Charo is a 4 year old, 15 pound, sable merle, spayed female Sheltie. She was released along with 4 other dogs from a puppy mill.

We have had Charo spayed and cleaned her teeth. Luckily she did not lose any teeth during her dental. Her blood work looked good and she tested negative for heartworms. She does have scarring on her face that we think is dermatomyositis (DM). We did a biopsy and are awaiting the results. Prior to her surgery our vet noticed a heart arrhythmia. We did a pre-anesthetic EKC and it came back normal and she did not have any issues while under anesthesia. This may be a stress induced arrhythmia and something her new owners should be aware of and monitor with their veterinarian.

Like all puppy mill breeding dogs Charo has not been socialized with people. She was never taught to walk on leash, go up and down stairs or to do anything that dogs who are raised as companions do. She did tolerate grooming well, but most of the time she seemed frozen in fear.

We are working on house breaking, leash training and helping her overcome her fear of being handled by humans. She much better with other dogs around so she must have a well adjusted, playful dog her size in her new home. She doesn't mind cats.

Charo will be looking for a quiet adult only home, with very patient people who will give her space and time while she learns how to be a pet and to trust humans.

We recommend that everyone who is considering adding a mill survivor to their family read "The Diary of Lucy Blue" and read the information on mill dogs from Central Illinois Sheltie Rescue and ASPCA. These dogs are beyond shy and it takes many months for them to feel comfortable in their new role as a pet. Most of them will never be comfortable with new places and people. They do adjust to their home and their normal routine and most bond very strongly with their owners once they overcome their fears. Adopting a mill dog is a huge project to take on, but we feel the rewards far outweigh the effort and commitment required to give them a new lease on life.