Cottonball is a six-month-old Maltese mix who looks as soft as her name suggests. She’s a tiny, 8-pound pup with a delicate, fluffy coat and the spirit to match. Cottonball came from a breeder background and is still figuring out that humans can mean gentle hands and safe places. Right now, she’s extremely shy—she keeps her distance, and being petted or picked up is still too much for her. If you’re looking for a dog to snuggle right away, she isn’t there yet, but beneath her skittishness, there’s a sweet, watchful dog ready to bloom at her own pace. She feels safest around other dogs and really needs a confident canine buddy in the house to be her anchor. Food brings out her bolder side and can help build trust. Her confidence grows in tiny steps, so she’ll need an adopter who’s patient and understands progress may be slow and uneven. Cottonball must have a securely fenced yard (she’s a flight risk at first) and would do best kept in a safe, enclosed space indoors for her early days. Picking her up will be tricky, and any trips outside must be cautious and double-secured. She’s not house trained yet, so a designated potty area inside will be needed as she acclimates. Given time, structure, and gentle companionship—including a resident dog—Cottonball can become a loving companion, but she’ll chart her own course. It’ll be worth seeing her discover trust, even if it takes a while. Give them the home they have been waiting for. Apply today.