Sweetie**

Hello. I came to OCAS when my owner could no longer care for me. I also tested positive for heartworms. In North Carolina, it's unfortunately common to see many dogs that are infected with heartworms (they are transmitted by mosquito bites). Heartworm disease may cause severe lung disease, heart failure, or other organ damage in dogs. It's usually fatal if left untreated. Heartworm treatment is costly. With your support, OCAS can help more dogs with this disease - resulting in healthier dogs that are even more likely to get adopted. Please consider donating to our Go Fund Me campaign.Insights from my foster:Meet Sweetie! She’s a gentle, sensitive girl who just needs a little time to feel safe in new environments. She can be more nervous around men and may take longer to warm up to them, but with patience and a calm approach, she blossoms into a loving, energetic companion. Once she feels comfortable, Sweetie loves hopping up for attention, zooming happily around the backyard after potty breaks, and following her favorite person from room to room like a loyal little shadow.Her routine is simple and steady. In the mornings, she leaves her kennel clean, eats her breakfast with her medication mixed into wet food, and usually heads outside to potty. Throughout the day she relaxes in her bed, plays with toys occasionally, and seeks affection when she’s feeling secure. She walks nicely but can become nervous around people, pets, and sudden or loud noises, and once she starts sniffing something interesting, she likes to take her time. The backyard is one of her favorite places; she never tries to hop the fence, though she may need coaxing to go through the door. At night she settles into her kennel after a bit of whining—just make sure both latches are secured, as she’s clever enough to wiggle out. Sweetie isn’t very food-motivated, but she absolutely loves plush toys and will gleefully pull out their stuffing. She’s not interested in chew toys. One important note is that she does not appear to be cat-friendly and shows a strong prey drive, although she is generally indifferent toward other dogs. When she feels extremely nervous, she may lift her left cheek in a silent “side snarl.” It seems to be a defensive signal rather than aggression, but it’s something to be aware of as she builds trust. The best thing about Sweetie is how affectionate she becomes once she opens up. She turns into a devoted little shadow who soaks up love and attention, making her a deeply rewarding companion for someone willing to give her the time and patience she needs.``Sweetie is an incredibly kind and gentle dog. She is shy at first but warms up quickly. She will cuddle next to you, kiss your face, wag her tail, and enjoy pets on her chin. Sweetie doesn’t like loud noises and can be startled easily, but as she grows more confident, she will become a social dog. We took her on a drive and she had lots of fun in the car. She likes snuggling and looking out the window. We then went to Dingo Dog and sat with her for a while. Sweetie was offered a pup cup and treats, but she was entirely uninterested in them. Sweetie is a very special dog; she is so kind, cuddly, and loving.`