It’s time to meet Bernice! Bernice is a three-year-old Bichon x Poodle x who came to MUTTS as a mill discard where she was used for breeding. Adjusting to life outside the mill has been a slower journey for Bernice, but each day is another chance for her to become more comfortable. This sweet lady is looking for a patient family who will support her as she continues to decompress and encourage her to blossom!

It’s very clear that Bernice’s past has made it difficult to trust new people, but her foster is slowly building it up day by day! Like many of our former mill dogs, Bernice is very shy and nervous. It’s taken her time to feel comfy in her foster home, but we’re excited to say that her personality is peaking out! For Bernice, patience is key. She tends to avoid new people and prefers to ignore anyone she doesn’t know, so her adoptive family should be ready to give Bernice the space she needs for as long as she needs it. Her foster tells us that it’s definitely worth the wait: under all that nervousness is a sweet and loving lady who just wants to feel safe!

Bernice’s perfect weekend would include lots of indoor relaxation, a few quiet walks and time with her family! Bernice is still pretty nervous when outside during the day, due to the noise and boisterous activity, so she prefers that her walks take place at night. Her curiosity is on full display during these nighttime walks and she definitely enjoys the exercise! Her foster believes Bernice could take on more activity so we feel she’d pair best with a family who lives in a quieter neighbourhood, ideally outside of the city. This would give her plenty of opportunities to continue working on her leash skills (she likes to zig zag) and enjoy some fresh air! And though she’s definitely the right size for a condo, we believe a home with a secure yard would do wonders for Bernice. She craves quiet and safety and the chance to do some worry-free sniffing!

When it comes to socialization, Bernice is open but cautious. Once she’s comfortable around other dogs, both on and off leash, she’s pretty calm and will greet them. Bernice would be a great addition to a family with another small and gentle dog, and though she’s not cat tested, we don’t foresee any issues with felines! As for kids, older is definitely better in Bernice’s eyes. Despite being timid, Bernice does appreciate human presence, especially when it’s a human she trusts. She develops some separation anxiety at night but will calm once her foster arrives to keep her company. Bernice is slowly starting to accept affection and pets though she still hasn’t figured out that it’s okay to ask!

Bernice is microchipped and up to date with her vaccines. She was only recently introduced to potty training, so it remains a work in progress. She uses the pee pads without issue and is starting to work up the courage to do her business outside. Bernice enjoys the safety of her crate but prefers that the door remain open. Her spay is to be scheduled.

Each day presents Bernice with another opportunity to continue discovering that the world can be a safe place. With time, patience and the right family, we have no doubt that our girl will flourish into a happy and content pup with a zest for life!

SOCIABILITY: Humans (adults and older kids) and dogs; not cat tested
ENERGY: Low
QUIRKS: Bernice is very friendly with her toy dogs!
TRAINING NEEDS: Continued decompression, basic obedience, potty training, continued leash skills
MEDICAL NEEDS: Spay to be scheduled
FOSTER LOCATION: Toronto
WEIGHT: 12lbs