Shetland Sheepdog puppies and dogs in Charlottesville, Virginia

We make a promise to every dog who comes through our doors: no matter what life throws their way, they will always have a place with us. Fox is one of those dogs who reminds us exactly why that promise matters. Fox was adopted from Green Dogs Unleashed as a puppy. He grew up deeply loved and bonded to his momma. When tragedy struck and his momma was taken far too soon, Fox’s world was turned upside down. Through all the heartbreak, one thing remained certain. Fox came home to us. Not because he did anything wrong. Not because he was unwanted. But because when life falls apart, dogs deserve a safety net too. Fox has taken the time he needed to heal, to grieve in his own quiet way, and to remember that the world can still be kind. Now, he is ready to open his heart again and find a new family to call his own. And what a dog he is. Fox is the kind of companion who makes you wonder how you got so lucky. He is a stunning, three-ish-year-old boy with excellent manners, a sweet heart, and an easygoing nature that makes him a joy to live with. He is fully house trained and will go to the door when he needs to go out. He crates beautifully and settles quietly, though he clearly prefers being close to his people and hanging out in the same room whenever possible. He is affectionate without being needy and does perfectly fine when left alone. Socially, Fox shines. He loves other dogs and wants to play with everyone he meets. He is great with cats and even enjoys playing with them. He has been exposed to farm animals including horses, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, and cows, and handles them politely by sniffing through the fence and moving on. Dogs are definitely his favorite companions. On leash, Fox walks nicely and loves to sniff and explore. He can get excited and pull a bit toward other dogs because he wants to say hello, but he is easy to redirect and listens well. He sits patiently to be leashed and knows sit, down, wait, come, name recognition, and kennel up. He is smart, eager to please, and easy to train. Fox is calm, confident, gentle, and friendly with strangers. He has a medium energy level and enjoys playing fetch, tug, and chase, going for walks, watching out the window, playing with other dogs and cats, and of course eating. He would adapt well to many home environments, including apartment living, as long as he gets regular walks and playtime. One important note for adopters is grooming. Fox has a beautiful coat that will require regular brushing and maintenance to prevent tangles and mats. This is what our commitment looks like. We do not disappear once an adoption is finalized. We stand behind our dogs for life, through joy, through heartbreak, and through every unexpected chapter in between. Fox’s next chapter is waiting. He is sweet, polite, quiet, playful, and incredibly easy to love. His adopter truly will be hitting the jackpot, and we cannot wait to help him find the family who will write the rest of his story with him. At Green Dogs Unleashed (GDU), we are dedicated to ensuring the successful placement of our dogs in loving, permanent homes. Over the years, we have seen an increasing number of returns due to behavioral issues that could have been prevented with the right support. A significant percentage of these returns involve out-of-area clients or those who have not completed training with GDU. To address this, positive reinforcement training with Green Dogs Unleashed is required as a condition for all adoptions. Preference for this dog will be given to adopters who commit to signing up for and completing our six-week Canine 101 training class in person at our headquarters in Troy, VA. Secondary consideration will be given to a limited number of out-of-area adopters who agree to complete one private lesson with GDU, either in person or virtually, and attend a pre-approved positive reinforcement training class in their area. At Green Dogs Unleashed (GDU), we are dedicated to ensuring the successful placement of our dogs in loving, permanent homes. Over the years, we have seen an increasing number of returns due to behavioral issues that could have been prevented with the right support. A significant percentage of these returns involve out-of-area clients or those who have not completed training with GDU. To address this, positive reinforcement training with Green Dogs Unleashed is required as a condition for all adoptions. Preference for this dog will be given to adopters who commit to signing up for and completing our six-week Canine 101 training class in person at our headquarters in Troy, VA. Secondary consideration will be given to a limited number of out-of-area adopters who agree to complete one private lesson with GDU, either in person or virtually, and attend a pre-approved positive reinforcement training class in their area. At the time you are seeing this post, this dog is still available for adoption. But please know that we may be working on multiple applications already, and any one of them could be approved at any time. Please READ THIS ENTIRE DESCRIPTION and complete an adoption application, if you are interested in any of our animals. Application at www.greendogsunleashed.org If you send an inquiry to ask if the dog is still available, or just tell us you are interested, your inquiry will not be answered. FILL OUT AN APPLICATION. We can do NOTHING without that. No, we cannot tell you if he would be a match for your family without seeing an application. PLEASE KEEP READING for info. */*/* PLEASE NOTE: The first communication you will receive after completing an application will be an email response, which will have instructions on how to proceed. Please check your inbox AND spam folders for the next 48 hours, for this email. We will not begin processing an application without the information requested in that email. */*/* We are happy to consider applicants from out of state on most dogs. Please read the description to see if this dog is an exception. If the applicant is approved to adopt, they MUST be willing to come to our location in Troy, VA, for a meet and greet. If all parties agree that the pup and family are a good fit, they would take the pup home at that time. For more information about our mission and for an APPLICATION for adoption, please go to www.greendogsunleashed.com. GDU does ask a minimum adoption fee of $400.00. This does not even come close to covering all expenses created by animals while in rescue. We are funded solely by the angels and volunteers willing to donate time and finances. This minimum fee includes DAPP, rabies if age appropriate,, heartworm test and preventative, if age appropriate, and flea and tick treatment, as well as neutering or spaying, if the animal is medically sound to undergo surgery. In an attempt to avoid tummy upset from a sudden change of food, the foster family may include a small, transitional bag of the food the dog/puppy has been eating. And if the dog/puppy has grown attached to a special item (like a toy or blanket), they may send that along, as well. */*/* Young puppies will receive age-appropriate vaccines, and will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. Adopters may be required to provide additional puppy boosters and at 16 weeks of age, a rabies vaccine. Future annual vaccines, testing and monthly heartworm preventative are REQUIRED, and will be the financial responsibility of the adopter. *****Due to the sheer number of animals and applications in our program, coupled with a limited number of volunteers, applicants MUST have patience as we process applications.   If you do not hear back from us, the animal may have been adopted.   We strive to let people know but sadly cannot offer reasons for denial beyond that.  Any harassment of our volunteers will go unanswered and we will simply block you.   Our volunteers spend their time working hard to ensure the very best for each animal.   Please remember the animal, not the applicant, is our client.*****  ##1794790##