Star - Lab/German Shepherd mix - female/spayed - adult - 8 years best guess - 60 pounds - black and brown soft medium coat
Star is a beautiful and responsive dog who will bond deeply with her adopter(s). Her warm brown eyes shine with interest, trust, and anticipation, and her demeanor is one of ready willingness.
Star has a lifetime ahead of her in which to make a new beginning, and thanks to the care she has received since coming into rescue, she is in excellent health and condition. Her attitude is joyful and positive, and, at a very spry and young 8 years of age, she is at that wonderful stage in life in which she has mastered how to relax and savor the softness of a bed indoors, and then delight in bounding after a ball outdoors. In fact, outdoors, her energy in play is matchless, as is her stamina.
We do not know much of Star’s past. She was surrendered as a result of upheaval in her home; this was a double loss for Star, as she also lost the companionship of another dog, Boomer, who was her life-long best friend. He has since been adopted, and we admire Star for her resolute spirit and determination to go forward on her own.
She brings a rich store of skills with her - Star has excellent house manners, and is impeccably house trained. She also has a mastery of basic cues like sit, down, and what we believe is her best understanding of “shake”, but may just be a very sweet gesture that she makes with her paw after she sits. She walks well on lead, and rides in a car calmly and happily. She is also reported to do well with cats.
Star is deeply attached to her one treasured toy, which is a ball, and she will play fetch tirelessly.
The sweetness and wistfulness in Star’s nature are very touching, as is the courage she has demonstrated since being in shelter care. She has been exceptionally cooperative - almost intuitive - but we would like to see her go to a home in which her adopter(s) are wiling to give her support and encouragement as she navigates a new life without Boomer.
We do not fully understand the complexities of dogs who were once part of bonded pairs, but we do know that even for an adult dog like Star, there will be a host of things that she is experiencing for the very first time all on her own. Star’s adopter(s) can depend on her to offer utter and complete willingness to learn all over again, and they should be prepared to guide her in her journey. In a way Star is like a very accomplished and intelligent child who presents beyond her years - her adopter(s) will need to remember that in some ways, she is still just a child. She will need time and patience in order to stand on her own four feet. Star will reciprocate her adopter'(s) insight and support with the fullest measure of a great heart.
We would like to see Star go to a home with a securely fenced yard. Although she appears to get along with other dogs, we are recommending her for placement either with another male dog, or in a home without other dogs.
STAR is a cross-post for Jefferson County WV Animal Control. If you are interested in Star, you may fill out our non-binding application and we will forward it to them, or you can contact them directly:
Email: Jeffersoncountyanimalcontrol@gmail.com
or phone: 304-728-3289
click here to send a non-binding application
