Adopt

My name is Nova!

Posted over 10 months ago | Updated over 5 months ago

Adoption fee: $150

This helps Joyful Pets Rescue with pet care costs.

My basic info

Breed
Border Collie/American Pit Bull Terrier
Color
Black - with White
Age
4 years 10 months old, Adult
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
65 lbs (current)
Sex
Female
Pet ID

My details

Checkmark in teal circle Good with dogs
Checkmark in teal circle Needs experienced adopter
Checkmark in teal circle Shots current
Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered
Checkmark in teal circle Housetrained

My personality

My story

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

Meet Nova!

A spirited and adventurous four-and-a-half-year-old Border Collie/American Pitbull Terrier mix currently living in Waverly, NY, who shines with her sleek black coat accented by touches of white. Nova is a bundle of loyalty, energy, and charisma wrapped in a 65-pound package, ready to leap into the next chapter of her life with a family who shares her love for the great outdoors!

True to her Border Collie roots, Nova thrives on activity and engagement. Hiking, swimming, long walks, and her latest discovery—fetch—are her favorite ways to spend the day. If you’re someone who craves adventure and fresh air, Nova might just be your perfect companion! She’s always up for exploring new trails and splashing in a cool lake by your side.

Nova has a friendly and social nature when it comes to other dogs. She has done beautifully with her current canine companions and has greeted new doggy friends on outings with a wagging tail and open heart! While she hasn’t been around cats, her new family can introduce her slowly to see how she adjusts. Nova is also great with older children (she currently lives with two boys, ages 11 and 15) and could potentially thrive in a home with younger kids, given a careful and thoughtful introduction.

As much as Nova loves playtime, she also appreciates a consistent routine for feeding, walking, and resting, which helps her feel balanced and secure. She’s house-trained, crate-trained, microchipped, spayed, and up-to-date on vaccinations. She knows commands like sit, stay, lay down, and “no feet” (no jumping), thanks to both her two-week professional training program and continued work at home.

It’s important to note that Nova has occasionally shown resource-guarding tendencies, such as protecting toys or objects, especially when feeling overwhelmed or confused. She has also nipped in the past, though this behavior has not been seen for months. Nova thrives under the guidance of a calm and confident caregiver who understands her needs and can set clear boundaries using positive reinforcement techniques. For her comfort and safety, it’s recommended to train her to avoid situations that may trigger guarding, such as staying off furniture.

Nova’s personality is as dynamic as her favorite hikes. She’s playful, affectionate, and thrives on companionship, but her ideal family will have experience with dogs like her and the time to continue building her confidence.

Nova's waiting to explore the world with you, one paw at a time. Contact adopt@joyfulpets.com to meet her—your next adventure awaits!
Rescue

Contact info

Pet ID
Contact
Adoption Coordinator
Address
Private Foster Homes, Amherst, MA 01002

Their adoption process

Additional adoption info

Our mission is to keep family pets out of animal shelters by offering a loving alternative.

If you're ready to take the next step in adoption, the first step is to complete our adoption application so that we have all the information we need to determine that you'll be able to provide a safe and compassionate home to one of our rehomed pets.

Once approved, all you need to do is sign our adoption agreement form, pay the adoption fee, and schedule an adoption date with the pet's current family.

Adoption application

Go meet their pets

The pets in our network our still with their current families. We will arrange a meet and greet once you are approved.

More about this rescue

Our mission is to keep family pets out of animal shelters by offering a loving alternative.

Other pets at this rescue