After a local couple found that a frail looking stray female dog had taken up residence at their home, they decided to offer her a place to stay. At first, she was very apprehensive of the couple but had no problem interacting with their other dogs. Over the next few weeks, she slowly began to accept their friendship but remained a bit wary and would simply walk away when they tried to get too close to her. This was ok with the couple as they were very happy to see that she had regained "a lot" of weight in a very short time. 

 

One day, the female dog didn't show up for breakfast, nor did she return by dinner that night. Days, weeks passed and no one saw any signs of her and the couple wondered what became of her. Then one morning the couple saw her emerged from the woods with four young puppies following not far behind. Her above average weight gain, the disappearance for a few weeks all made sense now. And with her return, the mom dog began to have physical interaction with the couple. But the biggest surprise came the following morning when a fifth pup, obviously part of the same litter, came hobbling from out of the woods. The couple quickly noticed that this pup, who had open wounds on her back and the lower part of her right rear leg was missing, leaving her with a bloody stub with the bone exposed. When the couple brought us the pups, they offered to give their mom a home. 

 

Tatum is a bit on the reserved side and still a little timid when meeting new people. But once she knows that you're a friend, she becomes very active, playful and affectionate.  She will do best in a home that is a bit on the calmer side, so we wouldn't consider a home with young children who might startle her with nose or outburst. But in a home that knows how to approach a timid pup, she will thrie.

 

Tatum has received 2/3 of her first year puppy vaccines, her Bordetella vaccination and been treated against worms and parasites as well as started on her monthly flea/tick and heartworm preventatives.  She will need to receive her rabies vaccination sometime after she reaches 12 weeks of age. Her adopter must agree to having Tatum spay once she reaches 6 months of age and provide SoCo with verification of such. Tatum will require all of her basic training.