’re still reading my story, then hopefully, you’re looking for someone just like me!! Age: 6 years Weight: 70 lbs Breed: Mix – likely Rhodesian Ridgeback & Black Mouth Cur Sociability: Adults, Children (10+) & Dogs (on a case-by-case basis). No experience with cats. Energy Level: Low (indoors), Medium (outside). Yard: Fenced yard required! I love being outdoors! Training: I admit that I need to continue working on the basics but I'm food motivated. Medical Needs: None. Barking: Yes, sometimes (...but I'm a dog!) Guarding Behaviours: I will guard high-value treats from other dogs, so I enjoy them alone in a separate room. Separation Anxiety: None, I'm content to stay home alone while you go out. Dislikes: Vacuums (I will go to another room when it’s on) and thunderstorms (I may hide in a closet or ‘safe’ spot). Sleeping: I sleep through the night on a dog bed in my foster parent's room.