Pit Bull Terrier and Mixed Breed Dogs Available for Adoption in Kansas City, Missouri

Pet Location: Nellie is currently living in a foster home! If you'd like to schedule a time to meet her, please contact Wayside Adoptions at (816) 986-4426.

My Friends at Wayside say:
- I am a graduate of Confidence College. In this program, I gained confidence and learned that the world is not so scary. My adoption comes with a free 30-minute private training session.
- Once I warm up, I've been described as a wiggly, goofy and social girl!
- I’m housebroken when kept on a schedule in my foster home.
- Volunteers say that I walk well on leash.
- I am eligible for a Slumber Pawty, a 7-10 day in-home trial period. If you already have a dog at home, the Slumber Pawty is required. Please visit our website for additional information.

My home needs are:
- I need a home with kids 6 years and older since I tend to be nervous around new people and loud noises.
- Wayside recommends I have a home without other dogs - I prefer having your attention all to myself! If you do have a dog in the home, I must meet them prior to adoption to ensure that we can be buddies.
- For my safety, I need to go home on an anti-slip collar called a martingale collar. For your convenience, we sell them in our retail store, Whiskers and Wags.

Hi there, I’m Nellie! I have the sweetest nature and the world’s softest fur. You’ll understand what I mean when you come to meet me. I’m shy at first, too, and it takes me extra time to grow comfortable with you. But I’m brave and resilient, and I’m ready to blossom into the silly, happy dog that I was always meant to be. Once we bond, you’ll find yourself smiling as I bounce around in pure joy playing with my toys or as I rest my head gently in your lap, soaking up all the love and attention you show me. Ah, I can’t wait to be your best buddy. I hope you want that too.

I’m an adorable, 1-year old, 47-pound sweetheart, with beautiful brindle fur, gentle, soulful eyes, and an unassuming, lovely, goofy personality. I’m already housebroken, too, as long as you keep me on a schedule and get me out regularly. A kind stranger found me as a stray and brought me to safety at Wayside. While it felt good to be cared for and loved, the big shelter felt awfully stressful to a shy gal like me. I enrolled in Wayside’s Confidence College, where I made so much progress and met lots of new friends. And then the best day ever happened, when my favorite volunteers took me home and became my foster parents. Suddenly, I felt wanted and loved and like I belonged. That felt so nice.

Living in a home was new and strange and scary, especially at first, so my foster parents let me take my time and go at my own pace, which helped to put me at ease. Still, the first several days were spent watching and observing from afar and learning about things like stairs and doorways and environmental noises that were new and startling to me. I’m a sensitive soul, so my foster parents are never harsh with me. Instead, positive reinforcement, praise, and gentle encouragement help me learn what’s expected of me as my confidence continues to build. I love to learn, so I hope you’ll train me throughout my life. Training is a great way for us to bond and I’m eager to make you proud.

Since those first few days, I’ve made myself right at home. I like to stay close to my foster parents, often following them from room to room, comforted just knowing they’re nearby. I have excellent house manners. Someone is typically home with me, which I love, but I can be trusted alone in the house when they run errands and whatnot. I’m a little nervous when my foster parents first leave, but I settle down quickly, and I don’t bother a thing, other than an occasional shoe that they forget to put away. Oops! I’m still learning. Still, it’s easy to redirect me with my toys. I like to destroy the stuffy toys, play fetch with the ball toys, and bark at the enrichment brain toys, as I try to get them to release the treats. It’s all quite amusing and entertaining to watch my silly antics.

I love everything about living in a real home! My favorite thing is peacefully sleeping through the night on the bed with my foster parents. I sleep so soundly that sometimes they have to wake me up in the morning. The luxury of a quiet, relaxing night of sleep with people I love is something I’ll never take for granted. Once I get to know you, I love to cuddle and snuggle and get belly rubs and massages and plenty of pets. I’m a mostly quiet, calm, gentle friend. When I’m feeling extra happy and excited, I sometimes get the zoomies, forgetting my insecurities as I run and play at full speed.

Daily exercise helps me stay happy, healthy, and calm. I’d love to have a fenced yard to play in. I am a flight risk, so I will always need to be in a secure area or on a leash. My foster parents take me for several walks each day. I enjoy walking, and I have excellent leash manners, using my easy-walk harness, although I sometimes pull if I see a squirrel or a bunny, and I like to occasionally pause to investigate interesting smells. I get excited to greet other dogs I meet along the way with play bows and wiggles. I’m not really interested in meeting new people though, and I prefer walking in quiet, familiar areas where I know what to expect. I get startled with strange noises and loud traffic. Sometimes Foster Mom loads me into her car and takes me for play group fun at Wayside with the other shelter dogs that I’ve met. Still, back at home, I like her attention all to myself. If you have another dog, I will need to meet them before we go home together. I hope to find a quiet and calm home without a lot of commotion and with kids over the age of at least 6, who will respect my boundaries and give me space.

Life can be so unpredictable. One day you’re all alone in the world, and the next thing you know, someone special believes in you and makes all the difference in your life. That’s what happened to me when my foster parents gave me a chance to shine. They taught me that I can do this! I can be a beloved family dog who shows unconditional love and loyalty every single day. Let me do that for you. Let me make your life better just by being your dog.

Love, Nellie

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 Pit Bull Terrier is a resilient and loyal breed known for its muscular build and loving nature. Originally bred for bull baiting and later dog fighting, Pit Bulls today are beloved family pets cherished for their gentle temperament and playful personality. With proper training and socialization, Pit Bull Terriers make affectionate companions that thrive on human interaction. Recognized for their strength and agility, these dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to channel their energy positively, reinforcing their reputation as devoted and trainable pets.

Preparing pets and people for the bond of their lives.