Date of Birth: 03/30/2024 Meet Whitley — also known as Buttercup Whitley is a young Labrador Retriever–Poodle mix who has endured unimaginable neglect and cruelty. When she was found in Elko, she weighed only 33 pounds—much of that due to severely knotted, matted fur. She was skin and bones, terrified, and trapped in wire that had cinched her tail against her back legs. One of our rescue angels rushed her to safety, shaved away the painful matting, and began her legally required stray hold. We posted extensively in hopes of finding an owner, but no one ever came forward. Whitley then moved to a foster home where her long road to physical and emotional recovery could continue. She was so traumatized that she refused to leave her room for the first 48 hours. Her foster mom spent countless hours simply sitting with her, speaking gently, and giving her the time she needed. Slowly—very slowly—Whitley began to trust. She warmed up to the other dogs before she trusted people, but day by day she allowed her foster mom into her world. And once her trust began to grow, Whitley started to show who she really is. She is kennel trained; house trained, uses a doggie door, and has developed a harmless habit of “collecting” her human’s clothes and placing them in her kennel. She does not chew them—she simply gathers them for comfort. She loves other dogs of all sizes and will thrive in a home with a confident canine companion. Please read carefully: Whitley was undeniably abused. Because of her past, she is very cautious with humans and needs time, patience, and understanding. She **cannot** be placed in a home with small children, as quick movements and high energy are overwhelming and frightening for her. She will not be the dog who runs into your arms on the first—or even the third—meeting. But with the right person, someone committed to earning her trust, Whitley will give her heart completely. She truly blossoms once she connects with her person. She loves to play, loves being with other dogs, and requires regular exercise—she’s young, energetic, and still discovering joy. Whitley *hates* baths and grooming, yet she needs professional grooming on a regular schedule. Her adopter must be prepared for this ongoing financial and time commitment. Whitley is a survivor. She is healing more every single day. With patience, structure, and love, she will continue to grow into the incredible dog she was always meant to be. If you’re ready to give her the safe, stable, and understanding home she deserves, Whitley is ready to continue her journey—with you. Our adoption package includes: spay/neuter (when age appropriate) microchip full vetting (including up to date vaccinations & deworming) The first step to adoption is filling out an application!