Nellie is living proof that the quiet ones are worth getting to know. She was born into an accidental litter of seven in South LA and spent her early months in a dirt backyard with barely any human contact, and she had never been inside a home before she came to us. Now she claims the couch and the bed like they’ve always been hers. She’s about 7 months old and around 50 pounds. Because of her beginnings, Nellie takes a bit to warm up to new people and situations. At first that can look like hiding out and studying someone from the safety of her den until she’s figured them out. Once she decides you’re safe, the puppy in her comes right out, which mostly means a lot of flying toys because she loves tossing them in the air. She gives kisses and paws at her person for attention, and her foster put it simply: “She’s basically a new dog” once she knows you. Nellie likes a balance of quiet time alone with her toys and cuddling up with the people and dogs she trusts. Her signature move is the sneak attack lick: she waits for her foster brother to get comfy on the bed, then plants one on his head in hopes of starting a play session. She loves other dogs and picks up a lot by watching the ones around her. She would thrive in a home with a friendly dog who can show her the ropes. Nellie needs a patient adopter who will let her meet new people on her own schedule and help her explore everything she missed out on as a puppy. She’ll need a home with no young kids, since sudden noise and quick movement can still send her running to hide while she’s learning the world is safe. A yard would be a great bonus, as a place to play and explore. Her adopter will also get a free session with our in-house trainer to help with her shyness as she settles in, and the rest just takes someone who thinks a lick on the face is worth the wait. If you are interested in adopting, head to hitlivingfoundation.org/adopt to apply.