My name is
Zoe!

8/14/23 Update: Zoe's mobility has greatly declined over the last several months. It started with moving slower & less eager to get out for her several walks throughout the day. More recently, Zoe has began stumbling while walking and even not being able to get up once she lays down. Her back end (and now her front) just doesn't work like it used to. She has also had accidents in her living quarters, which is very unlike her. We have been doing our best to manage her comfort levels and have adjusted & added several pain medications for our sweet Zoe girl. We know her age is quickly catching up with her so we are beginning our search for a Hospice Care home. Ensuring Zoe is as comfortable as possible and that her pain is being managed are two of our main priorities right now. If you are able to povide a comfortable home for Zoe to live out her final days, please reach out.


Zoe was found as a stray in Missouri and put into a city pound.  There was no shelter in that area to take Zoe in, so when her time was up in the pound she was transferred to Safe Haven. The vet in Missouri had guessed Zoe to be a Great Pyrenees - commonly used as a 'Livestock Guardian Dog' or LGD. Turns out, she is actually a Central Asian Shepherd!

The Central Asian Shepherd was first developed in Russia several thousands of years ago.  This breed is commonly bred to be a Livestock Guardian Dog, similiar to the Great Pyrenees, and would guard the livestock flocks from large predators, such as bears and wolves.  The Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have their ears and tails docked when young, because they often fight off wolves while protecting their livestock - so having their ears and tails docked, protect these dogs from having a predator attack and bite their ears and tail. 

Central Asian Shepherds are known to be large, powerful, intense and fearless - and therefore are not suitable for first-time dog owners.  They are an intelligent and independent breed, which can prove difficult to train. Possible owners should be experienced and firm, and Zoe's forever home should also be prepared for her to be protective of those she loves and wary of strangers.  Zoe will do best with a large fenced in yard so she can safely get exercise, or perhaps even a farm home where she may enjoy a chance at guarding livestock. Her exposure to livestock is unknown, but it's possible she could be trained to guard. She enjoys patrolling our yars and alerts to any perceived threats.

Zoe was briefly adopted by a loving couple, and she bonded very quickly with the male in the home.  This bond did cause a problem as Zoe's protective tendencies came out toward his wife, including two minor bite incidents - and even though they both loved Zoe, they did decide it was best to return her to Safe Haven before anything serious happened.  Since returning to Safe Haven we have noticed Zoe does not like to have humans down in her face or standing over her  - she does seem to feel threatened in those situations - so any possible adopter must be aware and understand how important it is to avoid placing Zoe in these situations.  

This big girl is a very unique rescue dog, that we hope can find a home suited to keep her safe and happy - and a home that has experience with Livestock Guardian Dogs is required for Zoe.