Black Labrador Retriever and Shepherd Dogs Available for Adoption in Los Gatos, California

🐾 MEET JUNIPER 🐾 He came from the desert with nothing — and somehow already has everything figured out.

📌 Age: ~10 weeks | Mix: Shepherd × Lab × Husky × Cattle Dog | Size: Will grow to medium-large
✅ Dog Friendly | ✅ Kid Friendly | ✅ Cat Friendly

His story
Somewhere on the Navajo Nation in the Arizona desert, seven tiny puppies decided they weren't done yet. No mom. No shelter. No food or water. Just scorching heat, wide open land, and seven scrappy little souls who had absolutely no idea they were supposed to give up.

One of those puppies is Juniper. And he made it.
He and his 6 siblings were found abandoned on the Rez at just a few weeks old — alone together in conditions that would have broken most. But this little boy came out the other side with his dark eyes bright, his white chest puffed, and that signature head tilt that says "I see you, and I think you might be exactly what I've been looking for."

Spoiler: he's right.

WHO HE IS
Look at him sitting on that couch like he already owns the place because, in his mind? He does! Juniper has the kind of quiet confidence that only comes from a puppy who's already been through something real and decided the world is still worth showing up for. He's dark and handsome with a white blaze on his chest, white-tipped paws that look like he got dressed up for the occasion, and a tail that curls just enough to let you know he's pleased with himself.

He is going to be something. Shepherd smarts. Lab loyalty. Husky spirit. Cattle dog tenacity. All of it wrapped in a sleek dark coat with just enough white to make him look like he's wearing a tuxedo to his own adoption.

He'll be the dog who learns your routine before you've even noticed he's paying attention. The one who's already waiting at the door when you grab your keys. The one your kids will grow up telling stories about.

What he needs
Juniper will grow into a medium-to-large dog with a working dog brain and a soul that needs a real home to pour himself into. He'll thrive with an active family, consistent training, and someone who understands that a dog this smart needs a job. Even if that job is just being your very best friend.

He already survived the desert. Now he just needs someone to hand him the keys.

Ready to fall in LUV? Fill out an application at muttluvrescue.org.

All Mutt Luv Rescue pups receive a full health checkup, heartworm and parasite testing, are fully vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered before adoption.

The black Labrador Retriever is a popular and versatile breed known for its friendly nature, intelligence, and loyalty. They are agile, keen swimmers with a strong work ethic, making them excellent hunting and service dogs. Their glossy black coat is low maintenance and sheds minimally, while their friendly temperament makes them great family pets. Black Labs are known for their outgoing personalities and eagerness to please, making them loving companions in various roles and settings.

The shepherd dog breed encompasses a versatile group known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong work ethic. With a heritage deeply rooted in herding and protecting livestock, shepherds excel at various tasks ranging from obedience and agility competitions to search and rescue missions. Their protective nature makes them excellent family pets, offering unwavering devotion and a natural instinct to watch over and care for their loved ones. In addition to their remarkable abilities, shepherds are often characterized by their distinctive appearance, including a sturdy build, alert expression, and a signature double coat that provides insulation and protection in various climates.

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