Lacey is a gentle, low-key girl who’s still learning that the world can be a safe, kind place. The busy shelter environment has been a lot for her, and when she feels unsure, she tends to pause and take everything in, sometimes even freezing in place, until a soft voice and light leash guidance help her feel ready to move again. In the office at the shelter, Lacey’s favorite spot was under the desk at her person’s feet, quietly keeping them company. She recently got a mini "vacation" in a foster home, and that’s where her sweet personality really started to shine! Lacey met two resident medium-sized female dogs and was politely interested, respecting their space but happily following their lead. She often chose to be near her foster person most of all, checking in with a gentle lick or nudge, soaking up some pets (ear rubs are her favorite!), then settling back down at their feet. When on walks or frolicking around a fenced yard, Lacey shows just how joyful she can be once she is relaxed! In her foster home, with a safe space and familiar dog friends, she loosened up, did play bows, ran happy zoomies, and trotted over every so often just to say hi before dashing off again. She walks calmly on leash, and while sudden loud noises can still make her stop and think, a little reassurance helps her keep going. She’s been doing very well with her house training in foster care too. Lacey has been a quiet, polite houseguest. She sleeps in her crate overnight and when left alone and settles after a few minutes. She eats her meals reliably (often in her crate) and will take treats, especially when there aren’t other dogs around to swoop in and steal them. Toys and bones are still a work in progress, she’ll sometimes pick them up, but for now she seems more interested in people than playthings. She’s also shown lovely manners with other animals and people. Lacey met both indoor and outdoor cats and chose to give them space rather than chase or pester them, so she could likely live with dog-savvy cats given slow introductions. She has met men, women, and teens, allowing gentle pets and handling. Lacey simply needs a bit of time to warm up and feel comfortable. Lacey isn’t looking for a fast-paced lifestyle or a bustling household. She’d do best in a calmer home with people who understand sensitive, shy dogs and are happy to move at her pace. A friendly, confident resident dog could be a wonderful role model for her, but her true happiness will come from having "her person" to quietly shadow, curl up near, and trust. With patience, predictable routines, and plenty of kind words reminding her how brave and beautiful she is, Lacey is already blossoming into a devoted, loving companion. If you have a soft spot for a gentle soul who just needs a little extra time to shine, Lacey might be the perfect addition to your home! Lacey is currently in a foster home. If you’d like to visit with her to hopefully adopt, please include her name in your email so we can coordinate to have her back at the Shelter! Our email address is: animalservices@fairfaxcounty.gov This pet is eligible for an Adoption Audition! What is an Adoption Audition? It’s a 14 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