Matza is serving up soft-hearted beauty with a side of “I just need a minute.” At 2 years old and a perfectly medium 21 pounds, this black Labrador Retriever is the ideal size for someone who wants all the love and companionship of a Lab without needing an entire sectional sofa dedicated to dog storage. Matza is sweet, shy, and quietly taking in the world around her like she’s studying for a very important exam on human behavior. She prefers to ease into new situations thoughtfully, giving herself time to decide that yes, you are acceptable and yes, maybe she would like to be your best friend after all. It’s not hesitation—it’s careful curation of her inner circle. Once she starts to feel comfortable, though, her curious and social side begins to shine through. You can almost see her confidence growing in real time, one tail wag and brave little step at a time. She wants to connect, she wants to trust, and when she does, it feels incredibly rewarding—like you earned VIP access to the sweetest soul in the room. Matza also has that classic Labrador magic where simply existing near her feels comforting. She’s gentle, observant, and happy to be part of whatever’s going on, whether that’s a walk around the neighborhood, a lazy afternoon at home, or quietly supervising your daily activities like a tiny emotional support manager. Her version of boldness is subtle, and honestly, that’s what makes her so special. She’s not here to bulldoze her way into your life—she’s here to slowly, steadily become an irreplaceable part of it. Matza is already spayed, microchipped, up to date on vaccines, and tested negative on her 4DX for heartworm and tick-borne disease, so she’s fully ready to step into her forever home. If you’re looking for a gorgeous, gentle companion with soulful eyes and a heart worth waiting for, Matza is ready to rise to the occasion. Want to meet her? Please fill out our application at azhartt.org/adopt Requirements include meeting everyone in the household, dog intros (if applicable), and a home check. Adoption applications are approved on a best-fit basis. We do not do out-of-state adoptions. Adoption Fee: $350