NOVA

Introducing (super) Nova! This little bitty baby with the big, big ears came to us from a remote community in northern Manitoba, where she was surrendered. This hasn’t slowed her down, however, and now that she’s had some time to settle, she’s ready to run right into the arms of her new family!

Nova is a very sweet girl whose big personality is growing almost faster than her ears! She’s currently being fostered with two other dogs and boy oh boy, does she enjoy having a few fellow canines to run around with! When she first met the other dogs, she was very polite, but as she’s become more comfortable, her rowdy side has started to emerge. Nova has been known to put her paws on her foster siblings and play a little rough. She loves to run around and play and would probably do this all day if she oversaw her own schedule! Her fosters have noted that she needs more exercise than the average puppy her age, likely due to her breed (Malinois are known to be one of the higher-energy dog breeds!), so they’ve been using several different activities, like fetch and a flirt pole, to help Nova burn off those extra puppy beans. She’d be a great dog for an active family – we see a future running or hiking buddy! – and would much prefer a home with space to run and explore (a condo or apartment would likely be too small a space for her). A dog buddy would be a bonus, as she’s already shown to be a true pack lady and loves hanging with her canine foster siblings.

Most of Nova’s exercise takes place in her foster’s backyard, and luckily, she has lots of space to run around. She’s done a little bit of leash work in the yard, and as is typical of puppies, she’s a zigzagger. She’s enjoyed chasing a few birds and hunting for bugs in the grass, but otherwise hasn’t shown any signs of prey drive. She has a couple basic commands under her belt (“sit” and “shake a paw”) and is making progress on others! Nova is very smart, though her energy often gets in the way of her focus. What can we say? She’s a busy girl! That doesn’t stop her from showing endless affection, however – she loves to be pet and give kisses and will settle in to enjoy a short snuggle session before buzzing off once again!

When it comes to potty training, Nova is nearly there. She’s had a few accidents in the house, but she does sit by the door and paw when she needs to go outside. Any accidents that have happened are likely because she’s so busy and can’t always make it to the door. She’s been accident-free in the crate (apart from the occasional tinkle from excitement!) and is great overnight. The crate has been a really helpful tool for her foster’s in managing Nova’s energy – whenever she becomes too wound up or needs a break, she spends some time in her crate and doesn’t have a problem sitting quietly on her own. She may whine for a minute or two but will eventually fall asleep. She’s been left crated in the house alone (just for short spurts) and hasn’t shown any signs of separation anxiety. Outside the crate, she’s not destructive, but will chew shoes if they aren’t put away!

Nova has been microchipped and received her first set of puppy shots. Her adoption fee will include her puppy series shots and spay at six months.

Nova’s ready to meet her furever family and hopes that they bring a ball … cause she’s a real catch!

SOCIABILITY: Dogs and humans (adults) ENERGY: High! QUIRKS: Her little “roo” sound when she’s excited! TRAINING NEEDS: Continued basic obedience, leash skills, continued mental and physical stimulation MEDICAL NEEDS: None LOCATION: Burlington