Cleopatra Deserving of Her Name Breed: Chow Chow mix Age: Young Sex: Female - Spayed

Cleopatra, our beautiful Chow mix, is truly heaven sent. Not too long ago, she was a shy, thin, scared little girl who was very depressed. Luckily, she was pulled off the euthanasia list by her angel just in time. This angel found her a foster home in the country where she could recover from a nasty cold. The little girl faced the wall of her crate, shaking with her head down. Attempts to pat her frightened her. She knew what hands did and it wasn''t nice! Her new foster mom and dad saw she was beautiful, and were determined to show her what life could be like. Foster dad reached in and carried her into the house and put her in her own room on a comforter, where sunlit breezes and fresh air would comfort and heal her.

The foster parents knew the minute they met her what she should be named. ''I know what we''ll call you! Cleopatra!'' The sad and depressed little girl was offered chicken but was too sad to eat. Foster dad carried little Cleo outside and tried to take a walk. ''This is scary,'' said Cleo. ''Let''s go back inside!'' Despite her nerves, Cleo immediately showed that she was housebroken. Who could have abandoned this wonderful little girl and why?

A day later Cleo began to eat as much as she could get. She had been starving, her protruding backbone and gaunt figure evidence of her malnourishment. After a brief period of adjustment, Cleo eventually started to loosen up and enjoy her new life. She began smelling the grass, looking up at the sky, and seeing the birds, a deer! The healing powers of nature breathed new life into her. Cleopatra raised her regal head to the sky and then she began prancing, yes PRANCING!

She loves to come running to foster mom and dad for praise and feel good pats, gazing up at them while resting her head on their legs. A week after her arrival, all signs of sickness had vanished. No more coughs or sniffles! Cleo is gaining confidence and beginning to really enjoy and cherish life. She is ready for a home of her own where she can continue to blossom under loving care. With a wonderful glossy, black, non-matting coat and a cute plumey tail that she holds on her back and waves enthusiastically, Cleo is a stunning girl. Without her tail, she could double for a little black bear cub--she is that cute!

She has dark, soulful eyes and a pink tongue spotted with blue, the true mark of a Chow. When she opens her mouth, it looks like she''s been eating grape popsicles! Cleo is an absolutely wonderful companion--she is well behaved, non destructive, and quiet. She is also watchful over her home which makes you feel very safe.

On top of that, she is housetrained, good with other dogs (great with male dogs and okay with females, although sometimes they don''t react well to her because she is not spayed right now. She will be spayed shortly and that problem should clear up), accepting of kitties (she lives with some!), not food or toy aggressive whatsoever, and a great eater.

She loves to walk and explore outside--she would make a great companion for someone who loves the outdoors. Cleo is good with strangers on the street as well. She could use some basic leash training but she is pretty obedient already. Her favorite thing on walks is running around on the big grassy field or lawn. We would like to find her a home in the country where she has room to be the free spirit that she is. She is not used to the sights and noises of the city, and we think it would be overwhelming for her. She loves everything about nature--the animals, the vegetation, the smell of the earth. She takes it all in every time she goes outside.

Cleo is radiant, obedient, and happy. She will be spayed soon and has had her shots. She weighs about 40 lbs and she is just about a year old, maybe less. We want to place her as quickly as possible so she does not become too attached to her foster family. Chows are very loyal dogs and Cleopatra is no exception, so we want to make this transition as quick and easy as possible. To meet the beautiful Cleo, please email Heather at hchristie@hotmail.com. PLEASE NOTE: Adoptions will be limited to the Eastern Connecticut area only.