Fiona *Arriving 11/21* D13057 - Chihuahua and Australian Shepherd Dog for Adoption

Not every girl needs to be the life of the party. Fiona is more of a cozy evening, leisurely walk, cuddle on the couch kind of gal. And we think that's pretty perfect!

Fiona is a sweet, gentle, intelligent girl who may be a little shy when meeting new people, but give her a couple of minutes and she'll start warming up. Once she feels comfortable, she'll happily slide right into your arms, roll over, and request the belly rubs she knows she deserves.

Fiona loves evening walks and walks SO WELL on a leash! She does great in the car, is very intelligent, and already knows some basic commands. Fiona enjoys toys but generally prefers relaxing over playing. Bonus! Fiona has successfully lived around poultry! She coexists well with calm dogs and may benefit from having a confident canine friend.

Fiona appreciates a calm, predictable environment and can be sensitive around young children. Her previous foster noted that she seemed fearful around a toddler and growled when introduced to an infant. Because of this, we feel Fiona would be most comfortable in a home without young children. Her experience with older children is unknown. She hasn't been exposed to cats, so that compatibility is unknown as well.

A few things her future family should know:
She's making progress with potty training but may still have an occasional accident.
She may bark along when other dogs alert to strangers.
She's comfortable being crated but hasn't learned a crate command.
She's a smart girl who enjoys mental stimulation and enrichment.
She may need a little patience as she settles into a new home and routine.

Fiona loves her evening walks, cozy cuddles, and being near her people. She's looking for a home that appreciates a quieter companion and understands that sometimes the sweetest friendships take a little time to bloom.

If your idea of happiness is a peaceful home, a walking buddy, and a sweet girl who will happily roll over for belly rubs, Fiona might just be your perfect match!

Fiona is from Texas. They arrive in Minnesota on 11/21/2026 and will need to be picked up from the Ruff Start Rescue office in Princeton, MN between the hours of 8:30am and 11:00am. Please plan for their arrival accordingly as we cannot accommodate pickups outside of this time frame. Since they haven't arrived yet, they are available exclusively through Ruff Start's Foster to Adopt (FTA) Program. Visit our Foster to Adopt Program page to learn more. Once they get to Minnesota, they might require further veterinary care. Ruff Start's veterinary suite is located in Princeton, MN, and, as the foster, you will be required to transport your dog to and from these vetting appointments.
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*Rescue puppies are notorious for losing their birth certificates before entering our rescue. We cannot guarantee the breed or size they will be full grown.*

The Australian Shepherd is a highly intelligent and energetic herding dog known for its loyalty and work ethic. Originating in the United States, despite its name, this breed is prized for its agility, trainability, and versatility in various dog sports and activities. Australian Shepherds have a distinctive medium length coat that comes in different colors, often with unique merle patterns. With proper training, socialization, and exercise, these dogs make excellent companions for active families and individuals seeking a devoted and playful four legged friend.

The Chihuahua is a small breed famous for its confidence, loyalty, and big personality, despite its tiny size. Originating from Mexico, these dogs are known for their large, expressive eyes and alert, curious nature. Chihuahuas make excellent companions, forming strong bonds with their owners and displaying a protective nature. They come in a variety of coat colors and patterns, with both long and short coats, making them a diverse and adorable addition to any family.

Our vision is simple: We strive for a world where every companion animal has a safe and loving forever home...