Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Bliss is living in a foster home. Please submit an application from our website and email dogs@heartlandanimalshelter.org to see if you're a match!
Scroll through her pictures to see all of her cute videos!
It was clear when we met Bliss that she had not felt love in quite a while.
She was surrendered to a rural shelter in Kentucky this past winter after her owners were no longer able to care for her. She spent several months there in a barren concrete kennel, quietly waiting to be noticed. One of the shelter staff members made a point of spending extra time with her outside of her kennel and told us what a gentle, special girl she was.
When Bliss arrived at Heartland, she was trembling with fear. She was also one of the dirtiest dogs we'd taken off a transport in quite some time. She went straight into the bath, and what we thought was a brown dog emerged bright white, with the cutest patches of black and brown. We could tell she loved every minute of being pampered, and that simple act of care seemed to lift a weight from her almost immediately.
Though she was initially shy, Bliss began blossoming almost right away. Outside on walks, she has the cutest little prance, with a spring in her step that makes everyone smile. There's something especially adorable about her sturdy little body perched atop those short, stocky legs. While she can be reserved when meeting new people, she absolutely comes alive with her dog friends. As dainty as she may seem at first, she's more than happy to roughhouse and romp once she's comfortable.
Bliss is sensitive and prefers slow calm interactions at first, but is very playful and boisterous when she gets to know you. Give her a tough chew or a
squeaky toy and she will give you endless laughs at her goofy little personality. She is still
working on trusting people who tower over her or reach over her head as if she is expecting it to hurt, but with a little reassurance, she shows her true gentle and loving nature.
After spending seven months in shelters between Kentucky and Illinois, we were thrilled when Bliss finally headed to a foster home. While some dogs take days or weeks to settle in, Bliss needed about two hours. Shortly after arriving, she climbed onto the couch, curled up on top of her foster dad, and promptly fell asleep. Apparently, she also makes the cutest little snorting noises while she sleeps.
Since then, she has continued to show everyone exactly who she is: an incredibly affectionate, gentle companion. She loves belly rubs, couch cuddles, and simply being close to her people. If you let her, she'd happily sleep beside you all night and spend her days curled up next to you while you work. Her foster dad works from home, so that's exactly how she spends most days.
He describes Bliss as his little shadow. She follows him from room to room, not because she's demanding, but because she's endlessly curious and simply wants to be part of whatever you're doing. Her adorable head tilts while she figures out this whole "being someone's dog" thing are impossible not to love.
Bliss is impressively smart, too. She learned the potty bell very quickly and is now fully house-trained! She already knows "sit," and has picked up "stay" and "come" in a matter of days. Leash training is going well too —she sits and waits for you to put the leash on and is so eager to explore the world. She listens well, too, and now sits on command before crossing the street. And she absolutely LOVES car rides.
She especially enjoys long walks through the forest preserve, where she's wonderful at meeting other dogs. She lays down by your side and waits for the other dog to approach before initiating play. She makes friends so easily! She can be a little cautious at first, but she approaches the world with such curiosity. A sunny backyard where she can lounge in the grass would certainly be high on her wish list.
She’s also wonderfully gentle. One of her favorite ways to show affection is with tiny little love nibbles, and she has so much love to give. If love nibbles are not your thing, she happily accepts a chew toy while she gets some well-deserved belly rubs. She wants to please her people and takes correction very well. Like any young dog, she had to learn what counts as an appropriate chew toy, but her foster dad tells us she has learned very quickly and now she can be left to wonder the whole house, nap or play on her own while he works. And when he needs to go out for a few hours, she does very well in her own room, peacefully sleeping as she waits for him to return.
She enjoys bully sticks and gullets, and while she can be a bit of a grazer and picky eater, she has excellent taste: beef treats, peanut butter treats, chicken breast, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt are all strong favorites.
She would thrive in a home where she can be close to her people, and a home with another playful dog would suit her beautifully, though regular dog playdates would also make her very happy. She’s not a huge fan of crates but can be left in a room unsupervised for a few hours while her foster dad runs errands. She sleeps perfectly through the night on her dog bed, but jumps into bed and nestles up to her foster dad when she wants some extra attention.
More than anything, Bliss is looking for a forever family who will help her continue to feel safe, loved, and included. She has already shown how quickly she can blossom when given kindness and patience. If you’re looking for a cuddly, curious, gentle companion who will follow you around the house, sprawl dramatically beside your desk, and fall asleep on you with tiny snorts of contentment, this girl may be exactly who you’ve been waiting for.
Bliss’s adoption fee is $300. She is spayed, up to date on core vaccines, and Heartworm negative.
