Siberian Husky and Basenji Dogs Available for Adoption in San Rafael, California

**Meet Happy**

Happy is a big, gentle white Husky mix who spent nearly three months at Devore Shelter, one of the longest residents there. At a shelter like Devore, that kind of stay is remarkable, and it speaks volumes about who he is. He wasn’t loud, he wasn’t difficult, he wasn’t a problem. When his kennel mates would get stressed and turn on him, Happy would curl up in the back of his kennel and try to make himself as small as possible. He never fought back. He just waited for it to be over.

He’s now in foster care and slowly starting to exhale.

Who Happy is:

Happy wants to trust people. He really does. He’s already warming up to his foster dad Wes through patience, calm energy, and a few well-timed treats. Wes feeding him dinner each night has made a real difference. He knows “sit,” which tells us someone put time into him once. He gets along well with other dogs and has shown zero aggression, though he gravitates toward calmer companions rather than rowdy playmates. He even stood nose to nose with a cat at the fence and responded with nothing but a tail wag.

He is, however, carrying some heavy history. He flinches at sudden hand movements, even ones not directed at him, which tells us he has been hit before. He’s been resource guarding his foster mom a little, which makes complete sense for a dog who hasn’t had a safe person in a very long time. These are things we are actively working on with him.

What Happy needs:

Happy needs an adult-only home with patient, calm humans who understand that trust is earned slowly with a dog like this. He needs someone who won’t rush him, won’t raise their voice, and will let him set the pace. A calmer dog companion in the home could be wonderful for him. He may also do well with cats based on what we’ve seen so far.

He has so much love to give. He just needs someone willing to show him it’s finally safe to give it.

*Interested in Happy? Reach out to learn more about his adoption process and how to give this sweet boy the fresh start he deserves.* l

The Basenji is a small hunting dog known for its unique traits, including a highly distinctive yodel like sound instead of a typical bark, and the inability to bark like other dogs. Originating from Africa, these intelligent and curious dogs are independent, agile, and alert, making them excellent companions for active individuals or families with experience handling their assertive nature. Recognized for their clean habits and cat like grooming behavior, basenjis require regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive in a loving home environment.

The Siberian Husky is a medium sized working dog breed known for its striking appearance and friendly demeanor. Originating from Siberia, these dogs are well adapted to cold climates and are recognizable for their distinctive wolf like appearance, including piercing almond shaped eyes and a thick double coat. Siberian Huskies are known for their high energy levels, intelligence, and strong willed nature, making them best suited for active families and experienced dog owners who can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.