Shadow is a very sweet girl who was rescued from a puppy mill situation. Her life experiences have been very limited and she is learning to feel safe with people and in a home. She would do best in a smaller family of 1-2 people. She’s a very good eater and loves playing with her foster Collie brother!

Age: 1 year (BD 5/30/2023)

Size: 22 lbs.  

Temperament: Shadow is a very energetic and sweet girl, always wanting to play and be silly. Her true personality is starting to shine through as she becomes more comfortable in her foster home. She is still a bit cautious with people but warms up quickly when allowed to approach on her own terms. Recently, she sat under her foster Mom’s chair, touching her legs, while a noisy outside project was happening at her foster home.

Fence: A secure physical fence with direct access from the house is required because Shadow is a flight risk. She needs to be on a long line in the fenced yard as she may run when someone approaches her. She is getting much more comfortable in the yard and dances along happily when her foster mom picks up her leash. Shadow is starting to come into the house on her own, sometimes even running to the door and into the house 

Dogs: Shadow is playful with her Collie brother and can be pushy with him. She needs a tolerant canine playmate for play and security. She frequently initiates play and loves to chase and run in the yard.

Cats: Shadow has learned to be respectful of cats in her foster home and not to approach them too closely.

Kids: Unknown at this time. Shadow has not lived with children and has not been exposed to children. She will need an adult home or a home with an older child who understands about giving a dog space and waiting for a dog to initiate interaction, and who is responsible enough to close doors to prevent accidental escape.

Crate Use: Shadow goes in and out of her crate when the door is open, and is crated at night and when no one is home. She sometimes chews on things, so belongings and hazards should be kept out of reach. Her family will need to allow free access to her crate to allow Shadow to feel safe and to adjust to her timeline. She is now coming out of her crate to get her leash on, and will race outside when the door to the fenced yard is opened.

Housetrained: Shadow has had no accidents at her foster home. She goes out on leash to the fenced yard and is learning to come in on her own when the door is opened.

Responds to Cues: Our priority is to build trust and to allow Shadow to adjust on her schedule. Shadow is learning to recognize and respond to her name. She watches the other animals and learned how to sit from the cat! 

Leash Walks: Shadow has learned how to walk on leash in the fenced area at her foster home and happily prances along now. For her safety, Shadow should not be taken on leash walks outside a fenced area for at least 4 weeks, and not before she feels safe with her person and has practiced leash walks within the fenced yard for several weeks. 

Car Rides: Shadow rides in a crate in the car for her safety. She has had limited car rides so far and has had some motion sickness. This may improve with time, medication, and positive car experiences.

Activity Level: Medium energy – Shadow will sleep and rest, and also can be very playful and active. She loves her toys! 

Barking: Average for a Sheltie. Shadow gets excited for food - spinning and barking. She also gets excited and barks in her crate when something is going on in the house and does some alert barking.

Health: No known health issues following veterinary examination, vaccinations and 4DX. 

Experienced Home: Shadow will blossom in a home experienced in allowing the dog to set the pace for interaction and building trust, and who understands the precautions needed to keep a shy dog safe. 

Shadow is a very sweet and lively Sheltie with lots of personality and charm. She wants to please and is still learning about being in the house and interacting with humans. She loves playing with other dogs and playing with toys in the house. With time, she will be a very fun and spunky companion.

Adoption fee: $450