Nova (38lbs) is the kind of dog who makes you earn her trust—and then rewards you with a bond that’s truly special. At first, she’s a quiet observer, taking in the world with gentle sniffs and thoughtful pauses. But give her a little time and patience, and you’ll see her start to soften...leaning in ever so slightly for affection, choosing you as her person. Once Nova feels safe, her personality begins to shine. She’s incredibly smart and already knows a whole list of cues—sit, paw, down, and maybe even a roll-over if you catch her in the right mood. And while she may seem reserved at first, there’s a playful, high-energy side just waiting to come out. Nova has lived happily with children in the past, but would be happiest as your one-and-only pet, where she can relax without the pressure of sharing her space (unfortunately, Nova finds cats just a little too exciting). With time, structure, and some structured training, Nova has potential to grow into a confident and deeply loyal companion. Her story isn’t about being the life of the party—it’s about connection, trust, and finding someone who understands that the best relationships take a little time. If you’re ready to go at her pace, Nova just might meet you there. 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