Nika

  • Lab/terrier? mix,
  • female,
  • 6 years,
  • 50 lbs.
While Nika’s looks suggest she might be a chocolate lab mix, her personality is more like a regal old soul, she just doesn’t quite fit the goofiness associated with that breed, and we debate her heritage regularly. Is she a Chesapeake Bay retriever mix?  A terrier mix?

Is she a cat trapped in a dog’s body? We only know Nika is a beautiful, independent girl who takes her time to get to know new people, but once you are in her circle you can see how special she is. Nika has been with us for a while because she is a true unique spirit, and we know she is just waiting for that perfect home and that we just have to be a bit more proactive in finding it. She is smart and cautious, although roast beef goes a long way in helping her make new friends. Nika can be nervous meeting new people, which has made it a challenge to find her a home, as she does not connect with people until she trusts them, so she needs someone who will take that time and appreciate that her affection is not easily won. Nika likes to do her own thing, sniff the yard, play with a toy, but when she is in the mood she loves a good ear scratch or butt scritch.

If Nika could pick her perfect home we suspect she would pick a quiet one, one set far back from the hustle and the bustle, near woods for quiet walks, and maybe with a pond so she can swim (she loves to swim). An adult or two to love her, and take her for walks, and with a nice fenced-in yard for her to explore and sniff and enjoy. Nika was returned to us because the children in the home brought energy and activity that made her nervous, so we would like to see her in an adult-only home. She can also get overwhelmed with a lot of activity outside the home so a busy neighborhood with lots of kids and dogs around can be too much for her; she thrives in a rural setting.

Nika does fine being crated for a work day and seems to enjoy the time to nap, chew her chews, and reflect on life.  She is also house trained, and has good house manners. Once she is used to her person, she comes when called off-leash. In the past Nika has lived with a male dog and cats, but we are not sure if she wants to continue sharing her home. As she has matured she may prefer to be the queen of all she surveys, but she may do well with the right dog. We are not sure. We are sure, though, that with love and consistency, Nika is able to relax and be such a wonderful dog, who will make someone very, very happy.
If you already have an application in, you do not need to fill out another one.  Just send an e-mail to Rescue@Peppertree.org or call 518-435-7425.