Lia | 5 y/o | 25 lbs | Shepherd Mix
Lia: a sweet, devoted girl looking for an experienced foster who enjoys training.
Lia traveled from Mexico to find her person. She's loving, loyal, and smart, and she also needs an experienced, committed handler. She isn't a good fit for a first-time dog owner or a casual foster. With the right person, she's very manageable and has a lot of progress ahead of her.
Her background
In Mexico, Lia lived in a pack of 20+ dogs and had to fend for herself to meet her basic needs. As a result, she values everything: her food, her space, her people, and her attention. She has had a taste of the good life and she doesn't want to share.
What Lia needs
An experienced foster who enjoys training. She needs someone comfortable with guarding behaviors who will set clear rules, learn her cues, and manage her environment. This is an ongoing training commitment, not a quick fix.
Structure and routine. She does best with predictable days and clear expectations.
Crate or separation when new people enter the home. She is crate trained, and she should be crated or separated whenever visitors, guests, or workers come in.
No other animals. She currently lives with cats, but she doesn't want to share her people, space, or affection and does best as the only pet. She is dog reactive and will need a foster who can work on redirecting her attention, positive reinforcement recommended.
No small children. She needs a quieter, steadier household than young kids provide.
Someone home more than not. After a lot of transition, she can feel anxious about being left. She may vocalize for the first few minutes when you leave, then settle in her crate.
A slow introduction. She warms up to new people on her own terms. Let her come to you and offer a sniff before any petting.
Who she is when she feels safe
Once Lia decides you're her person, she's all in. Give her a day or less and she'll stick to your side, curl up on you, and show you she's yours. She's a dedicated cuddler. She's mostly house-trained, walks well on leash (aside from distractions), learns quickly, loves a good zoomie session, and has a playful, silly side that comes out as she settles in.
The bottom line
Lia is a dog who has lived a hard life and is hopeful about the next chapter. She needs the right match: someone patient, consistent, and committed to the work. If that's you, she'll give you everything she has.
Vaccinated for Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella. Neutered and microchipped. Tested for vector-borne illnesses. Current on flea, tick, and heart worm prevention.
To apply to foster/foster-to-adopt Lia, visit our website (www.waggytailrescue.org) for a foster application. It is important to fill out an application as soon as possible for consideration, and we require a complete application for you to meet an animal. We are currently unable to respond to general email inquiries as an all-volunteer run rescue. If the dog is on our website, they are still available.
Waggytail Rescue CANNOT guarantee the exact age of any adoptable dog, or final size of any of our adoptable puppies. We rely on the information provided to us by veterinarians, shelters, owner surrenders and other circumstances bringing the dog into our rescue.
Questions: adopt@waggytailrescue.org
MAPLE
Domestic Short Hair
🇺🇸
New York, New York
female, small, baby
Domestic Short Hair
New York, New York
