Ava is a petite, striking German Shepherd mix in her golden years—about 7 or 8 years old and weighing around 55 pounds. She craves a calm, loving home where she can finally settle down and be truly valued. Ava is affectionate and loves belly rubs and snuggles, seeking out comfort and connection with her people. She’s clever, eager to please, and treats always catch her attention. Stuffed toys, balls, and squeaky playthings bring her joy; though plush toys tend to have short lives, your furniture will remain unscathed. Ava is gentle, not destructive, and rarely makes trouble. She’s housebroken, crate trained, and walks well on the leash. Her recall is reliable both inside and outdoors. While she sometimes reacts to other dogs on leash, she’s handled this well with patient guidance and even wears a muzzle as a precaution while out walking. Brief whimpers when separated from her person usually give way quickly to calm contentment. Ava’s road hasn’t been easy. She was twice surrendered to a Los Angeles shelter—first when her elderly people could no longer look after her, and again as a stray after being hit by a car. Her resilience stands out, despite the hardship. Health-wise, Ava has hip dysplasia, arthritis, and a fracture from her accident, plus she’s recovering after a neglected tick-borne illness. She’s now receiving diligent veterinary care, antibiotics for Ehrlichia, and has hip surgery scheduled so she can move freely and comfortably for her next chapter. Bloodwork and imaging show she’s in great shape otherwise. Stairs should be limited, though she walks and even runs when excited. Her foster sums it up best: Ava is gentle and resilient, deserving of true devotion in her final home. Make their next chapter their best one yet.