Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Needs experienced adopter,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Rosie 🌹
Rosie is a 10-year-old, 38 lb Australian Shepherd with a gentle, sensitive soul looking for a calm, patient home. She forms a deep bond with her person and is happiest when she feels safe and close by your side.
She is housebroken and currently working on leash and crate training. When frightened, Rosie may pull hard on the leash trying to get away, so she’ll need an adopter experienced with leash work or willing to work with a trainer. She is making great progress and gaining confidence every day.
Rosie can be sensitive around men and will need slow, respectful introductions. She shows interest and excitement toward smaller dogs from a distance (not formally tested yet) and can adjust to a slightly larger calm dog. She does best with gentle, relaxed dogs, not ones that are overly energetic or in her face.
A secure fenced yard is strongly preferred, ideally with some privacy to help her feel safe while outside. Rosie will still need to stay on a leash in the yard, as she can become nervous and try to bolt. This safe space will help her continue building confidence.
Rosie can be a bit picky with food (she does best with wet food or meat mixed in with her dry food), but she always eats when she likes it.
Rosie will be a project dog, but for the right, dog-savvy person, she is an incredibly rewarding companion. She’s looking for someone patient, understanding, and willing to let her set the pace, who will cherish the quiet, loyal bond she has to offer.
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Note from Shelter:
Rosie is a 10-year-old, 38 lb spayed female who is heartworm negative and was owner surrendered when her owner could no longer care for her. It appears Rosie lived a very sheltered life prior to arriving at the shelter and had never been walked on a leash. Since intake, Rosie has been extremely fearful and shut down in the kennel environment, often trembling, avoiding eye contact, and freezing when approached. She frequently refuses to walk on leash and will need to be carried to quieter spaces. Despite her fear, Rosie consistently allows handling, petting, and medical care without any signs of aggression. She remains gentle and tolerant even during stressful situations.
When placed in a quiet office setting with familiar dogs from her previous home, Rosie shows encouraging signs of comfort and social connection. She seeks out the other dogs, choosing to curl up beside them and rest, and will cautiously explore the room once she feels safe. As she becomes more comfortable, her body softens and the trembling subsides. Rosie is a sensitive, gentle senior who appears deeply overwhelmed by the shelter environment but finds reassurance in calm canine companionship. She would greatly benefit from a patient rescue that can provide a quiet home, time to decompress, and gentle guidance to help her build confidence and feel safe again.
