Asha doing well in Winnipeg foster home, says Manitoba Underdogs

Asha, the puppy thatwas thrown into the air and onto concrete last week, is settling in well at her new Winnipeg foster home, says Manitoba Underdogs Rescue.

The nine-week-old German Shepherd suffered soft tissue injuries following abuse that was filmed in a widely-distributed online video.

• Veterinarian 'optimistic' for puppy hurt in troubling video

For a time, Asha was hesitant to walkbut she's now confident on her feet, said Jessica Hansen, executive director of Manitoba Underdogs Rescue.

"She's even trying to play with the other dogs and cats in her foster home," said Hansen.

The puppy continues to favour her back left leg but pain medication is helping her walk close to how she normally would. X-rays confirmed she didn't sustain any large fractures.

"We're trying to keep her as quiet as possible right now just to allow her to heal," said Hansen. "She's actually doing really well so far."

Puppy soaking in the love

Asha started living with an experienced foster family in Winnipeg on Wednesday, July 27.

For now the family is concentrating on showing her affection and giving her time to rest, said Hansen.Once she shows further signs of improvement they may begin normal puppy training.

"She's getting a lot of extra love I think. That's the biggest thing," said Hansen.

"She's soaking that up."

Despite the abuse she received at the hands of a human, Asha seems to still be very trusting and comfortable around people, she said.

"She loves them, she loves to try and nibble on your hands . I really don't feel like she will be fazed by this," said Hansen.

Asha should be ready for adoption several months from now. She still needsfollow-up appointments with specialists to make sure she's ready, said Hansen.

When the puppy does get the all clear, it won't be difficult to find her a welcoming home. The organization has received more than 200 adoption requests for Asha.

"We've been overwhelmed with emails, Facebook messages, it's been crazy," Hansen said.

• ManitobaRCMPmake arrest after video shows man throwing puppy

Last week an 18-year-old man was arrested inconnection with Asha's abuse and charged with causing unnecessary pain and injury to a dog and breach of undertaking.