SHADOW - Maltese and Mixed Breed Dog for Adoption in Santa Cruz, California

Meet Shadow, the 1 year old maltese mix. Shadow came into the Shelter after his previous guardian was moving and unable to take her dogs with her. Shadow arrived to the Shelter with his “sister” Luna Estrella. They could be adopted together but also could be adopted separately. In her previous home, Shadow lived with a 6 year old child and did well. He does not have experience living with felines. He used pee pads in his previous home for house training. Adopters should anticipate some time and patience transitioning from pee-pads to pottying outdoors. Shadow can be cautious of new people but with time and patience, he warms up. Adopters should prioritize decompression and acclimation as Shadow gets to know his new family and environment. As he gets comfortable and learns the ropes of his new home, adopters can slowly expand his social circle and routines. Shadow is available for pre-adoption. Come meet, fall in love and take him home after his neuter surgery. The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation is now offering “Pawsitivity Bucks” with every dog adoption. This $200 training voucher is a way for newly adopted canines and their guardians to connect with local positive reinforcement based behavior consultants and get their relationship started off on the right paw! Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.

The Maltese is a small toy breed known for its glamorous white coat, which is long, silky, and virtually hypoallergenic. They are gentle, affectionate companion dogs that thrive on human companionship and make wonderful family pets. Maltese dogs are playful, intelligent, and alert, with a confident demeanor despite their small size. They require regular grooming to maintain their luxurious coat and are suitable for apartment living due to their size and adaptability.

The mixed breed dogs, often referred to as mutts, are a diverse and unique group with a blend of different characteristics from various purebred dog breeds. These dogs come from a mixture of lineages, resulting in a wide range of sizes, coat types, and temperaments. While each mixed breed dog is distinct in its own right, they are known for their resilience, adaptability, and often have fewer health issues compared to purebred dogs due to their genetic diversity. Mixed breed dogs make wonderful companions for families looking for a loyal and one-of-a-kind pet.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is a non-profit Joint Powers Authority (EIN 90-0039494) serving the County of Santa Cruz,...