Sweetie the dog is a petite, 11lb charcoal-and-white scruffball with a gentle soul and a big heart hidden under her shy exterior. Found as a terrified stray, she’s already come a long way. From stinky and scared to clean, cozy, and learning that warm beds, toys, and little pieces of cheese are some of life’s best comforts! She’s still cautious when meeting new people and will need a patient adopter who’s happy to let her build trust at her own pace. In her foster home, Sweetie has been slowly but surely blossoming. At first, she was shaken and unsure, but with calm energy and no pressure, she began to relax, untucking her tail, exploring the house, wagging when greeted, and even offering play bows and zoomies! Sweetie’s foster says she sleeps through the night and is doing great with her house training. Sweetie walks nicely on leash once she feels safe, though strangers on walks can still make her nervous. Indoors, she likes to know where her people are without needing to be glued to them, and everyday household sounds don’t bother her. Sweetie enjoys playing independently with her toys (and occasionally shoes or paper), even inventing her own games like dropping a toy down the stairs and racing to fetch it. Sweetie is seeking a patient adopter willing to approach her slowly, give her choices, and celebrate each little step forward. In return Sweetie will reward her new family by blooming into a playful, loyal, and loving companion! This pet is eligible for an Adoption Audition! What is an Adoption Audition? It’s a 5-day, no-strings-attached, trial adoption period. You can take this pet home to try it out! Interested? Come to the shelter any time during open hours and talk to one of our Customer Care staff! Be sure to check the "shelter information" box on the listing to see if the pet is located at our Michael R. Frey Campus (4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax) or our Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton). Then, come in during our open hours! Both of our locations are open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12-5 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 12-7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information on our adoption process, including requirements and fees, visit: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalservices/adopt