Curious Georgia, mystery dog

Is Georgia your average Heinz 57 mixed-breed shelter dog, or is she a pit bull, or is she both? Or does it matter? Regardless of her true genetic makeup, her size, short fur, wrinkled forehead, and silly ears had her labeled a pit bull — a black one — and all but sealed her fate at the county shelter.

Five or six year old Georgia came in as a stray, severely underweight, with bad ear infections, terribly rough skin, and swollen, puffy paws from allergies or who knows what. As with many shelter dogs, nothing is known about her past. The big, prominent callouses on her elbows suggest a lot of time spent laying on concrete or another rough surface; her fear of doorways, stairs, and the sound of kitchen appliances suggest a non-domestic life prior; but her honey eyes and love of hugging suggest a heart of molten gold.

Like many black pit bulls do, Georgia sat at the shelter waiting for her perfect family to come along — for two and a half months. Much like Little Zee, Georgia was shy at the shelter, tending to linger in the back of her pen rather than bouncing and wiggling at the front soliciting attention. Lucky for her she caught the attention of a few shelter staff, and became a quick favorite — a status that eventually led her into our home and into our hearts.

Much of Curious Georgia’s personality is still a mystery, since she has only been with us a few short days. But certain things are starting to emerge. She is housebroken. Very mild. A little timid. Chases balls and bats them around, but won’t put them in her mouth. Gets to know people by sniffing every inch of their face with a wistful look in her eyes. Loves to hug. Desparately seeks love. Great with kids. Loves to lay down and roll around in sunny, grassy spots. Sleeps curled up into a little lima bean shape at night, with her nose tucked under her back leg. Dreams of a loving family of her very own.

Sound like your dream dog?

 

28 responses

  1. I suspect Georgia will be adopted very quickly. She’s adorable, the perfect size, housetrained (which is awesome!) and loves kids! She couldn’t be in a more perfect position at the moment – in a loving foster environment with a history of finding just the right human(s) to fit their personality and needs. Can’t wait to hear more about this precious girl.

  2. Ah! Our dog was terrified of doorways, thresholds, the hallway to our basement, the backdoor, etc. as well. We just thought he was crazy — I never associated it with him not being used to a house.

    I’m sure, like our dog, she will get used to these things and get over her fears with strong encouragement and yummy snacks!

  3. She is so beautiful and reminds me of my own pit, who is black and brindle. I hope Georgia is in her forever home soon! Your blog is so wonderful, I am now volunteering at my local Humane Society and hope to be a foster home once we are not living in a condo. Thanks for sharing these stories and helping bullie breeds.

  4. Your fosters tell so much about why shelters, in general, don’t offer dogs the best setting for getting adopted. Shelter life is tough–loud, lonely, barren and with little mental stimulation. Remember the Vick dogs? The timid and the shy are overlooked or are deemed to have character flaws. Especially if they are black are and labeled “pit bull.” But with good care and the quiet safety of a home, these dogs can become wonderful companions.

    From your description, though, this shelter did a great job of taking care of Georgia’s medical needs allowing her to shine through. Here’s to all the shelter workers who saw past the dog sitting in the back and to the wonderful woman who pulled her just in the nick of time.

    Georgia, you have hit the foster-home jackpot and your life is on an upward swing now. Kisses (and sniffs) on your beautiful face!

  5. Georgia has soulful eyes. You can tell she’s been through the ringer in her years on this planet. I’m so glad she was saved from the shelter. And with you as her PR agent, she’ll find the perfect home in no time. Yay for Georgia! Every dog should be so lucky.

  6. I love her. I can’t realistically adopt right now, but if I could, I would want to know:

    How does Georgia do when she is alone in the house? Does she stay in a kennel? Does she have any separation anxiety issues? Does she seem to be friendly with other dogs? How about kitties?

    Best of luck to her. She’s a beauty and seems really sweet.

    • Lindsay, I am SO SORRY I never responded to this!! I had it in my “to respond” box for a long time, but with the move and everything, life got too hectic. I imagine you’ve seen how it went with Curious G and all of your questions by now — she does not have separation issues, though she prefers to be with people. She is friendly with all other animals. She is such a dear and I still miss her every day! Hope you’re well! Aleksandra

      • No big deal! Thanks for your reply! I have a soft spot for big, black dogs – especially pitbull types. I’m glad Georgia got a home. I love following your blog and all your fosters. You make me want to adopt each one! So that means you are doing a good job! Good luck with Dora!

  7. Georgia is everything why dark/black pit bull type dogs are and always will be my #1 cause. In the shelter they fade into the background, while out in the sun, with the littlest bit of attention, they are shining stars. Thank you for showing off my favorite thing. I love you Curious Georgia girl!

  8. I love having my face sniffed in just the way you describe! Although I’ve never had the experience of having my face explored by someone who is blind, that’s always what I think of when I get to experience face exploration. My dogs seem to particularly focus on my eyelids and lashes – as though that gives them a sense of my humanity. She’s a beauty – sad that she needs a “do over” of her life but amazing that she will get the chance.

  9. Yay! What a beauty. Glad you didn’t wait tooo long…those two days must have been tough 🙂

    The facial sniffies are so sweet, so sensitive. Just love those.

  10. What a sweet baby girl! Her eyes remind me of my Jacob. Her luck has turned. She is so blessed to be fostered by you and on her way to her forever home.

  11. Aleksandra, I suspect you could make me fall in love with a house fly… You have a wonderful way of teaching your readers what you love about your dogs, and since you love them so much, it is truly contagious. Thank you for brightening my day with your sweet words and stunning photos. Great work bringing in yet another foster with an overlooked trait (black coat) and making it seem like the most amazing thing about them. I’ve got Georgia on my mind!!

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