Shadow is cute, lively and smart! She is a sweet girl who has come far with adjusting to home life after she was rescued from a puppy mill situation. Someone dog savvy, calm, very kind, patient and confident will give her the best chance of having a safe and happy well-adjusted life. She needs a steady confident dog companion that will want to play with her and also help her feel safe.Read more:

Age: 2 years (BD 5/30/2023)

Size: 22 lbs.  

Temperament: Shadow is highly sensitive to pressure from people and will move or run away when people look at her, approach her or reach for her. She is a very energetic and sweet girl. Her true personality is starting to shine through as she becomes more comfortable in her foster home. Shadow warms up to people when allowed to approach on her own terms, and with people she has met before. She will come and sit next to me if I’m sitting quietly in the house and not looking at her. She has not gotten up on the furniture yet. 

Fence: A secure, physical privacy fence with direct access from the house is required because Shadow is a flight risk and panics when frightened (spins, pulls, runs away). She needs to be on a long line in the fenced yard initially as she runs when someone approaches her. Shadow is getting more comfortable in the yard and dances along happily when her foster mom picks up her leash. She loves her routines and has learned to come into the house on her own if I prop open the screen door, toss treats inside and step out of sight inside the house, or if I have her dinner bowl.

Dogs: Shadow is much more confident and comfortable when her Collie foster brother is nearby. She frequently initiates play with him and loves to chase and run in the yard. She needs a confident, tolerant, mature playful canine friend who can also set boundaries, as she can be insistent about continuing to play.

Cats: Shadow is respectful of the cats in her foster home.

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 on 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 has learned to come in on her own when the door is opened.

Responds to Cues: Shadow has been attending training class and she catches on quickly at class when given the space she needs, and time to become comfortable in new situations. She loves to eat and thrives with treat-based training. Shadow responds to her name. She watches the other animals and learned how to sit from the cat! 

Leash Walks: Shadow 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. She is a flight risk and panics when frightened (spins, pulls, runs away).

Car Rides: Shadow rides comfortably in a crate in the car for her safety.

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 is sensitive to noise and movement and will bark in response. She’s a fantastic alert dog, letting you know if someone is coming to the house or there's an odd noise somewhere. 

Health: No known health issues following veterinary examination, spay, 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 will always need a secure fenced area and careful diligent owners for her safety. With time and the right person for her needs, she will continue to grow in her confidence and be a very fun and happy companion. She’s a great little dog! 
 

Adoption fee: $450

We adopt locally to the Twin Cities metro area of Minnesota.