Check out our sister brand, Kinship, for vet chat, a nutrition calculator, basic obedience training, and (much) more. So you're never flying solo in this pet parenting thing.
Maddie is confident, friendly on her terms, sometimes a little tough—and unapologetically herself. It’s a bit of a bummer that she struggles to connect with visitors who don’t see past her confident demeanor to the truly special dog she is.
Maddie is the perfect mix of mental toughness and comedic charm, wrapped up in a muscular, super rotund frame. Her head—imagine a squashed kid’s toy—is both hilarious and completely adorable. Add her constant lip-tongue-teeth mishaps—lips caught in teeth, tongue hanging out when her mouth is closed—and you’ve got a dog who keeps you laughing without even trying.
But Maddie’s real charm lies in her self-assurance. She’s friendly—just not in that over-the-top, in-your-face way. Maddie knows how to have fun and then likes to settle in close when she’s done. She loves her toys (especially squeaky ones, which she uses liberally), and she’s happy to entertain herself while you work. Fair warning: if you work from home, you might hear a lot of squeaking. And when she’s in the mood? Maddie thinks being chased is the most fun thing ever. She’s the kind of dog who gives you space but is always ready for a good time.
On the practical side, Maddie seems pretty darn housetrained, rides beautifully in the car, and isn’t easily fazed by her surroundings—she’s calm and confident wherever she goes. Her biggest quirk? We lovingly call it her “gator mouth,” though she’s more of a “toad mouth” in structure. When Maddie gets excited, she can be a little nippy, so older kids or adults who understand her style are the best fit. Maddie thrives with people who appreciate her playful, rough-and-tumble energy and know how to help her channel it into positive outlets.
Her ideal home is one where she can be the only pet, with someone who values her “big mama” energy and independence. She pulls a bit on the leash—you definitely have to pay attention—but she looks back at you often and eventually finds her rhythm. And on walks, she’s unfazed by much, which adds to her cool, unruffled vibe. Back home, Maddie loves chewing on her toys, though she might get a little mischievous and chew on yours too. Puppy-proofing is definitely recommended!
Maddie has been waiting patiently for her match—someone who sees her for the strong, hilarious, and unforgettable dog she is. If you’re ready for a companion who will make you laugh out loud and snuggle in close when the fun is done, Maddie’s ready to meet you.
Maddie is eli
Maddie is confident, friendly on her terms, sometimes a little tough—and unapologetically herself. It’s a bit of a bummer that she struggles to connect with visitors who don’t see past her confident demeanor to the truly special dog she is.
Maddie is the perfect mix of mental toughness and comedic charm, wrapped up in a muscular, super rotund frame. Her head—imagine a squashed kid’s toy—is both hilarious and completely adorable. Add her constant lip-tongue-teeth mishaps—lips caught in teeth, tongue hanging out when her mouth is closed—and you’ve got a dog who keeps you laughing without even trying.
But Maddie’s real charm lies in her self-assurance. She’s friendly—just not in that over-the-top, in-your-face way. Maddie knows how to have fun and then likes to settle in close when she’s done. She loves her toys (especially squeaky ones, which she uses liberally), and she’s happy to entertain herself while you work. Fair warning: if you work from home, you might hear a lot of squeaking. And when she’s in the mood? Maddie thinks being chased is the most fun thing ever. She’s the kind of dog who gives you space but is always ready for a good time.
On the practical side, Maddie seems pretty darn housetrained, rides beautifully in the car, and isn’t easily fazed by her surroundings—she’s calm and confident wherever she goes. Her biggest quirk? We lovingly call it her “gator mouth,” though she’s more of a “toad mouth” in structure. When Maddie gets excited, she can be a little nippy, so older kids or adults who understand her style are the best fit. Maddie thrives with people who appreciate her playful, rough-and-tumble energy and know how to help her channel it into positive outlets.
Her ideal home is one where she can be the only pet, with someone who values her “big mama” energy and independence. She pulls a bit on the leash—you definitely have to pay attention—but she looks back at you often and eventually finds her rhythm. And on walks, she’s unfazed by much, which adds to her cool, unruffled vibe. Back home, Maddie loves chewing on her toys, though she might get a little mischievous and chew on yours too. Puppy-proofing is definitely recommended!
Maddie has been waiting patiently for her match—someone who sees her for the strong, hilarious, and unforgettable dog she is. If you’re ready for a companion who will make you laugh out loud and snuggle in close when the fun is done, Maddie’s ready to meet you.
1 - Look at adoptable pets online, and when you see one you want to meet and possibly adopt, come into the shelter to visit with your prospective pet.
2 - Once at the shelter, walk through to see available pets and then visit with the one(s) you are considering adopting. A volunteer or staff member will facilitate the visit and tell you more about the pet you’re visiting.
3 - Once you decide that you would like to adopt, head to the main lobby to complete our brief adoption questionnaire and wait to speak with one of our adoption counselors to go over any questions you might have. We'll go over all of the available behavioral and medical history of the pet you want to adopt.
4 - Complete your adoption! Most pets can go home the day they are adopted, but some must be picked up one or two days later after their spay/neuter appointment.
Notes: 1) Some pets are in foster homes, and that is noted in their bio. If you are interested in a pet who is in a foster home, please email the shelter to arrange a visit. 2) Some special needs animals will be adopted on a best-fit basis, rather than the usual first-come-first-served.
1 - Look at adoptable pets online, and when you see one you want to meet and possibly adopt, come into the shelter to visit with your prospective pet.
2 - Once at the shelter, walk through to see available pets and then visit with the one(s) you are considering adopting. A volunteer or staff member will facilitate the visit and tell you more about the pet you’re visiting.
3 - Once you decide that you would like to adopt, head to the main lobby to complete our brief adoption questionnaire and wait to speak with one of our adoption counselors to go over any questions you might have. We'll go over all of the available behavioral and medical history of the pet you want to adopt.
4 - Complete your adoption! Most pets can go home the day they are adopted, but some must be picked up one or two days later after their spay/neuter appointment.
Notes: 1) Some pets are in foster homes, and that is noted in their bio. If you are interested in a pet who is in a foster home, please email the shelter to arrange a visit. 2) Some special needs animals will be adopted on a best-fit basis, rather than the usual first-come-first-served.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 12-5pm
Thursdays and Fridays: 12-7pm
Saturdays and Sundays: 11am-5pm
Mondays: closed
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 12-5pm
Thursdays and Fridays: 12-7pm
Saturdays and Sundays: 11am-5pm
Mondays: closed
More about this shelter
The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is Fairfax County’s only open-access municipal shelter. We take in stray animals in need, owner surrendered companion animals when the owner is no longer willing or able to care for them, and animals who have been seized or taken into custody by Animal Protection Police. We accept all companion animals from Fairfax County who are in need of care, regardless of health, age, temperament, or history. We do not euthanize for space or length of time, and all adoptable animals are given every opportunity for a new home and family. We have an incredibly compassionate staff, and we also have vibrant and active volunteer and foster programs. We know that every animal who enters our shelter will be given the best care and shown boundless love while they are in our care, and while they wait for their forever family to adopt them. We are very proud that, since 2013, our positive release rate has been over 90% each year!
The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is Fairfax County’s only open-access municipal shelter. We take in stray animals in need, owner surrendered companion animals when the owner is no longer willing or able to care for them, and animals who have been seized or taken into custody by Animal Protection Police. We accept all companion animals from Fairfax County who are in need of care, regardless of health, age, temperament, or history. We do not euthanize for space or length of time, and all adoptable animals are given every opportunity for a new home and family. We have an incredibly compassionate staff, and we also have vibrant and active volunteer and foster programs. We know that every animal who enters our shelter will be given the best care and shown boundless love while they are in our care, and while they wait for their forever family to adopt them. We are very proud that, since 2013, our positive release rate has been over 90% each year!
Other pets at this
shelter
We'll also keep you updated on Cali Mae's adoption status with email updates.
