Leni - Hound and Shepherd Dog for Adoption in Mahwah, New Jersey

Meet Leni.

Sometimes, a face just stays with you. We first saw this sweet middle-aged shepherd mix behind the bars of a cage at a local shelter. At about 7 years old and 45 lbs, her gentle face immediately stole our hearts, but that day, we had to walk away.

Leni was found as a stray and was never claimed, so we don’t know much about her past. We believe she’s around seven or eight years old, but she certainly still has plenty of spunk! Just look at that happy dance and the joy on her face as she runs around with her new friend now that she’s out of the shelter.

And that’s the thing about shelter dogs...

You simply cannot always see who they truly are while they’re living behind the bars of a concrete kennel. The shelter environment can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. Once they’re given space, comfort, love, and the chance to decompress, they can blossom right before your eyes.

Despite everything we don’t know about her past, she is sweet, loving, trusting, and affectionate. We don’t believe she was treated badly. She simply needed someone to give her a chance.

Last night was her first night with her wonderful foster family, and they told us she did wonderfully.

We hope Leni’s story inspires even ONE person to open their home and foster a shelter dog in need. We promise—you won’t regret it. There is something incredibly special about watching a scared or overlooked shelter dog discover what it feels like to be safe, loved, and free.

Now it’s Leni’s turn to find her forever family.

Apply at Realdogrescue.org/adopt

The hound dog breed is a diverse group known for their incredible hunting abilities and keen sense of smell. These dogs are esteemed for their athleticism, endurance, and loyalty, making them excellent companions for active individuals and families alike. With a rich history of assisting hunters in tracking and trailing game, hounds possess a strong prey drive and a distinctive bay when on the hunt. Hounds come in various sizes and coat types, each with its unique characteristics, but they all share a remarkable intelligence and a friendly disposition.

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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