My name is Zelda Stilwell *LOCAL*!

To apply to adopt this dog now, complete our adoption application   HERE
To see our upcoming events where you can meet some of our dogs,
please see   HERE

Age: 9 months (as of 1/26/25)
Weight:  36 pounds (as of 1/13/25)

Location: RI

This dog has been spayed/neutered, is up to date on shots, on heartworm preventative and is microchipped.

This cutie is Zelda Stilwell!  We estimate that she is a nine-month-old shepherd mix.  Zelda would likely do best in a low-key home in a quiet neighborhood with humans who will play with her in the home, and also be patient with her as she builds her confidence with new people and experiences outside the home.

Zelda is very sweet and affectionate with her core people, but can be nervous and unsure of meeting new people.  Patience, predictability and TLC will be key for this beauty, as well as going at HER pace!

In the home with her people, Zelda can be quite playful and enjoys chew toys. She is just a baby herself and likes to be cuddled.  We don't know how long she was on her own as a stray, but she is adjusting well a very quiet and uneventful home life.  Given her fear of new people and things, she would do best in a home without small children. She is currently living with teenagers and loving the attention.  She is cautious when meeting new dogs, but has had success with slow introductions. 

Zelda is housetrained and becoming more familiar each day on a leash, but can still be quite nervous on walks and does best in quiet areas without traffic or many people/dogs.

We strongly recommend that all of our adopters' plan to work with a credentialed positive-only trainer to help navigate the adoption transition phase and any growing pains.  Learning commands and building confidence together is also a great way for both to bond, which is so important to the success of any adoption.  

Zelda is a lovely young dog who is looking for a family with the patience to help her develop into a happy and relaxed adult. We believe that she will thrive in the right home and become your lifelong cherished companion!

Zelda's Back story:  Despite being so young, Zelda recently gave birth to the adorable litter of four Stilwell puppies. She was saved by a kind person who had been unable to catch her for weeks but began leaving food out for the pregnant puppy. When Zelda gave birth, she brought the puppies to the woman who had been feeding her, and they were all rescued.  Zelda's pups have all been adopted; now it's momma's turn!

Medical Note:  This dog has tested positive for exposure to ehrlichia.  This does not mean that this dog had/has an active infection of ehrlichiosis, only that the dog was exposed or infected in the past. This dog is/has been asymptomatic while in SOS care and is being treated/has been treated preventatively with a 28-day course of doxycycline.  This dog is ready for adoption, though may continue to test positive for exposure to ehrlichia for some time.  Please see here for more information on ehrlichia, and please check with your vet before you apply to adopt this dog if you have any questions or concerns about this medical history.

An adoption donation is required for each adoption; please see   HERE   for more information about this.

To apply for this dog, fill out an adoption application on our website:

  Adoption Application - SOS Animal Rescue League in Rhode Island (sosarl.org)

**Additional info you should know - For most of our dogs, we are only guessing at predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each of our dogs as an individual and do our best to describe and place them based on personality not breed label. Some dogs may not yet be in New England, nor ready for immediate adoption. There may be additional vetting, quarantine, waiting periods and/or fees depending upon your state of residence. If you have questions or concerns on any of this, you can discuss this with your Adoption Counselor.