Shepherd Dogs Available for Adoption in Martinez, California

THIS DOG IS CURRENTLY LOCATED IN WASHINGTON. THEIR ADOPTION DONATION IS $400 AND INCLUDES TRANSPORT. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE BIO, AS IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ADOPTION AND SCREENING PROCESS.

Our process begins with an application. If we believe it may be a good match, we will reach out to schedule a phone interview, followed by a video call with the foster home. A virtual home visit, along with personal and veterinary reference checks, are required to complete the adoption process. Once approved, the dog will be placed on the next available transport, which runs every few weeks and is included in the adoption donation. If you are not able to welcome a dog until a later date, please wait to apply until that time.

We are a volunteer-run rescue and donate our time to help these dogs find homes. If you are not serious about moving forward with the adoption process, please do not apply. If other people in your household are part of the decision, please make sure they are fully on board before submitting an application. This helps ensure we respect everyone’s time.

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Meet Penny —she’s something really special! At just 10 months old, 52 lbs, and already full of personality, this spayed girl is equal parts adventure buddy, Velcro dog, and goofy young pup still figuring out the world. Penny is being fostered in Washougal, Washington, and she has the kind of soulful eyes that somehow manage to look mischievous and full of love all at once.

Penny is available for adoption out-of-state. Transport can be arranged for approved adopters and is included in the adoption donation. Our process starts with an application. If we think you might be a good fit, we’ll reach out to coordinate a phone interview, followed by a video call with her foster home. A virtual home visit, along with personal and vet reference checks, are required to complete the process.

Penny is still very much a puppy — energetic, curious, emotional, and eager to soak up the world around her. She came into foster care not really knowing much at all. Basic training, play, routines… it was all new to her. But she’s learning at lightning speed and has already made incredible progress in a short amount of time. She already knows sit and down, comes running when called across the yard, and walks nicely on a harness. Her foster describes her as “an amazing dog waiting to happen,” and honestly, it’s easy to see why.

She’s high-energy and thrives when she has an outlet for both her body and brain. Long walks, hikes, play sessions, exploring the yard, learning new things — Penny is happiest when she’s engaged. She would absolutely excel in an active home and could thrive in advanced training, agility, or other dog sports down the road. She’s smart enough that you can practically see her thinking through things in real time.

Penny is fantastic with other dogs, though she’s still learning appropriate puppy manners during play. She can come in hot with lots of enthusiasm and energy, especially at the beginning of play sessions, but she responds appropriately to corrections from stable adult dogs and is learning boundaries well. She especially enjoys chase-style play and bouncing around with canine friends. Her foster feels she may benefit from having another dog in the home, particularly one who can continue helping guide her socially.

She hasn’t lived with cats, though she has shown curiosity toward a bird without aggression. Around people, Penny is affectionate, loving, and incredibly people-oriented. She wants attention, seeks out affection, and will happily soak up pets and kisses whenever available. Her foster says her love feels “boundless,” and that when Penny looks at you, her eyes soften in a way that radiates warmth.

Penny has been around older children and done wonderfully. Her foster believes she could also do well with younger children as long as the family understands that she is still a young dog learning manners and structure. She’ll need patience, consistency, and continued guidance as she matures.

On leash, Penny likes to lead the pack and stay close to her people and dog friends. She’s alert and curious on walks and may bark when she sees another dog she wants to meet, but she’s already improving with positive reinforcement and treat redirection. She initially struggled with stairs and was too nervous to use them, but now confidently cruises up and down like she’s always known how.

Penny is still polishing up her house training, but she’s making steady progress and is already showing signs that she’ll fully catch on quickly. She’s beginning to signal when she needs to go out and is developing a predictable routine. She crate sleeps peacefully overnight as long as she knows someone is nearby, though she doesn’t love being separated from the action during the day. Penny very much wants to be part of the family and should not be crated excessively.

One of the cutest things about Penny is her confidence transformation. Not long ago, she was too timid to even walk comfortably on leash. Recently, while out hiking, she climbed onto a huge root system on the trail, proudly leapt down when called, and stood there looking so proud of herself. Her foster says when Penny runs and plays in the field, “you can see her eyes smile.”

She also has six toes on her back feet that turn outward slightly, which somehow makes her even more endearing.

Penny’s ideal home is one that wants a true companion dog — a dog who wants to be involved, included, loved on, and mentally engaged. She would thrive with active people who enjoy walks, adventures, training, or simply giving a smart young dog the structure and affection she craves. Most of all, Penny needs a family willing to continue helping her blossom into the incredible dog she’s clearly becoming.

Her foster says she’s one in a million, and after meeting her, it’s hard not to agree.
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***Listed BREED and AGE - We are taking our best guess & recommendations from our veterinarian on age, breed and size when fully grown. We rarely know a dog's exact age nor are we able to tell the true or full breed mix of dogs as our information is limited most of the time. ***

Interested in applying to adopt? Fill out an adoption application at the link below!

https://new.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/PRP/Dog

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.