Princess Leya has a beautiful short white coat with black splotches on and near her ear, her rump, and her tail.

She is so sweet! This is a girl who loves everyone and loves to give hugs and will turn over on her back for her favorite: belly rubs. A laid-back, calm dog, Princess Leya is very gentle and adores children. Although initially cautious and a little uncertain with other dogs, she soon is enthusiastic. She just needs a slow introduction. Princess Leya is house-trained.

Princess Leya is up-to-date on vaccinations, microchipped, and spayed. She tested positive for heartworms and is receiving a gentle protocol to gradually eliminate the heartworms: it starts with 28 days of doxycycline along with heartworm preventative (ivermectin--Heartgard, Iverheart, or Tri-heart) twice that month, continuing with the preventative every two weeks for a year.

With the gentle protocol, no excessive confinement is required. Dogs should not be out in the heat for long periods of time, and should not engage in heavy exercise until they test negative for heartworms. Heavy exercise that should be avoided includes full-speed running for any distance, jogging more than a short distance such as one block, repetitive ball chasing, and high-energy play with other dogs. Leash walking is fine in most cases, as long as they do not get winded and it is not too hot.

Most dogs will test negative for heartworms within a year using this method. Princess Leya should test negative in June 2022.

IAR subsidizes post-adoption professional training with Jane Marshall (www.cheerydogs.com) to encourage a life-long and successful bond between the dog and the adopter. Group classes for puppies and adult dogs are provided at a substantial discount to IAR adopters.