Iris German Shepherd Dog & Labrador Retriever Mix Michigan City, IN

IRIS IN IN A FOSTER-TO-ADOPT HOME!

Imagine if you spent over five months living somewhere that truly stressed you out. Imagine if you spent five months in a row feeling anxious and fearful regardless of how much you were loved by others. This is adoptable Iris's reality. At the end of the day, the kenneling environment is very stressful to Iris; we cannot change that for her. We work hard to provide her with enrichment and extra time outside, but she still returns to her kennel.

Iris arrived in mid-September. The anxiety she has developed from living for over four months in the shelter environment has created kennel stress. Iris's kennel stress has led to her being fearful and reactive sometimes when meeting new people, which leads to not many people applying for her, which lengthens her stay inside of the kennel, which only furthers her anxiety. Iris will need more than one visit to acclimate to you. Trust us when we say that once she knows you are a friend, she is the most loyal and loving companion.

Iris would also be totally ideal for adults only who love training; someone who loves doing nose work, and/or spending their time at a dog training/agility club. She has an incredible ball drive, scent drive and work drive. Iris needs someone who is willing to give her time to decompress once she is home.

Iris will take extra time and effort, but once she trusts you, she will do anything that you ask. She is such a great dog and has so much potential. She adores our kennel staff and volunteers and can absolutely develop that relationship with you. We could see her being the best hiking buddy and loving outdoorsy stuff.

Iris was surrendered to the shelter due to no fault of her own. Her previous owner loved her very much but was unable to continue to care for her. She used to live with a small dog in her previous home. Since Iris's stress levels have been increasing, her dog interactions have not been going as well as before. It is possible that down the road, Iris could live with another dog, but at this point she will need to be the only animal in the home. When she is outside, she focuses well on her handler and re-directs from other dogs; especially if there is a tennis ball in her sight!

Iris is a very intelligent girl. She knows how to sit, come, stay, leave it and "let's go". "Let's go" is the command that her previous owners said to re-direct her attention, go for a walk, or leave a room. She really listens beautifully.

Yelling in the home is something Iris does not like; she becomes uncomfortable. She sometimes resource guards her toys but will give them up for treats or another tennis ball. Teaching her to share would be great! When meeting new people, she does best with a very slow introduction. She has lunged before when she is afraid and we want to set her up for success in the future.

She is about five years old and is spayed. Please call (219) 872-4499 and ask to speak to Karen if you are interested in Iris.