Meet Nova, the black and white Australian cattle dog mix! Nova came into the shelter with her sibling after their owner was no longer able to care for them. When they first arrived at the shelter, they were a little timid, but are quickly growing in confidence and letting their goofy personalities shine. They have enjoyed running around in the yard and soliciting attention and pets from our volunteers and staff. In her previous home, Nova had only been around her sister, and she is slowly learning how to play with other dogs here at the shelter. She would benefit from a home that could provide her with more positive reinforcement training and socialization with both dogs and people! She also has a history of doing well with children in her previous home. If you are looking for a new family member who will adapt and grow with you, come by and meet Nova! Nova is available for preadoption—come meet her, fall in love, and take her home after her spay surgery! The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation is now offering “Pawsitivity Bucks” with every dog adoption. This $200 training voucher is a way for newly adopted canines and their guardians to connect with local positive reinforcement based behavior consultants and get their relationship started off on the right paw! Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them