Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Belle Starr, the legendary mama of our Most Wanted Litter. Belle isn’t just sweet. She radiates sweetness the way a candle gives off light — quietly, steadily, and in a way that makes every single person who meets her instinctively soften their voice and say,
“Oh honey… look at her.” When Belle leans into you — with her soft head, warm weight, and eyes that look like she keeps entire galaxies of kindness behind them — you don’t just feel loved. You feel chosen.
Belle Starr’s story didn’t start with softness — it started with fear, uncertainty, and a countdown she never should’ve been on. At just 2 years old, this 35-pound Border Collie beauty found herself sitting on death row in a crowded shelter… heavily pregnant, out of time, and out of options. Even then — even in that heartbreaking place — she had those same gentle eyes, that same quiet sweetness, that same “I won’t make a fuss, I’ll just be here if you need me” tenderness. And honestly… who on earth could say no to a face like hers? We certainly couldn’t. And neither could one incredibly compassionate foster family who opened their home, hearts, couches, blankets, and probably their entire laundry room to make sure she never spent another night scared and alone. And then, in true heroic outlaw-mama fashion, she delivered not one, not two, but a full dozen babies — the now-infamous Most Wanted Litter. Now that her puppies are weaned, this was supposed to be the part of her story where she gets to stretch out on a couch, receive endless kisses, and finally be the one getting tucked in instead of doing all the tucking.
But people failed her.
Again.
Not only was she nearly euthanized while heavily pregnant… her former owners didn’t even keep her on the most basic protection: heartworm prevention. So despite all her sweetness, all her gentleness, all her quiet resilience, Belle came out of the shelter heartworm positive and now has to undergo months of treatment. She deserved better than that. She deserved better than all of that. And while her treatment will keep her from going home for the holidays — no cozy Christmas morning couch snuggles yet, no New Year’s kisses on the forehead while she sighs into your chest — she will be ready shortly after. And honestly? There’s something kind of poetic about starting a brand-new year with a brand-new love who has fought so hard for her chance at a soft life. So if you’ve got holiday travel, family chaos, or plans that would make bringing home a dog tough right now… but your heart keeps tugging toward this gentle girl? This might be your sign that she was meant to be yours after all.
Belle Starr absolutely adores companionship — she just believes introductions should be done with a little grace, a little patience, and none of that “Hi I just met you let me climb directly onto your head” energy some dogs prefer. Once she has had a chance to settle in, she relaxes, she smiles (yes, Belle smiles), and then she blossoms. Her foster’s husky mix, Rollo, has officially been knighted as her favorite playmate — their friendship is pure gold. They romp, they chase, they tumble, they share little moments of joy that feel like watching childhood best friends reenact a movie montage. With the female German Shepherd, she took her time — two queens meeting requires proper ceremony, of course — but once that initial uncertainty faded, the peace treaty was signed and good vibes prevailed. And that older, slower dog in the house? Belle instantly adored him, like she recognized a gentle soul moving at her preferred tempo. She hasn’t been fostered with cats, but her spirit is so soft and thoughtful that she’d likely regard a feline roommate with gentle curiosity and quiet respect. She’s not the type to stir the pot; she’d either befriend the cat or offer them the world’s sweetest passive coexistence. Tiny toddlers, however… Belle has made it known, with the utmost diplomacy, that they are simply too much. Too loud, too wiggly, too unpredictable for her tender heart. She’s not upset by them — she just prefers to observe from a safe distance. Older kids with softer energy? That’s a different story. She could absolutely be someone’s gentle companion, quietly leaning into them during story time or curling up at their feet while they unwind from school. With new people, she does what all old souls do: she studies, she listens, and she waits for their kindness to reveal itself. She wants to feel safe — she deserves that — and once she senses warmth and gentleness, her whole heart opens.
Belle's energy level is a solid three, which in Belle language means: “I will play, I will have fun, I will occasionally zoomie… and then I would like to return to my regularly scheduled nap, thank you.” Her ideal lifestyle right now is firmly Team Homebody. Belle is still decompressing from motherhood, survival mode, and the absolute ordeal of her past life, so she’s very much in her “soft couch, soft yard, soft toy, soft life only” era. She likes her backyard, she likes the couch, she likes her toys, she likes peacefully existing. Coffee shops and bustling outings? Hard pass. She’d like to stay home and vibe. Belle starts off quiet, but once she trusts you, she softens into this affectionate, playful, snuggly marshmallow who curls into your side with the kind of tenderness that could fix your whole entire week. She’ll romp with the dogs, nudge your hand for pets, and warm up the couch like she pays rent. She has an old-soul sweetness wrapped in a soft, slightly timid shell — but once she opens up, she’s all heart. Belle is a Toy Girl. Once she picks a toy, she commits. She’ll trot around with it, toss it, nibble it, cherish it, and basically act like it’s her emotional support object. She’ll play with other dogs, but she’s also perfectly happy amusing herself like a tiny, fluffy only child. Zoomies happen in short, polite bursts, followed by deeply committed nap sessions. Belle’s ideal living situation is less “apartment walls” and more “open-air serenity.” She’s a backyard girl at heart — the kind who wants her own little slice of sunshine where she can mosey around, sniff the breeze, stretch out in the grass, and simply exist in peace.
Belle Starr may be tender and gentle, but she also comes with her own brand of “I’m a lady, please adjust accordingly” energy — and honestly, it’s iconic. First off, yes, she knows sit and has excellent recall, which is frankly miraculous given the number of dogs who act like “come” is a vague suggestion they’ll consider after they finish sniffing the universe. Belle actually listens — a rare and beautiful trait that we will not be taking for granted. Potty trained? Absolutely. She’s a responsible woman who handles her business outside like the civilized adult she is. Crate trained? Absolutely not. Belle regards the kennel with the same enthusiasm most people reserve for jury duty. She free-roams the house like a polite, respectful roommate who doesn’t chew your shoes, rearrange your furniture, or leave suspicious crumbs anywhere. Chewing things she shouldn’t? No. She has risen above such nonsense. She is, however, a coffee table surfer. If your sandwich sits unattended for even one (1) second, you might as well consider it a donation. Barking? She’s what we call a casual commentator. She’s not giving hour-long speeches or announcing the weather, but she will let the neighborhood know when Amazon, USPS, UPS, or DoorDash dares to approach the property. It’s not excessive — just the occasional “ahem, someone is here” PSA.
As for her quirks? Belle simply asks that new humans not march directly into her personal bubble like they’re leading a parade. Give her a moment to observe, breathe, and decide that someone is safe. Once she feels secure, she lets all her softness show. She’s a gentle, thoughtful girl who just needs a home that respects her process, gives her structure, and helps her continue to blossom.
If your heart is screaming “YES,” your brain is screaming “PLEASE,” and your calendar says you can pick her up in Oklahoma City once she’s done with her heartworm treatment… then don’t walk — RUN — to our adoption application.
Fill out the form at https://www.pyrpawsandfluffytailsrescue.com/adoption-app so we can send her info to her foster family, who is fully prepared to cry happy tears when Belle finally gets the soft landing she deserves.
This is your sign.
Your gentle, smiley girl is waiting.
