Description:
Shelly Belly is a terrific young dog, possibly a cross between a Bull Terrier and a Boxer.  This poor little thing was left abandoned at the Paw Park in Sanford.  Think about that ~ when her owner brought her there she was probably all excited about a day of play and then the person walked away.  Just picture this little face looking through the fence as the family she knew and loved walked off.  How long did she wait, crying and barking for them to come back?  It just breaks my heart!  Fortunately, Mike, the owner of Paw Park, found her.  He couldn't believe such a sweet, beautiful puppy was abandoned, so he posted flyers, asked around, took out adds, but all to no avail.  Finally he came to Judy and asked her help in finding Shelly a new family.  Our pleasure, I assure you!  This darling is very affectionate, loves other dogs, and walks well on a leash ~ after she calms down.  Did I mention she is still a puppy?  That over exuberance will wear off with age and training, I am sure!  Like many dogs in Florida, Shelly Belly is heartworm positive.  Because of her age and energy level, we are treating her condition with regular monthly heartworm preventative pills.  It is our preferred method as it is much less traumatic for the dog and is how I have chosen to treat my own heartworm positive dog.  You can read more about heartworms and treatment on our webpage "Heartworms in Dogs."

4/30 Foster Update:
Shelly Belly gets along wonderfulfully with my terrier mix Lady.  It took them about 5 minutes to warm up to each other and then they started to play...and play and play and play...and play some more.  They take turns dragging each other across the floor.  Anyway, Shelly Belly loves to play tug of war and chase balls.  She also likes to chase cats but means them no harm.  She just wants to play.  I think she would do best in a highly active household or one with a younger dog that can keep up with her.  She is great with kids from kindergarten up.  She hasn't been exposed to anyone younger.  When she does meet other dogs on the street she will growl but stops by the time they actually come face to face.  She will also bark to get other dog's attention when on walks but seems to do it more as a "hey look at me" sort of thing.  After she had spent a day with my dogs I took her on a walk.  We met up with my other 2 on the street and she growled a little until they came close and then barked to say hello.  She's very friendly though.  She is good on a leash and very good being bathed.


According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, in 1830, when combats between Bulldogs and bulls were at there height, lovers of this "sport" decided to create a dog that would attack even more agilely. By crossing the Bulldog with the Old English Terrier and adding a bit of Spanish Pointer blood, they came up with the Bull Terrier. However, Bull Terriers were not the most successful fighters. In 1850 the white-coated variety (nicknamed the "White Cavalier") was obtained and soon became a fashionable pet of the gentry. The breed has been used as a guard, ratter, herder and watchdog. The Miniature was developed to have the same qualities in a dog of more manageable size. Though this breed was once a fierce gladiator, he is much gentler now. A Bull Terrier might have a preventive effect and it might defend it's owner in a truly critical situation, but it isn't breed to be a guard dog. Courageous, scrappy, fun-loving, active, clownish and fearless. The Bull Terrier is a loyal, polite, and obedient dog. They become very attached to their owners. The Bull Terrier thrives on affection and makes a fine family pet. Bull Terriers like to be doing something and fit in well with active families where they receive a great deal of companionship and supervision. They do not do well in situations where they are left alone for 8 hours a day. This breed can be a wonderful pet if very thor