Mia Staffie x DofB 2021 Herne Hill

[anne]

Mia is a little sweetheart and I really enjoy spending time with her. She adores the staff and they are very happy to get her ready for her walk. Once out she needs a little reassurance but enjoys her walk, taking her time sniffing and exploring along the way. She is not too keen on the mud but we are all fed up with that! She walks close by my side as we amble along together, enjoying being out.

[clairer]

Mia and I went for a peaceful, quiet walk today. It was the second time we’ve been for a walk and she was v happy to get out of her kennel. I went in whilst she had her harness on and gave her treats. Mutually she was a little reluctant to walk but with gentle encouragement and a few treats we got going and walked all the way around Smallfield. She does walk behind you a lot and is unsure at times but with some reassurance and quiet words she made it all the way around. I’ll definitely make the effort to keep walking her, she deserves a gentle and calm home.

[geoffcase]

What a little poppet. Mia was very enthusiastic about getting out, but she is a nervous soul and we had a slow walk down the lane and across the road. What she really likes is cuddles, and when we got back into the grounds we went to the bench and had 20 minutes of quality TLC.
I think Mia would be happier walking with another dog, as she is a super friendly little girl.

[anne]

There were horses coming down the bridleway last week while I was out with Mia. She seemed to really like horses and wanted to follow them.

[HelenR]

Here is Mia having a lovely relaxing time in the Poets' Hut. A couple of times she lay down with her head on my knee which was a real honour.
She is a sweet gentle soul, still unsure at present. She loves the staff and wags her tail happily when she sees them. Enjoys ambling through the woods sniffing the different smells, and occasionally looks back at me and sniffs the lead, perhaps for reassurance. Sometimes needs some gentle encouragement to walk, possibly as the mud is impossible to avoid in places and she isn't keen on mud.

[clairer]

Mia and I had a lovely walk yesterday, we pottered along behind Loki Frenchie, tails were wagging and much sniffing was achieved. She’s a beautiful dog with a gentle nature who needs a calm and loving home.

[HelenR]

Mia has been greeting me at her kennel door quite happily and excited recently (I have been walking her twice a week) so I thought it's time to see if she will trust me enough to put her harness and leads on and/or take them off at the end of the walk. I first shut her immediate neighbours in as she can be dog reactive at close quarters if they are barking at her and can lunge. Then, with a staff member outside talking to her and just being there for reassurance if she needed it, and with me dropping several bits of sausage for her, she let me do it! This is a real honour as it shows she has really built up her trust.
Mia was not keen on venturing off site, possibly as it is so muddy but I also think she feels safer onsite. We did a lap and she ambled along sniffing, sometimes needing a bit of coaxing. We sat for a while in the Poets Hut and again on a couple of benches. She loves just sitting, sniffing the air and observing whatever is going on. Sweet girl.

[xxlynne]

Mia was introduced to Renata and Gosia her friend today and she showed her loving nature. Renata has taken Mia into foster to help her build her confidence.

[Renata21]

My first update on Mia. She is truly a wonderful soul. Reading about her nervousness, I worried that her introduction to a new environment would be more difficult, but she proved me wrong. Mia was an absolute pro in the car, a bit hesitant venturing into my flat, but she cherished the softness of my sofa in no time. She was unsure during our first walk, so we used the same route a few times, to get her into the routine, and her confidence is growing walk by walk. And it is true, then once she trusts you, she is yours, wonderfully devoted and attentive. Mia wants to be near you, a furry cuddle monster, but not needy. She is happy in her bed, or sofa when I am working. She is not interested in toys, indifferent to cyclists or cars.
I wonder if she might be happier at home with another dog as she is always curious about other dogs in the park and likes interacting with them. She loves her food and her tail is doing overtime on two occasions, when her food is being prepared and when we enter my house. She is initially nervous around new people but is getting more relaxed. She learns quickly what is allowed and what is not at home like she does not want to put her paw wrong. Naturally, the sofa is not negotiable.

[Jan Case]

What fabulous photos, it is wonderful to see this little girl relax like this. Thank you so much for giving her this break from kennels