Elise - Mixed Breed Dog for Adoption in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Elsie is a highly intelligent, fun, and deeply loving velcro dog with a story that will steal your heart. Rescued from the streets of Texas in late 2024, she made her way to Colorado and found her first home in Golden in March of 2025. Over the past year, Elsie has lived a full and adventurous life — splashing in creeks, frolicking in the snow, logging miles on long walks, making friends at the dog park, and road-tripping across the country. She thrives in a busy, loving environment filled with stimulation and physical activity. Elsie is playful, energetic, and loyal to her core. She's the kind of dog who wants to be right by your side every single moment — and honestly, it's hard not to love her for it. Elsie is a dog who lives by routine and loves it that way. She rises when you rise, walks when you walk, and settles when it's time to settle — she's tuned in to her person in the most endearing way.

Her energy is enthusiastic but wonderfully balanced — she brings her whole heart to playtime and then genuinely knows how to wind down. At the dog park or baseball field, she is in her absolute element: chasing a tennis ball, kicking around a soccer ball, leaping for a frisbee, and racing alongside other dogs with pure joy. One of her signature moves? Wading into the shallow part of the creek and splashing around like she invented the concept of fun.

She has a gift for finding the coziest corner of the couch and nestling herself in perfectly — and once she finds her spot, she's loyal to it. And if you really want to see Elsie in her glory? Take her for a ride with the windows down. Head out, ears back, pure bliss — she is a dog who knows how to live. Elsie's days have a lovely rhythm to them. She gets up when her person gets up and starts the morning with a walk or time in the dog park — non-negotiable and deeply loved. From there, she's happy to head to head home for breakfast and settle in on the couch while you work from home, or find her spot to nap in the car while you run errands. Back at home in the afternoon, she entertains herself with her toys, works through a dog puzzle, and treats a peanut butter and banana Kong like it's a full-time job. She enjoys a late afternoon / early evening stroll before dinner, eats, and then winds down with close cuddles and by nestling in to her bed or the corner of the couch.

Elsie is a dog who loves adventure and also loves coming home. While routine is good for her, she is generally very flexible with different environments as long as there are people and dogs around she will be just fine. Elsie would thrive in a home where someone is present for most of the day — she does best with consistency, companionship, and a calm but active routine. She is good with other dogs and comfortable around children, making her a wonderful fit for a family or a multi-dog household. Access to outdoor space — a yard, nearby trails, or open fields — would make her very happy.

Her ideal person is patient, experienced with dogs, and ready to commit to her emotional journey. Elsie doesn't need a perfect home — she needs a devoted one. Elsie knows her basic commands — sit, stay, and come — and is house-trained, though it's worth noting that her journey to being fully house-trained took time and patience due to anxiety-related accidents early on. She is largely reliable at home now, but if left alone for extended periods, there is a possibility of an accident.

Elsie's root challenge is anxiety when left alone, and several behaviors stem from it: barking and howling when left alone for long periods of time, incontinence under stress, and signs of emotional distress if her routine is disrupted. She has not yet started formal training for her anxiety, and her new family will want to prioritize working with a trainer experienced in separation anxiety. With the right support and consistency, she has every capacity to continue improving — she is smart, responsive, and deeply bonded to the people she trusts. Elsie is spayed, up-to-date on all vaccinations (with paperwork and tags to prove it), and microchipped. She does not currently have any diagnosed medical conditions beyond anxiety. Elsie's primary special need is her anxiety, which requires real commitment from her new family. She will need an owner who is home most of the day, a consistent daily routine, a trainer experienced in separation anxiety, and a conversation with a vet about medication options. She should not be placed in a home where she will regularly be left alone for long periods.

With patience, structure, and love, Elsie is an incredibly rewarding dog. She gives everything she has to the people she loves — she simply needs a family ready to meet her there. Elsie knows her basic commands — sit, stay, and come — and is house-trained, though it's worth noting that her journey to being fully house-trained took time and patience due to anxiety-related accidents early on. She is largely reliable at home now, but if left alone for extended periods, there is a possibility of an accident.

Elsie walks well on the leash but there is room for improvement. She is mostly friendly with all dog breeds - it just takes her a few minutes to warm up to a dog that she is meeting for the first time.

Elsie lived with another dog for 8 months in our space, and during that time several other dogs (foster dogs, other dogs that were being watched for short periods of time) had lived in our space with Elsie. She enjoyed having other companions in the house. These dogs were also good role models for Elsie to learn from.

Elsie's root challenge is anxiety when left alone, and several behaviors stem from it: barking and howling when left alone for long periods of time, incontinence under stress, and signs of emotional distress if her routine is disrupted. She has not yet started formal training for her anxiety, and her new family will want to prioritize working with a trainer experienced in separation anxiety. With the right support and consistency, she has every capacity to continue improving — she is smart, responsive, and deeply bonded to the people she trusts.

One of my litter mates had DNA testing that showed results: 53% Australian Shepherd, 40% American Pitty and 7% Boxer. My DNA may be similar or quite different

Please visit www.KarlsCanineKrew.org to apply to adopt.
We do not accept 3rd party applications

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.