******Please note, once completing the initial screen you will be connected with the placement for a video chat. Transports run every few weeks and we will have the dog on the next available transport once approved. If you are not able to accept a dog until a specific time period, please apply at that time************ We are a volunteer run rescue and donate our time to these dogs. IF you are not serious about moving forward in our adoption process, please do not apply. If someone other than yourself is part of the decision making process, please make sure you have spoken with them and they are on board. We really do not want to waste anyone's time if you are not serious about adopting this dog. ___ Meet Leila, a 6-year-old spayed female German Shepherd/Pit Bull mix weighing around 40 pounds. She’s currently being loved and cared for in a foster home in Washington state and is available for local meet-and-greets in the surrounding areas. If you live outside of reasonable driving distance, don’t worry — a video chat can easily be arranged to get to know her better. Leila is a sweet, soulful companion with a deep emotional bond to her person. She’s incredibly loving and cuddly, happiest when she’s lounging by your side or curled up next to you on the sofa. Her sensitive nature makes her deeply in tune with human emotions, and she has a special gift for simply being there when you need comfort or calm. While she’s content with a quiet day indoors, she also has an athletic side and enjoys bursts of zoomies or showing off just how high she can jump (seriously, she’s part kangaroo). Leila has put in many hours of training and is wonderfully treat-motivated, making her a fast learner and a joy to work with. She’s mastered a long list of commands including sit, stay, place, down, jump, spin, shake, and even “in between” — where she’ll walk between your legs like a little shadow. She’s crate-trained, muzzle-trained, and e-collar trained, which helps give her structure and a sense of security. Due to her separation anxiety, crating her when she’s alone is ideal, at least until she feels fully safe in her environment. Once she’s settled, she’s well-behaved and non-destructive when given more freedom around the home. That said, Leila is not without her quirks. She has anxiety and can be protective, especially in her home. She’s wary of men and needs slow, patient introductions — otherwise, she may nip if she feels threatened. She can also be defensive when people enter her space, barking or lunging to let you know she’s on high alert. One of her most successful strategies is meeting new people outside for a short walk before entering the house together, which helps set a calmer tone for introductions. When it comes to walks, Leila needs a strong, confident handler who can help her feel safe and maintain boundaries. Dogs are a major trigger for her, and she can be reactive even from a distance. She walks best on a short lead and now uses an e-collar to help reinforce her training and build her trust that her human is in control and she doesn’t need to take on the world herself. She also has a high prey drive, so cats and small animals are an absolute no-go. If she sees a squirrel or another dog, she will pull with serious intent, so continued structure and consistency are key. However, outside of her known triggers, Leila has a solid recall and enjoys freedom to run and explore in a secure environment. Though she doesn’t engage much in traditional dog play, Leila has her favorites — like tug-of-war with her human and stuffed toys that resemble small animals (especially squirrels and birds!). These simple joys light her up and give her a fun, playful outlet for her energy. Leila is dog-selective and tends to take a dominant role in her relationships with other dogs. She has successfully lived with a senior female and is currently living with a female puppy she’s taken under her wing like her own. However, she has also had incidents of conflict with other dogs and can be quick to go on the defensive, so any dog introductions must be handled slowly and with care. For this reason, her ideal home would be as an only dog — where she can soak up all the love and attention without added stress. She’s up to date on vaccines and recently had a dental cleaning, but she does have a few ongoing medical needs. Leila takes daily medication for incontinence, and she’s also prescribed trazodone for vet visits and other high-stress situations, which helps her manage her anxiety more comfortably. The perfect home for Leila would be a peaceful, dog-free household with a large, securely fenced yard where she can run, explore, and play without the pressure of encountering other dogs. She’d thrive in a home with someone who works remotely or has a flexible schedule and can spend lots of quality time with her. With the right environment, structure, and continued love, Leila will be a devoted, affectionate, and endlessly loyal best friend. ___ ***Listed BREED and AGE - We are taking our best guess & recommendations from our veterinarian on age, breed and size when fully grown. We rarely know a dog's exact age nor are we able to tell the true or full breed mix of dogs as our information is limited most of the time. *** Interested in applying to adopt her? Fill out an adoption application at the link below! https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/DDAR/Dog