Dogs Available for Adoption through Owner Placement

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URGENT! Needs new home by
May 1 or will end up in shelter.

"Rocco" is an approx 90-lb, 6-yo neutered male GSD who is playful, loveable and sociable. Rocco is healthy and current on his core vaccinations.

Rocco is very friendly with everyone he meets, both inside the house and otherwise; he instantly wants to go up and play with them. Rocco has been around young children and does great with them.

Rocco is great w/ other dogs of all sizes; he loves to play with them. He has lived with a Labrador for the past 2 years and has also been around dogs in doggy daycare at Petsmart. He lived with a Chihuahua for a year and just followed him around and played with him.

Rocco has never lived with cats but he does not chase the stray cats that wamder into the yard. So, he might be OK in a home with a dog-savvy cat or cats.

Rocco is fully housetrained and well-behaved inside. He sleeps either inside on his dog bed or outside in his dog house.

Rocco received basic obedience training when he was a puppy and has been to doggy daycare many times. He walks great on leash and is non-reactive towards other dogs—other than wanting to go up to greet them. His off-leash recall is pretty good.

Rocco loves riding in the car and jumps right in on his own. He is excited at first and then calms down. He loves hanging his head out the window when the car is moving.

Rocco loves to play fetch with balls. He has never been swimming.

Rocco’s person Becky received him as a gift from her stepdad when he was a puppy. Rocco always lived at Becky’s stepdad’s house but she visited Rocco daily. Becky’s stepdad died recently and her stepbrother moved into the house. The stepbrother does not want to keep Rocco and Becky is unable to take Rocco into her apartment.The stepbrother has told Becky she has only until May 1 to find Rocco a new home, at which time Becky will have to bring Rocco to the shelter if he has not been adopted.

Rocco is located in North Sacramento. His adoption fee is $100, per GSRSV’s insistence.

Please contact Becky Nassar at 415-623-0205 or beckyfindingdory@gmail.com to inquire about Rocco.

Posted 4-23-23

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Posted 4-23-23

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Simi Valley, CA (Ventura County)

"Maggie" is a 50-lb, approx 2-yo spayed female GSD mix who is energetic, smart & curious. She is healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations and microchipped.

Maggie is friendly with strangers in the house when properly introduced and OK with them outside of the house. She is patient and tolerant with the four-yr old boy she lives with.

Maggie got along fine with the little dog she lived with in her previous home. However, she’s quite reactive towards other dogs that she sees on walks. One time she slipped her harness and went after another dog; however, she did not attack the dog—there was just a lot of posturing and vocalization. Maggie likely just needs more socialization with other dogs.

The only cat that Maggie has encountered in her present home was on a walk—she seemed like she really wanted to go after the cat. So, a home without cats is best for Maggie.

Maggie is housetrained; however, her people keep her crated when they are away from the house. Maggie also sleeps inside her crate.

Maggie walks pretty good on leash.and is getting better with time. When returning to the house from a walk she will sit and stay when her person goes inside and she waits for the command to come in. Her off-leash recall is pretty good, too—at least in the back yard.

Maggie’s previous person said she did really good in the car, though her present people have yet to take her anywhere in a vehicle.

Maggie enjoys playing tug-of-war with her rope toys and running after her squeaky ball. She also likes to play with the water from a hose.

 Maggie’s people adopted her from a friend of a friend who had adopted her from the LA County shelter in Lancaster around September 2022. The adopter lives in a condominium without any yard and decided that it wasn’t fair to keep Maggie in the condo.

Maggie’s present people (George & his wife) have come to realize that they don’t have the time to give Maggie the consistency and training she deserves. Their son is about to undergo his third open-heart surgery, and that, too, has played a part in their decision to rehome Maggie.

Maggie is located in Simi Valley (Ventura County), but George is willing to transport her a great distance for the right home. Maggie’s adoption fee is $100, per GSRSV’s insistence.

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Antelope, CA

"Bear" is an 80-lb, 22-mos old neutered male GSD mix who is energetic, intelligent, and protective. Bear is in good health and up-to-date on core vaccinations.

Bear Is generally friendly with people. He’ll initially bark at people he is introduced to In the house, then settles down and is approachable. When meeting people out on walks, sometimes he welcomes attention and sometimes he barks or growls. Bear has yet to be introduced to young children.

Bear DOES NOT DO WELL with other dogs. On neutral ground, such as a dog park, Bear barks, lunges and growls at other dogs. He is especially reactive towards other dogs when on leash.

Bear is also NOT GOOD with cats. In fact, that is the very reason he is up for adoption.

Bear Is housetrained and has very good manners inside. To keep him separate from their cats, his people do crate him when they are gone for about two hours or less. Otherwise, they keep the cats in a room upstairs and let Bear have free reign of the downstairs floor and access to outside via a dog door.

Bear has received formal obedience training from two trainers. He walks very well on leash, except when he sees other dogs or cats. Bear loves to ride in a vehicle and is a polite passenger for the most part. He does like to sit in the passenger seat, but if occupied will eventually defer to the existing passenger.

Bear loves to play “find It”, fetch, and to solve food puzzles. His favorite toys include tennis balls, a flirt pole, squeaky toys and socks.

Bear’s people adopted Bear from the Sacramento SPCA back in June 2022. Though they love Bear, they have been unable to socialize him with their cats—even with the assistance of two professional trainers. Since the cats were there first, they’ve decided to seek a new home for Bear.

Bear is located in Antelope, CA. His adoption fee is $100.

Please contact Sabrina Cruz at either 916-365-3171 or sabrinac2222@gmail.com

Posted 2-3-23

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Mather, CA
(near Rancho Cordova)

"Sky" is a 55-lb, nearly 16-month old (born 10-5-2021) intact female GSD/Belgian Malinois who is family-friendly, very protective and intelligent. Sky was DNA-tested and the results showed she is 50/50 GSD and Belgian Malinois. Sky is healthy and current on core vaccinations.

Sky is somewhat cautious with people she meets at the house with a proper introduction, but is generally friendly. She does jump up on people in her excitement. When encountering people out on a walk, certain body movements can trigger an aggressive response from her.

Sky is friendly with children, but due to her tendency to jump on people, a home without small children is recommended. (The jumping behavior is fairly easy to curb.)

Sky is guarded towards other dogs when she first meets them. If they are friendly, she is OK with them, but initially cautious. If they act aggressively towards her, she reacts in kind. When Sky plays, she likes to play rough, so a home with NO SMALL DOGS is in order.

Sky is not good with cats, so a home with NO CATS is in order.

Sky has been kept as an outdoor dog since she was a puppy, for a couple of reasons. First, a family member has allergies towards Sky. Second, she urinates when she gets excited—a habit her person has been unable to remedy.

Sky sleeps in the garage or outside (which she has access to via a dog door).

Sky walks OK on leash, but is very reactive towards other dogs that she sees on walks, lunging and barking at them. So, she’ll need work in this area. She has fairly good recall off-leash.

Sky rides very well in a vehicle.

Sky likes to play fetch and enjoys swimming.

Sky was abandoned at the worksite of the father of his person (Boris) when she was only two months old. The father took her home. Now, Boris is seeking a new home for Sky because he is moving into an apartment and his father is unable to keep Sky due to his health.

There is no adoption fee for Sky. However, because she has yet to be spayed, a refundable $300 spay deposit will be required of Sky’s adopter(s). The adopter will be allowed ninety days to have Sky spayed. Once proof of altering is provided, the $300 deposit will be refunded. This will all be in writing.

Sky is located in Mather, near Rancho Cordova.

Posted 1-26-23

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Sacramento, CA

"Skye" is a 1½-yo intact female GSD/Husky mix who is loving, playful and energetic. Skye is healthy and received her distemper/parvo (DHPP) vaccinations as a puppy. She is due for her DHPP booster and also needs an initial rabies vaccination.

Skye is shy and a little uneasy with strangers at first, but easily warms up with lots of petting and love. She is great with young children, having grown up with a (now) 5 -yr old boy

Skye is great with other dogs. She loves the dog park and loves chasing or running from other dogs. Skye has encountered small dogs at the dog park and has done well with them, too.

Skye is NOT good with cats.

Skye is housetrained, but her person (Yvette) does keep her in a crate when she’s gone from the house. Skye also sleeps in a crate at night.

Skye received basic obedience training when she was a puppy. She obeys basic commands such as sit, lay, roll over, place, speak, etc. Yvette usually walks her with a no-pull harness such as an “Easy Walk.” Without it, she pulls a lot—especially when she sees other dogs (she wants to play with them). Skye would benefit from more leash training as well as off-leash training.

Skye enjoys car rides and is a good passenger.

Skye likes to play “Find It,” where Yvette and her kids hide treats in another room for her to sniff out and find. She also likes to run outdoors, play tug of war, and play fetch—although she doesn’t always bring the ball or toy back. Her favorite toy is her squishy octopus that sounds like crinkling plastic bags.

Skye likes to play with water but has yet to be brought to a place she can swim.

Yvette purchased Skye from a private party when she was seven weeks old. She is now seeking a new home for her because she no longer have the time or finances to properly care for her. Yvette is a single mother who has recently had to get a second job. Between working two jobs and bringing her two boys to sports activities, she has not been able to give Skye much time or attention. Additionally, she has a family member living with her who is allergic to dog dander.

There is no adoption fee for Skye. However, because she has yet to be spayed, a $300 spay deposit will be required. Skye’s adopter will have 90 days to have her spayed. Once the adopter provides evidence of Skye’s spay surgery, Yvette will refund the full $300 deposit. This will all be in writing.

Skye is located in Sacramento.

Please contact Yvette Vuittonet at (916) 805-1523 or vuittonetyv@gmail.com.

Posted 12-9-22

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Carmichael, CA

"Odin" is an approx 5-yo intact male GSD who is very affectionate, playful and energetic. Odinis healthy and current on his distemper/parvo vaccination but the status of his rabies vaccination.is unknown. 

Odin is a real people-dog and wants to love on everyone he meets. It’s unknown how Odin is with young children, but his temperament suggests that he’d be great with them. 

Odin is very good with other dogs. He lives with his brother from the same litter, and even though they are both intact males, they get along well. It’s unknown how Odin is with little dogs, though. 

Odin has not been around cats, so only homes WITHOUT CATS will be considered. 

Odin has primarily been kept outside since the time he was a puppy. However, he sleeps inside during inclement weather and does not have any accidents. 

Odin has not had any formal training, but obeys some basic commands, including “wait” before he is allowed to eat his food. Odin has not been walked on leash by his present caregiver so she’s unable to say how he does on leash. 

Odin loves to go for rides in a car, though he does drool sometimes. He likes to play fetch and wade in water (not full-on swim). 

Odin and his brother Apollo were left at the home of their caretaker (Angie) by her boyfriend a year ago when they went their separate ways. Angie is now seeking a new home for the dogs because she works three jobs and does not have time to give them the attention and exercise they need.  

Odin  is located in Carmichael. There is no adoption fee for him, but a $300 refundable neuter deposit is required (per GSRSV’s policy) from the adopter to ensure that Odin is neutered within 90 days of adoption. Once the adopter provides proof of neutering, then Angie will refund the $300. This will all be in writing.

Please contact Angie Pantis at 916-514-1753 or glitterbomb02@yahoo.com.

Posted 11-8-22

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Carmichael, CA

"Apollo" is an approx 5-yo intact male GSD who is playful, energetic and friendly. Apollo is healthy and current on his distemper/parvo vaccination but the status of his rabies vaccination.is unknown. 

Apollo is initially reserved with new people, but very friendly once he gets to know you. It’s unknown how Apollo is with young children, but his temperament suggests that he’d be fine with them. 

Apollo is very good with other dogs. He lives with his brother from the same litter, and even though they are both intact males, they get along well. It’s unknown how Apollo is with little dogs, though. 

Apollo has not been around cats, so only homes WITHOUT CATS will be considered. 

Apollo has primarily been kept outside since the time he was a puppy. However, he sleeps inside during inclement weather and does not have any accidents. 

Apollo has not had any formal training, but obeys some basic commands, including “wait” before he is allowed to eat his food. Apollo has not been walked on leash by his present caregiver so she’s unable to say how he does on leash. 

Apollo loves to go for rides in a car. He loves to play fetch with just about any object, but especially hard rubber balls. He also loves to swim. There is a swimming pool at Apollo’s home and he is in the water nearly every day. 

Apollo and his brother Odin were left at the home of their caretaker (Angie) by her boyfriend a year ago when they went their separate ways. Angie is now seeking a new home for the dogs because she works three jobs and does not have time to give them the attention and exercise they need.  

Apollo is located in Carmichael. There is no adoption fee for him, but a $300 refundable neuter deposit is required (per GSRSV’s policy) from the adopter to ensure that Apollo is neutered within 90 days of adoption. Once the adopter provides proof of neutering, then Angie will refund the $300. This will all be in writing. 

Please contact Angie Pantis at 916-514-1753 or glitterbomb02@yahoo.com.

Posted 11-8-22

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Pioneer, CA
Good with cats!

"Koda" is an 80-lb, 1.5-yo neutered male GSD mix who is friendly, playful and protective. He is in good health, however he appears to be about 10-15 lbs overweight. Koda is current on core vaccinations.

Koda is quite protective of his people—especially the kids—when strangers come on the property. This behavior is surely exacerbated by him “teaming up” with his sister Freya. Koda is actually quite friendly with strangers off the property, and eagerly greets them—sometimes over-enthusiastically by jumping up on them. We believe that Koda will not be overly-protective in the home if separate from Freya.

Koda was raised with kids (now 4, 6, 8 & 10 yrs old) and loves them.

Koda gets along very well with other dogs. He has never been around small dogs, though.

Koda was raised with cats and gets along fine with them.

Koda is housetrained. He is kept either outside or inside in his crate when his people are gone. He also sleeps in his (closed) crate at night. His people keep the crate closed because otherwise Koda wakes up the young kids too early.

Koda’s people provided him with obedience training at home when he was younger. However, he still needs work walking on leash as he pulls a lot. Also, Koda’s off-leash recall is not very good.

Koda likes going for car rides but does get car-sick on long rides. Koda likes to play fetch with balls and chew on bones.

Koda’s people purchased him and his sister from a farm when he was 10 wks old. They are now seeking a new home for him because, together with his sister, he is over-protective of their children.

Koda is located in Pioneer, CA (up Hwy 88 in Amador County). His adoption fee is $100.

Please contact Kanani Bellomo at 360-306-1440 or kananinbellomo@ymail.com.

Posted 10-4-22

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Iris is in good health and is up-to-date on DHPP and rabies vaccinations (expire 2-17-24). Iris does suffer from seasonal allergies so she receives an injection when the seasons change (approx 3 times/yr) to minimize her allergic reaction. GSRSV has recommended to Iris’ owner that she give her biotin instead of the allergy shots. If the biotin prevents Iris’ allergies, we will update this profile.

Iris is friendly with strangers in the house with a proper introduction, but otherwise will bark and charge at strangers entering the house. She is friendly with strangers outside of the house as long as she is not surprised by them. Iris is good with children but has not had much exposure to them.

Iris is generally good with other dogs when off-leash but gets overstimulated and protective at dog parks so her person (Berenis) avoids them. Iris lives w/ a male Chiweenie who is her best friend (click here for a video of her romping with him at the American River), but she will chase after other small dogs.

Iris is NOT good with cats.

Iris is housetrained and stays inside a “designated area” inside when Berenis is gone. She also sleeps inside the designated area.

Iris has participated in a few basic obedience training sessions. She walks great on leash. She does bark when she sees other dogs, but her attention is easily re-directed with treats.

Iris loves to go for car rides and is an excellent passenger on long trips. She likes to play tug-of-war or just chew on toys. She also loves to swim!

Berenis adopted Iris three years ago from a family friend. She is now seeking a new home for Iris because she doesn’t have the time or space for her.

Iris is located in West Sacramento. Her adoption fee is $100.

Please contact Berenis Leonard at 916-342-9956 or berenisleonard@gmail.com.

Posted 9-28-22

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Oroville, CA

"Sergeant" is a 71-lb, 7-yo intact male GSD who is loyal, gentle and affectionate. Sergeant is friendly with people, but is initially wary of strangers in the house, barking appropriately. Outside the house he is much more comfortable with strangers. Sergeant is great with children and has been around kids of all ages since he was young.

Sergeant is good with other dogs, though not particularly playful. He has been to dog parks and though wary at first, soon interacts fine with the other dogs.

Sergeant is NOT good with cats.

Sergeant is fully housetrained and is left inside uncrated when his person (Isa) is gone for more than an hour. He sleeps inside either in the living room or in Isa’s bedroom.

Isa has provided Sergeant with basic obedience training since he was young. He walks perfectly on a leash and is non-reactive when he sees other dogs. Sergeant’s recall when off leash is good, but not perfect.

Sergeant enjoys going for car rides and is a perfectly-behaved passenger. He likes to stick his head out the window to take in the fresh ai!.

Sergeant is not much for playing with toys. However, he loves to run and to swim!

Isa took in Sergeant six years ago from a family whose home flooded during the breach of the Oroville Dam spillway. She is now seeking a new home for Sergeant because of a directive from the management of the apartment she lives in. Sergeant has got out of her apartment on more than one occasion by opening the door lever and has also caused damage to the door frame in his attempts to get out. Isa has tried keeping him in a wire crate, but he broke out of that. The apartment management has given Isa’s mother (who she lives with) until October 12 to find a new home for Sergeant.

There is no adoption fee for Sergeant, but because he is not neutered a $300 refundable neuter deposit will be required, per GSRSV’s insistence. Once Sergeant is neutered, the deposit will be refunded. The adopter will be given 90 days to have Sergeant neutered. This will all be in writing.

Sergeant is located in Oroville, CA. Please contact Isa Marroquin at 530-693–7151 or kmarroquin978@gmail.com.

Posted 9-21-22

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Grass Valley, CA

"Jin" is an approx 65-lb, 1½-yo spayed female GSD who is happy, friendly and energetic. Jin is healthy and up-to-date on rabies and distemper/parvo vaccinations.

Jin is friendly with strangers both inside the house and beyond, requiring no special introduction. She is also good with children.

Jin is good with male dogs, including small dogs, but can be bossy w/ female dogs so should not be adopted into a home w/ a female dog.

Jin has not had much exposure around cats. Though she seems to have done OK with the few cats she’s been around, it would be best if she’s placed in a home w/ no cats.

Jin is housetrained and kept inside primarily. Her person (Elizabeth) usually keeps her in a crate when she’s gone for more than an hour.

Jin pulls fairly hard on leash when walked so could use some work in this area. Off-leash, Jin has pretty good recall. She has not received any formal training so could use a basic obedience course. Jin really wants to please and is a fast learner.

Jin loves to go for car rides. She loves to play tug-of-war w/ her toys. She also loves to swim.

Jin is the perfect dog for an active person or family who like to hike and spend a lot of time outdoors. She also needs a person/family who will provide some basic training and spend lots of time with her.
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Elizabeth adopted Jin when she was six months old. She is now seeking a new home for her because she moved back in with her parents who already have two dogs—one of which is a female, and she and Jin don't get along.

Jin Is located in Grass Valley. Her rehoming fee is $100.

Please contact Elizabeth Grant at 530-401-4409 or yubalover@gmail.com.

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Posted 1-24-22
 

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Still Available as of 1-16-23!
"Boston" is a 2½-yo, approx 65-lb spayed female GSD/ Cattle Dog/Pitbull mix who is high-drive, loving, and fearful of strangers—at least when on leash. Boston is very affectionate with her own people and loves to snuggle.

Boston does fine with people when she is off leash, such as at dog parks. However, when on leash she will she will bark, lunge, and snap at those she feels nervous around. Boston is not comfortable around children so a home without kids is in order for her.

Boston loves playing with other dogs and has excellent dog social skills. (Click here for a short video of her playing w/ other dogs at the beach.) She goes to off-leash dog parks every day and has a great time! Boston’s ideal home would include another playful dog for her to interact with, but this is not a requirement for adoption.

Boston is not a fan of cats so a home WITHOUT CATS is in order.

Boston has received considerable training, both for helping with her fear of strangers as well as for general obedience. UC Davis Veterinary School’s “Behavioral Team” prescribed two medications to help Boston w/ her fear aggression: gabapentin (3 X day) and sertraline hydrochloride ("Zoloft"—once/day). The medications have been a helpful tool in Boston’s training, but her people feel pretty confident (and GSRSV agrees) that if she lived somewhere quieter and with enough land for exercise so she didn’t have to encounter strangers she could be tapered off of it. Boston still receives both medications; together they cost about $25/month.

Tug Dogs’ work with Boston has helped reduce her aggression towards strangers but has not eliminated the behavior. Boston is a high-drive dog who thrives on “work” and learning new skills; her people often use a toy as a reward for her completing a series of commands.

Boston walks great on leash in the absence of human or “critter” (cats, squirrels) distractions. Further, her reactions to people are much less pronounced once she’s had plenty of exercise.

Boston is fully housetrained but her people do keep her crated when they are gone (usually with a treat-stuffed toy for her to work on). She sleeps either on their bed or in her crate.

Boston has yet to try a game she doesn't like. Favorites include fetch (with balls, sticks, Frisbees, etc), tug, "find it," and she enjoys obedience training. Boston does well riding in the car, but she is very reactive towards people who come near the vehicle when it’s parked. Boston likes to wade in water but has not yet gone for a full swim.

Boston’s people (Lisa & Chelsea) adopted her at 7 wks old in May 2020 from a rescue in Chico. They live in Oakland—a busy, urban environment that leads too often to the encounters with strangers that set Boston off. They are now seeking a new home for her in a more rural, private outdoor space environment with active people who can continue to give Boston the off-leash training and play that she thrives on.  

Posted 11-17-21; updated 1-16-23

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"Reno" is a 55-60 lb, approx 2-yo spayed female GSD mix who is energetic, fearful/anxious and affectionate. She loves nothing more than a good belly rub! She's healthy and up-to-date on her vaccinations.

Reno is very shy with people she's never met before. When a visitor comes into the house, she will hide in another room and bark loudly. When out on walks, she will avoid people. Reno has not been around young children since she was adopted; given her timidness around adults, it’s hard to say how she’ll do with youngsters.

Reno appears to be good with other dogs. She has played regularly with a male Weimaraner at a sporting dog kennel where she is receiving both canine and human socialization and training.

Reno has a strong prey drive and is NOT good with cats.

Reno is housetrained and non-destructive in the house. She has never chewed up anything but her toys. Her people keep her in a crate when they are gone for more than an hour; she hates being by herself and cries for long periods when let alone. Her people also keep her crated at night to allow their cats a chance to roam the house freely.

Reno has received some obedience training and obeys commands such as “down” and “stay.” She is a fast learner and very treat-motivated, which has helped speed her training. She walks OK on leash, but can become a little too playful and start nipping at her handler’s heels. If she is startled by another dog she sometimes reaches a state of anxiety where she will bark at her handler in a seemingly aggressive manner. 

Reno rides calmly in the car, but appears nervous while doing so.

Reno loves playing fetch and tug, as well as chewing on stuffed toys.

Reno has many behavioral issues that she needs help overcoming. She is fearful of not only new people but most new environments. She gets overly-excited in certain situations, such as when greeting her people in the morning; it’s as if she hasn’t seen them in ages and she becomes very mouthy. She demands attention and it can be difficult to bring her down when she is worked up.

Reno is definitely a "project dog", but she has many good traits which outshine her drawbacks. She is a loving dog who will continue to make progress in the right hands and reward her people with love and loyalty.

Reno's people adopted her from the municipal animal shelter in Joshua Tree (Southern California desert) in May 2021. Reno is a bit too large of a training project than they are capable of handling, and they also know Reno can't coexist with their cats.

Reno is located in Los Angeles. No rehoming fee is requested. 

Please contact Emma Kemp at 323-536-6714 or emmakemp88@hotmail.com.

Posted 8-26-21; updated 8-30-21