Artemis is a very shy little guy that came from living his life in a hoarding situation.  He was confiscated and taken in by ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation of Fresno), but he was so shy and scared that he needed to be in a foster home.  Cassie from ACT has a heart for little scared Pomeranians and decided to take on socializing the little guy.  So far, he won't let people touch him, but he follows his foster mom around the house and doesn't want her out of his sight.

 

Update 4/2/10:  I brought Artemis out of his crate (where he has been hiding for days now) into the living room with the rest of the pack.  He seemed to enjoy watching the other dogs from the hearth and was eventually relaxed enough to decide to take a nap there.  He will take treats from my hand now, and allows me to touch him, though he flinches and freezes every time.  He also allowed me to pick him up and take him back to the crate.  He was stiff but didn't try to bite or jump out of my arms.  Poor guy!

 

Update 4/8/10:  Today Arty decided to join my pack.  I placed the slip lead over his head and led him out to go to the bathroom.  I took a chance and dropped the lead when we got outside.  He turned and headed toward the back of the yard.  I thought, "oh great, now he'll never come back in".  He "did his business" and looked at me.  I went inside and (surprise!) he followed me inside.  He of course went straight back to the crate and I let him- proud that he had come in on his own.  A few minutes later I was pouring food when I heard his collar jingle.  I looked up and there he was, standing there with his tongue out smiling at me!  Trying not to scare him, I continued to walk around the house with the rest of the dogs at my heels- and Arty following!  I praised him and he smiled!  He still won't let me touch him willingly, but he was interacting with my pack like he belonged!  This was going very well until my husband walked in and he hid under the kitchen table for two hours. :(  Oh well, progress is progress!!

 

Update 4/15/10:  Arty had a breakthrough!  I pulled him up next to me and sat there...it took him a few minutes but he eventually got more comfortable and started his little panting smile.  I started to pet him and he would stop smiling.  When I stopped petting him, he started smiling again.  This went on for awhile until something clicked...I stopped petting him and he sniffed and licked my hand! I was shocked.  The next time I stopped, he placed his little paw in my hand, a sign that he was enjoying my attention!  The next time I stopped he placed his other paw in my hand and pulled me toward him!  Houston, we have PROGRESS!! :) 

 

Update 6/2/10:   Arty has decided that he loves me!  One day, he pushed through the rest of the doggies on the bed and jumped right into my lap and it was final.  Now he is little Mr. Attitude, who loves affection, but is still a teensy bit neurotic.  He is wonderful, and will be perfect for the right owner. 

 

Arty is going to need a quiet home with LOTS of one on one time (preferably with someone who is home often).  He should not go to a home with children, but would do well in a home with one or two other dogs or as a single dog.  He will be absolutely perfect for that special someone...are you that special someone?

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