Courtesy post: Pebbles is a 16-month-old Australian Cattle Dog mix (about 30% ACD, 20% Poodle, and 10% Australian Shepherd) born on November 15, 2024. This beautiful black and blue/tan merle girl is smart, loyal, and deeply devoted to her people. Pebbles thrives on connection with her family and bonds closely with those she trusts. She currently lives with three children (elementary through high school age), another dog, and a cat, and does well with older children, cats, and calm, non-reactive dogs. Pebbles absolutely adores her family and shows her affectionate side with the people she knows best. Like many herding breeds, Pebbles is sensitive and protective, and she struggles with anxiety and reactivity toward unfamiliar people. She has a history of nipping when she feels the need to defend her family. Her current family has taken extensive steps to help her succeed, including working closely with their veterinarian and behavior professionals, placing her on medication, completing a 7-week board-and-train program, and muzzle training. These tools have helped her build better coping skills and allow her to navigate the world more safely. Pebbles would do best with experienced, patient dog owners familiar with herding breeds who can provide structure, continued management, and a calm environment. A quiet home with a large yard—ideally in an area with fewer passersby, cars, and neighborhood noise—would help her thrive. She does best when interactions with strangers are limited, and a home where visitors can be separated from her space (or where guests are infrequent) would be ideal. Outside the home, Pebbles tends to relax more and enjoys being active, but her current busy neighborhood with constant noise, traffic, and school buses can be overwhelming for her. Her family believes she would flourish in a quieter setting with fewer triggers and more room to decompress and exercise. This decision comes from a place of deep love. Pebbles’ family is heartbroken to rehome her, but they want to give her the opportunity to live in an environment where she can feel safe, calm, and successful. For the right adopter—someone who understands loyal, intelligent, high-drive herding dogs—Pebbles will be a devoted, ride-or-die companion who will love her person with her whole heart.'