Opal

Available

3-7 years|Shepherd, Australian Kelpie|Female|Medium|Durango, CO

♿️ Special needs🐾 Friendly🤗 Affectionate🎾 Playful🧠 Smart

Opal

Available

3-7 years|Shepherd, Australian Kelpie|Female|Medium|Durango, CO

♿️ Special needs🐾 Friendly🤗 Affectionate🎾 Playful🧠 Smart

Opal is a spayed adult female with shepherd and Australian kelpie ancestry, currently in Durango, CO. She has a short tricolor coat and is house trained. Opal has special needs due to a spinal condition that will eventually impact her mobility. She is fully vaccinated and gets along well with other pets and children.

About Opal

Opal landed at the rescue when she was just a puppy, along with her mom and five siblings, after a rough start at animal control. Her mom—a 35 lb kelpie mix—has since found a home, but Opal has her own story to tell. Early on, her caretakers noticed something unusual about her mobility. After a thorough veterinary exam, they discovered a wedge-shaped vertebrae at the end of her spine. As a result, her back curves and compensates, and she'll likely experience increasing nerve pressure as she ages. Specialists estimate that Opal may have about three or more good years before she will need the support of a wheelchair. Despite that, Opal is happy, sweet-natured, and loves people and dogs alike. She's great on the leash, handles crate time well, and has a deeply affectionate personality. At about a year old, she’s just over 50 lbs and sports a short tricolor coat. Opal is house trained, spayed, and fully vaccinated—a ready-made friend for someone who truly believes every dog deserves their perfect home, even if a bit of extra care is required. She gets along with other dogs, cats, and children, so she’s a fit for all sorts of families. If you’re experienced with special-needs dogs or simply willing to learn, Opal would love a place to belong. Every animal has a rescue story—Opal’s is just getting started. What are you waiting for? Apply today!

Adoption Fee

Inquire directly with rescue.

Adoption fees can usually be paid via credit card, or other convenient methods. Please check with the shelter for specific payment methods.

Rescues & Shelters

Durango Animal Connection (970) 749-1968

Location Address: Durango, CO 81302 Get directions

Questions about Opal

What type of living environment is this breed usually best suited for?
Shepherd and Australian kelpie mixes like Opal thrive in homes with space to move and active engagement, but given Opal’s spinal condition, a calm household that can accommodate her changing mobility will be best.
How much outdoor space does this breed typically need?
Normally, shepherd/kelpie mixes enjoy ample outdoor space for exercise, but with Opal’s needs, a secure yard with soft ground and easy access indoors is ideal, so she doesn’t overexert herself.
Is this breed typically suitable for homes with children?
Opal, like most shepherd and kelpie mixes, does well with children and she already gets along nicely with kids in her current environment.
Is this breed usually better for first-time or experienced owners?
Shepherd and kelpie mixes are intelligent and can be a good fit for first-time owners, but in Opal’s case, someone experienced with special-needs pets would be especially helpful.
Does this breed typically get along with dogs?
Opal gets along very well with other dogs, and shepherd/kelpie mixes often enjoy the company of canine companions.
Does this breed typically get along with cats?
Opal is used to being around cats and does well with them, which matches the generally tolerant nature of many shepherd and kelpie mixes when socialized early.
Does this breed typically get along with small animals?
Shepherd and kelpie mixes may have a herding instinct, so supervision with small animals is wise. Opal’s easygoing nature may make integration smoother, but each introduction should be managed carefully.
How does this breed typically behave with strangers?
Shepherd and kelpie mixes can be friendly but reserved with strangers; Opal is especially sweet and warms up quickly with gentle attention.
How long can this breed typically be left alone?
This breed doesn’t do well being left alone for extended periods; Opal will benefit from regular company, especially given her special needs.
What level of training does this breed usually require?
Shepherd-kelpie mixes are smart and eager to learn, needing steady, positive reinforcement. Opal already knows her basic manners and is crate and leash trained.
What size range does this breed generally fall into?
Opal is medium-sized and just over 50 lbs, which is common for a shepherd/kelpie mix.
What is the typical lifespan of this breed?
Shepherd and kelpie mixes often live 10–14 years, but Opal’s spinal condition may affect her mobility and comfort as she ages.
How much does this breed typically shed?
With a short coat, Opal will shed moderately, like most shepherd/kelpie mixes—regular brushing will help keep shedding manageable.