Location: Sioux Falls, SD Mariska has been through a lot, but she's slowly learning that people can be safe and love can be permanent. We rescued a litter of her puppies in 2025, but we were not able to catch and rescue her until this year. After spending so much of her life surviving and raising babies, this sweet mama is finally ready to retire, relax, and let someone take care of her for a change. Because of her past, Mariska needs slow introductions to both people and dogs. Sudden movements can still frighten her, but once she starts to trust you, her sweet personality shines through. She's learning the life of being an indoor dog and is making wonderful progress every day. She's already discovered toys and bones, and has even started trying to play with the other dogs! Mariska does struggle with separation anxiety and worries about being left behind again. She may bark in her kennel, paw at the door, or pull nearby items into the kennel with her for comfort. She'll need a patient adopter willing to help her continue building confidence and security. Once she bonds with her person, she becomes the ultimate little shadow - happily following you everywhere. A few treats, gentle face scratches, and belly rubs are the quickest way to her heart. And when bedtime comes, prepare for cuddles and lots of kisses - Mariska is truly an affectionate cuddle bug. Mariska is still finding her confidence, but with patience, love, and understanding, she's going to make an incredibly loyal companion. --------------- The best way to show interest in an animal is to submit an adoption application by visiting our website (www.rescuenetworkmn.org). Adoption fee includes spay/neuter, all age-appropriate vaccinations (distemper, rabies, and bordetella), heartworm and flea/tick preventatives, heartworm test (dogs over 9 months), FIV/FeLV test (cats - one in the litter), dewormed, and microchip implant (including registration). Rescue Network is strictly foster based which means all adoptable animals are in a home and there cannot be a meet until an application is submitted and approved. We have no way of knowing the breeds in the animals. All breeds listed are best guess.