I am a dog rescued from a puppy mill where I received no medical care or socialization and was used for breeding purposes. Before you fall in love with my adorable face, please remember that I will have some specific needs in my forever home. I need a secure fenced yard, someone with lots of patience and time during the day to help me with my housetraining and socialization, an adult dog-experienced home. Thank you for reading!

Adoption Area: East Tennessee

Mara needs: Mara is a 5-yr-old, 7-lb female Maltese. She wants to be loved but is still scared. She came from a horrible puppy mill where she never received a gentle touch or any vet care. She is currently on Prozac to help her relax and adjust. It’s not very expensive, and she’ll be on it temporarily. We are working on her house manners, and she’s doing well. She also uses a pee pad and is taken out frequently to a secure fenced yard. She’s good in a crate when you can’t be home with her. But given her lack of socialization, she will need someone who is home frequently during the day. She does get car sick so giving her Dramamine is recommended as well as traveling in a crate.

The perfect home will have an understanding of puppy mill dogs. Mara may never become a happy-go-lucky little girl but she is making positive steps every week. She has started taking treats from her foster mom and she will follow her around the house. She also enjoys getting up on the couch with the other dogs and her foster mom and does enjoy a gentle rub or pet. She needs someone who will accept and love her the way she is but will work with her so she will hopefully continue to move forward. She has come a long way in her foster home but still has a long way to go. Having another well adjusted small dog or two in your home to be a good role model for Mara is important.

Mara is spayed, microchipped, vaccinated and current on her preventatives. She also had a dental. If you are looking to make a difference in a dog’s life, please consider this sweet little girl. She will need a person experienced with living with a dog who came from a puppy mill and someone willing to give Mara love, time, patience and acceptance. Mara’s adoption fee is $175.