Description
Hi there! My name is Leah, and I’m a four-year-old spayed Shepherd mix weighing about 42 pounds. Aside from taking allergy medication, I’m in great health. I made the journey all the way from ESLR in Mexico, and I’m so excited to find my furever home!
This is actually my very first time living in a home, so it took me a few days to adjust to my foster family and all the new surroundings. But once I settled in, I became a total Velcro pup! I love being near my people and will happily follow my family from room to room. I’m a smart girl who quickly learned the cues for walks, and I’m eager to learn new things.
I’ve already picked up great house manners. I understood right away where to potty, and I respect the house rules – like staying off the furniture after being told. I’m crate-trained and see my crate as my safe, cozy space. When my family leaves, I stay there, though I sometimes feel a little anxious and have chewed a blanket or two. I’m getting better every day! Walking on a leash is still something I’m working on – I can pull and sometimes get excited when I see other dogs, but with continued training I’ll keep improving.
Most of the day I’m a pretty chill girl who enjoys napping in my bed, but I also get fun bursts of energy when I want to play with my toys or soak up some pets. I love long walks, running in the grass, and being outside. I can be a little protective of my family and home and will alert you if I hear something unusual.
Right now, I’m not very comfortable around other dogs and am still working on socialization. I tend to feel threatened by most dogs – especially small ones – and I can also be reactive to cats and other small animals because I have a strong prey drive. The good news is that I absolutely love people, including kids! I’m very affectionate and will happily come say hello, give gentle hand licks, and ask for love.
Some of my favorite things include long walks, hikes, squeaky toys, and sometimes a game of fetch. I can be a little picky with treats, but high-value ones like bully sticks or pig ears definitely get my attention! I adore neck massages, belly rubs, and head scratches. I prefer simple floor-style dog beds over the super fluffy ones, and I enjoy car rides—especially when I can look out the window. Baths and grooming don’t bother me, and I love cuddling up and getting attention.
A few things I’m not a fan of: being picked up (unless it’s to help me into the car), cheese, and certain non-meat treats. And as mentioned, smaller dogs or dogs that seem threatening make me uncomfortable.
More than anything, I’m just so happy to experience life in a home for the first time. I’m full of love and joy and want nothing more than to be close to my people. I’m a quick learner, a great listener, and with a little more training I’ll be the very best girl I can be.
My ideal home would be one without other dogs and with a nice yard where I can run and play. I’d love a family that’s active and enjoys walks, hikes, and outdoor time. Since I’m still getting used to being alone, I’d also do best with someone who’s around most of the day or can give me lots of companionship.
I can’t wait to find a family who will love me as much as I’ll love them. My adoption fee is $350 and that includes spaying/neutering, shots, and microchip. If you want to take me home, please fill out the form on the website here: https://theanimalpad.org/adoption-application/.
