There's a lot to learn when you have a new pet. Our sister brand, The Wildest, is here to support you—with new pet checklists, virtual training, and expert guides. Sign up for free.
I found a new home! Plenty of my friends are looking for one too. Check out other pets at this shelter, or start a new search.
Find a pet to adopt
My basic info
Breed
Australian Shepherd
Color
Red/Golden/Orange/Chestnut - with White
Age
8 years 3 months old, Adult
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
45 lbs (current)
Sex
Female
Pet ID
2281
My details
Good with dogs
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
Share
Here's what the humans have to say about me:
WILLA is a golden Australian shepherd mix with the best smile, who is about 6 years old and 45 lbs. She has had a very hard life. Willa was rescued from West Virginia, where her owner took care of her pack until she passed away. Upon her passing, the other residents of the trailer park were shooting at the pack and poisoning their food.
When rescued, Willa was overweight coming in at about 90 lbs. During her rescue she bolted down a hill and hid under a car that needed to be jacked up so they could catch her. She went to her first foster family where she stayed for about 2 years. She needed a calmer environment to continue to make progress and was transferred to her current foster family in Newport News where she has been for 10 months. In that time Willa has developed more social skills and is ready to begin the journey to finding her forever home.
The trauma Willa has lived through has created some mannerisms that will require continued work within her new home. Willa is not at all aggressive and has never once growled or shown an ounce of aggression towards any person or dog. Ideally Willa would flourish in a quiet home environment. Willa would do best in a home WITHOUT children as she can be quite scared of them. Her forever family will need to be very patient when developing a bond with her.
Willa is a flight risk and will need a tracking collar and a secure fenced yard. When introduced to a new yard her first instinct is to run the perimeter of the yard in a loop and she will do this until she gets comfortable. Willa can be very scared when it comes to change. Willa is house trained but when she gets scared she will go to the bathroom no matter where she is. She is used to wearing a diaper when introducing her to anything new. She is excellent in a car and enjoys the ride.
Willa does bark at the mailman but it took her 5 months before she would make any noise and this is still the only noise she will make. Willa is still learning how to be affectionate and has only recently come to us for pets consistently. She is also working on her recall skills. When we call her she comes to us but will stand just out of reach. She is used to being brushed and allows us to trim her nails.
Once she is comfortable in an environment she is food motivated with pepperoni as her favorite treat. She does not play with toys or other dogs. She would not mind a canine family member as she enjoys running through the yard with other dogs. Currently Willa is learning how to sit. She is also always improving her leash skills and only pulls if she get scared.
Due to her complicated history, Willa will need numerous meet and greets. An adopter who is close to her current foster is a must so that she can take her time developing a relationship with her forever family in a place she feels comfortable.
Can you be a Furever safe haven for Willa? If so, please fill out our application:
