Memphis, TN - Sheltie, Shetland Sheepdog. Meet Little Lassie a Pet for Adoption

My basic info

Breed

Sheltie, Shetland Sheepdog

Color

Tan/Yellow/Fawn

Age

Adult

Size

Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)

Weight

–

Sex

Female

Pet ID

–

My details

Good with dogs

Needs experienced adopter

Shots current

Spayed / Neutered

Housetrained

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

This beauty was brought in as a stray to Memphis Animal Shelter when we met her. She appears to have been a street dog by her overwhelming fear of people in general. Lassie is about two years old and was heartworm negative. She has been in a foster home with multiple other dogs. Here is what her foster mom offers to describe Lassie: "This dog is completely house broken (with a dog door), and gets along well with all of the multiple dogs in the foster home. She enjoys tossing and chewing toys, and shoes,` and running around the back yard. She is a quiet dog, who rarely barks. In many ways, Little Lassie is a perfect dog, BUT, she is extremely shy, and fearful. She has come a long way from her initially hiding behavior. Now, she wants to be in the same room with her foster family, and sleeps on the sofa at the end of their bed. Sometimes, Little Lassie will come up to you for a brief pet, especially if you are sitting. She only likes to be petted under her chin not on the top of her head. This makes me think she was hit. She is extremely reluctant to be put on a leash, and is resistant to going out the front door. She has learned that, as long as she is inside or in the back yard, she is safe.

I think Little Lassie would be happier to be in a home, where there are fewer dogs, and someone could pay special attention to her. She is a project, but, one worth doing by a committed foster or adopter. She is very sweet, and has never shown any aggression. It is important for her rehabilitation, that no one shows any aggression towards her."
If you can offer the type of home this dog needs (fenced yard, dog door, patience, another dog companion) and have some skills with acclimating a fearful dog to a new home, please apply at realgooddogrescue.com/adopt.html

We adopt dogs from Memphis Animal Shelter when we can. The shelter has an 83% euthanasia rate, one of the highest in the country. Unfortunately, any dog coming from Memphis Animal Shelter, and most other shelters for that matter, will have been in contact with contagious illness. Even though the dogs have been in foster care and appear to be in good health, they may become stressed when changing environments and exhibit signs and symptoms of illness. If you have other pets, they need to be up to date on vaccines before bringing a shelter dog into your home. We will take the adopted animal back, but we are not responsible for your other animal's vet care. We always disclose where the dogs have come from. Please ask for any information about the dogs and exercise due caution if you have immunocompromised animals.