Meet Emma
A Gentle, Shy Soul Looking for a Patient Family to Help Her Feel Safe
Breed: American Foxhound Mix
Gender: Female | DOB: May 21, 2020 | Weight/Size: 40 lbs (Medium)
Good With: Dogs ✔️ — may benefit from being the only dog | Kids ✔️ | Cats: Unknown
Personality: ❤️ Sweet | Shy | Gentle | Timid
Medical: Not Provided
Location: Los Angeles, California
Transportation: Ozzie and Friends Rescue coordinates safe transportation for approved adopters throughout the United States.
❤️ Personality & Breed Information
Emma is a beautiful 6-year-old American Foxhound mix weighing approximately 40 pounds. She is a shy, timid girl with a gentle personality who needs something very special from her future family: patience.
Emma isn't the type of dog who should be expected to walk into a new home and immediately feel comfortable. She needs people willing to give her the time and space to build confidence and learn that she is safe.
She is good with other dogs, although she may actually benefit from being the only dog in the home, where she can receive one-on-one attention and settle into her environment without additional pressure. This isn't because she cannot be around other dogs—it may simply give this sensitive girl the opportunity to focus on building a strong relationship with her people.
As an American Foxhound mix, Emma may share traits associated with the breed, including intelligence, sensitivity, athleticism, curiosity, and a strong sense of smell. However, Emma's individual temperament should always matter more than general breed expectations.
Her ideal family will understand that earning the trust of a shy dog can take time. Emma shouldn't be forced into interactions or overwhelming situations. Instead, she needs calm encouragement, predictable routines, positive experiences, and the freedom to approach new people and situations at her own pace.
For the right family, watching Emma slowly become comfortable and begin showing more of herself could be incredibly rewarding.
Training, Confidence Building & What to Expect
Emma's transition into a new home should focus first on safety, trust, and confidence—not perfection.
Rescue dogs may arrive with basic training at best. With Emma, training should be gentle and based entirely on positive reinforcement. Punishment or forcing her through situations that frighten her could increase her anxiety.
Her family should work gradually on:
Building confidence
Establishing a predictable daily routine
Leash manners
Basic commands
House training as needed
Comfortable handling
Calm introductions to new experiences
Household boundaries
Positive socialization at her own pace
Because timid dogs can sometimes try to flee when frightened, Emma's family should be particularly careful with doors, gates, fencing, collars, harnesses, and leash security, especially during her first weeks in a new home.
The 3-3-3 Rule
3 Days to decompress and begin feeling safe
3 Weeks to understand her new household routine
3 Months to settle in, build trust, and begin feeling at home
For a sensitive dog like Emma, these are only guidelines. She may need longer, and that's perfectly okay. Her progress should happen on Emma's timeline.
Owner Responsibilities & Veterinary Care
Emma's spay, vaccination, microchip, and other medical information were not provided, so her complete medical records should be reviewed with her veterinarian.
Her future family should provide routine wellness examinations, vaccinations and boosters as recommended, spaying if not already completed, parasite prevention, dental care, quality nutrition, healthy weight management, appropriate exercise, and veterinary treatment whenever needed.
Her emotional well-being matters just as much as her physical health. A calm home, consistent routine, gentle handling, and positive experiences will be important parts of helping Emma thrive.
Adoption Information
If you are interested in adopting Emma, please complete an adoption application at:
Ozzie and Friends Rescue is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to rescuing dogs in need and helping them find safe, loving forever homes. While based in Southern California, we coordinate safe transportation for approved adopters throughout the United States.
Emma isn't looking for someone who expects an instant best friend. She's looking for someone willing to become one.
She needs a patient, loving person who will celebrate the little victories—the first time she approaches on her own, the first relaxed nap, the first tail wag, and every moment when she realizes she doesn't have to be afraid.
Give Emma patience, kindness, and a safe place to land, and you'll have the privilege of watching a shy little soul learn what it means to finally feel at home.
