Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
**Lyla is not in the direct care of Happy Tails Happy Homes. Her owner has found themself in a position where the need to find her a new home at no fault of Lyla's. If you are interested in Lyla, please fill out an application here: https://www.happytailshappyhomes.org/adoptionform**
Here is my write up:
Breed: Mixed Border Collie/ Heeler/ possible other breeds
Age: 5 years old (DOB 12/21/19)
Health: Spayed, vaccinated, and in excellent health
Location: Bellingham, WA
❤️ About Lyla
Lyla is a sweet and kindhearted dog. She loves her people and animal friends with whom she has established a trusting relationship. She is always eager to join any adventure on land or water. In the house, she is relaxed and mostly keeps to herself until it is time for her next walk or game of fetch.
Lyla currently lives with 2 cats, 1 indoor uncaged bunny, and outdoor chickens. Lyla does best when given clear boundaries and expectations, while having patience as she can take a moment to consider what she is being told to do. She is smart and knows several commands: sit, settle, stay, heel, back, wait, load up, off, dress (to put on harness or lifejacket).
🌿 Ideal Home
Lyla thrives with space, peace, and consistency. The perfect home for her would have:
Land or acreage where she has space to run, explore, and sniff. She is curious and likes to hunt, so a fence is preferable.
No barky neighboring dogs or busy roads sharing a fence, as this increases her anxiety.
A calm environment without dogs walking by her yard all the time.
She’s happiest in a rural or semi-rural home where she can run, relax, and feel secure.
Lyla loves a consistent, predictable routine, and would thrive with a job.
🐕 Personality and Behavior
Lyla is a sweet but cautious dog. She can be:
Reactive when encountering unfamiliar dogs.
Anxious in chaotic or noisy settings.
Relaxed once she knows and trusts other dogs and new people.
Affectionate but independent, appreciating her personal space and quiet time.
Her reactivity comes from fear, not aggression — with patience and understanding, her loving, loyal side shines through. She bonds deeply with those who give her consistency and calm.
Lyla is very considerate of the other animals in her current home. However, she still wants to chase cats, rabbits, and squirrels outside of the home. It will take careful introductions and training to help her understand who is part of the pack in a new home.
🏡 Why She Needs a New Home
Lyla has a strong herding instinct and wants to make sure she keeps her environment safe. She views the dogs who walk by her yard everyday as a potential threat. She also lives on a street with a lot of barky dogs, some right next door, which increases her stress. There have been a few unfortunate instances of aggression from Lyla to other neighborhood dogs. So far, no one has been badly injured. However, we think it is prudent to find a more compatible environment for Lyla, so that she can be her best self, and we can maintain peace with our neighbors.
🌟 Lyla’s Wishlist
Space to run and sniff
Fetch or walks a couple of times per day
A comfortable couch or bed to curl up on
No shared fence with barky dogs, other dogs walking by, or busy roads
The ability to spend ample time outside when the weather is nice
Hikes through woods or near water- Lyla is good on a leash. When encountering other dogs, you can have her sit and cover her eyes with your hand to keep her calm.
Boating adventures if possible- Lyla loves paddleboards and canoes.
Lyla has never shown aggression towards young children. However, due to her herding instincts, a home without young children is preferable.
🧡 Summary
Lyla is a sensitive, loyal companion who wants to please her people. She just needs a peaceful environment, open space, and a patient, understanding person who values routine and steady companionship.
If you’re looking for a devoted dog who is always ready for adventure but can also relax, then Lyla is your perfect match.
