Please note our process starts with an application. If we think you might be a good fit, we will reach out to coordinate a phone interview. This is followed by a video call with the foster home. Virtual home visit, personal and vet reference checks are required to complete the process. Transport is included in our adoption donation.
Shelby, 6 months, spayed female, Shepherd/Hound/Terrier mix, currently 39 pounds. Expected to be a large size when full grown- she has a long body type. She is currently in a foster home in WASHOUGAL, WASHINGTON and is available for meet and greets!
Shelby, her sister and mom were brought as strays to a shelter in San Antonio, Texas. They spent 40 days there until we could rescue them. She has thrived in foster care! Please note part of her adoption donation covers the cost to have transported to WA where she is currently residing.
Meet Shelby – A Joyful, Affectionate Puppy Ready for Her Forever Home
Shelby is a happy, goofy, and affectionate puppy with a heart full of love and a playful spirit. She brings warmth and joy into every space she enters and has a way of making everyday moments feel special. Shelby is curious about the world, eager to learn, and deeply connected to her people. She is truly a delight to be around.
Dog Manners & Play Style
Shelby loves other dogs and has classic, age-appropriate puppy energy. She plays hard, rests hard, and happily repeats the cycle. Her play style starts off high energy and then naturally settles into a more moderate pace. She enjoys chase games, playful bouncing, and especially loves fetch — she will chase the ball and bring it back for more.
Shelby has interacted well with dogs ranging from about 25 pounds up to 95 pounds and adjusts her play appropriately. She reads canine cues well and respects boundaries. If another dog growls or asks for space, Shelby responds by rolling onto her back submissively. She may need continued guidance simply because she is young and enthusiastic, but her dog-to-dog skills are very promising.
On leash, Shelby is friendly and excited to see other dogs, showing happy tail wagging and gentle pulling in hopes of meeting them.
Cat Friendliness
Shelby has not lived with cats, but she has been around a bird. She showed curiosity without aggression, suggesting she may do well with proper introductions and guidance.
Kid Friendliness
Shelby lives with older children (ages 14, 16, and 19) and does wonderfully with them. She is affectionate, playful, and gentle with all family members. She would likely do well with younger children as well, provided the family understands puppy behavior and is patient with training and supervision.
Leash Behavior
Shelby walks nicely on a harness and does not pull. She enjoys stopping to smell her surroundings but does not wander excessively. She is easygoing on walks and continues to gain confidence in new environments.
House & Crate Training
Shelby is still in the process of house training and has made significant progress. When she first arrived, she was too fearful to potty outside, but she now goes regularly and reliably when taken out. Indoors, she shows subtle wandering behaviors when she needs to go, and with consistency she is expected to master house training quickly.
Shelby sleeps through the night in her crate from approximately 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. She tolerates crating but prefers being near her people and other dogs. She may bark briefly when crated during the day but will settle, especially when left alone. Shelby should not be crated excessively, as she is social and happiest when included in daily life.
Food, Toys & Resource Guarding
Shelby eats enthusiastically and would benefit from a slow feeder. She does not need to be fed separately and shows no food guarding toward people. She is comfortable being hand-fed and with hands in her bowl.
She loves toys, bones, and treats. Any mild growling has only occurred with her sister and appears related to puppy competition for attention rather than true resource guarding. She has had no issues with toys or treats around other dogs.
Energy Level & Home Needs
Shelby has standard puppy-level high energy and needs daily exercise, training, and mental stimulation. She thrives with activities such as hikes, playtime in a yard or field, and interactive games like fetch. She would do best in an active home and will happily join her family in whatever adventures they enjoy.
She enjoys the company of other dogs and may benefit from having a canine companion, though she can succeed equally well as an only dog if her social and activity needs are met.
Personality
Shelby is easygoing, curious, playful, smart, silly, and affectionate. She is extremely cuddly and loves being held, hugged, and snuggled. She enjoys crinkly toys, balls, and playing fetch. Her goofy smile and gentle nature make her especially endearing.
Shelby was initially timid with strangers but has grown more confident. She now walks past people calmly with a relaxed body and is becoming more comfortable in new situations.
Car Rides & Other Notes
Shelby rides well in the car and generally stays settled in the back seat. Like most puppies, she is curious and may chew on interesting objects if left unattended. She sometimes barks at passing people or dogs from the car window.
She initially struggled with stairs but now confidently goes up and down on her own.
Fun Facts
Shelby loves sitting on laps like a toddler and soaking up affection. She enjoys splashing in puddles and discovering new things. Watching her experience the world for the first time — from televisions to household appliances to jumping out of the car — is both entertaining and heartwarming.
Training & Growth Areas
Shelby is still a puppy and needs continued basic training. She has already learned to sit, walks nicely on a harness, and plays appropriately with toys and bones. She loves sniffing and would likely enjoy scent-based activities or classes.
Ideal Home
Shelby would thrive in a home that enjoys a dog’s companionship and attention, is patient with puppy training, and wants an active, affectionate family member. Whether it’s hiking, walking, playing in the yard, or simply spending time together, Shelby wants to be included.
Shelby is ready to grow alongside her forever family and fill their home with love, laughter, and companionship.
***Listed BREED and AGE - We are taking our best guess & recommendations from our veterinarian on age, breed and size when fully grown. We rarely know a dog's exact age nor are we able to tell the true or full breed mix of dogs as our information is limited most of the time. ***
Interested in applying to adopt her? Fill out an adoption application at the link below!
https://new.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/PRP/Dog
