Hello ! This is Cassie !

CASSIE is 9 years old and weighs 45 pounds. Hi there, Honestly, if I were a human being (but no thanks to that right now), I would be seeing a therapist at least twice a week. And lest you think, "oh no," I will remind you that it is a good thing that I want to talk my problems out and that I am trying to change. If I had to self-diagnose (and don't we all?), I would say I probably suffer from PTSD. You see, I was raised as a breeding dog in a puppy mill down in California. Growing up in a cage did nothing to enhance my social skills. I mean, I am really good with the two-legged – it's just those 4-leggeds that I have trouble with. I know they are dogs, and I have been told I am a dog, but I am not sure sometimes. I note that when I go for walks with human person that all the other dogs are having fun and playing with each other. I try and interact, but apparently I don't really know how and instead of engaging in play I, instead, lunge at them and scare everyone. I am great with human things so I really need a two-legged who has the patience to let me learn. Better too that I am in a house with a fenced yard and with just me as the dog so there are no problems. I can tolerate some dogs so maybe I can learn to live with another friend who is already in the house. You never know. Cats kind of bother me because they move too fast and startle me, but then, I never see those creatures move fast. They always seem to be sleeping. What's up with that? I live with a cat now and she is sooooo lazy. I am sure they all are. Moral of that story is maybe an OLD, SLOW cat I don't see often instead, instead of new, young playful cats.. My current humans were told that I bit someone once, but no one can seem to substantiate that story. Most of my lower teeth are really worn down because I would chew at the bars of my cage so I probably cannot do too much damage in that department these days. My human says that I don't know how to be a real dog and am guilty for feeling joy – that I look a bit scared and guilty if I do get happy. I don't want to live this way anymore. I want to be happy. I really like people, but it takes me a while to remove my tail from between my legs and start warming up and wagging it. But I get there! I am pretty much a scaredy cat and act aggressive out of fear. I want to protect my people against other dogs I feel may be threatening. I don't like loud noises like thunder and especially those pesky machines that suck dirt off of the floor. On the bright side – I love the vet (go figure), I ride beautifully in the car and am super well-behaved and quiet in a hotel room What a plus-right? I walk well on a leash and love walks. In fact, I have never been allowed to go pee without a leash on so I am just now learning to do it myself in the yard. Kind of cool not having someone watching while I do my thing. Dogs need privacy too. I also like to play with cat toys – you know the kind that come on sticks? Maybe that's why I didn't know I was a dog for so long. I sleep very peacefully in my own bed, but admit to sneaking into rooms that have beds with fluffy pillows. Who could resist that? I tolerate baths if you really think I need one. But who really wants to take a bath – ugh. So, in conclusion, I am seeking a home where I can learn to feel joy, become a true dog, and can build a trusting relationship with my new human to become the best dog ever to them. INTERESTED in CASSIE? The first step is to fill out our online Adoption Application (address link below) NOTE: All of our dogs live in foster homes so it is not possible to setup a meet and greet prior to submitting an adoption application. Filling out an application doesn't obligate you to adopt, but it does save your place in line if there are multiple people interested. ADOPTION APPLICATION (Type or cut & paste the below website address into your browser): http://www.sdroregon.com/adoption-application.htm If our Adoption Coordinator determines you are a good match they will contact you. This is a great opportunity for you to find out more about CASSIE and decide if you would like to setup a meet and greet. ADOPTION FEE is $150, and there’s a 10% Discount for Senior Citizens and Veterans. Learn more about the ADOPTION PROCESS here (Type or cut & paste the below website address into your browser): http://www.sdroregon.com/adoption-process.htm We apologize, but we are not able to answer individual questions about our dogs. We are a small, all-volunteer organization and we receive hundreds of inquiries. If you want to learn more about a particular dog, then please submit an Adoption Application. If your application is chosen, you will have the opportunity to meet the dog and to get answers to all of your questions. Thank you for your understanding.