WILLA Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler Mix San Jose, CA

05/07/24 Today I was able to get out for a nice long sunny walk along the Los Gatos Creek Trail! I walked for almost 2 hours - my longest DDO walk yet! However, I still love to take lots of breaks. There was a 10K race going on along the trail and it was so fun to cheer everyone on as they ran by. So many called me beautiful! After we walked, I tried to race back to the car for a lay down and nap as quickly as possible. Then I got a pup cup in the sun for dessert. Three Words to Describe Me are: Chill, Lovely, Laid-Back Notes from My Walker: This was my fourth time out with sweet Willa girl and she gets better and better every time we see each other. I cannot speak highly enough of her and constantly tell anyone we see shes the nicest, easiest dog I have ever gotten the chance to meet. Its mind-blowing with how well-mannered she is that shes still waiting for a home! Willa may pull on the way out of her kennel, but she waits calmly and patiently to gear up when greeting. She also jumps right up into the back of the car without any issue. She really loves a car ride - especially if you crack the window for her enough to rest her head and feel the wind while you drive! I'd almost say this girl is pretty well leash-trained. She never pulls when were walking and constantly is checking in with me (but she also knows she will get treats if she does). We happened to walk the Los Gatos Creek Trail the same time a 10K race was happening, but Willa was completely unphased by everyone running by us. At times we would have to pull over to the side of the trail to let groups go by and Willa would wait patiently with me. She also loves to take breaks on walks so she was likely happy about this. I think her perfect walk length would be under an hour. One thing Ive noticed about Willa is she loves to hang out in the back of the car. When we are at the end of our walk, I can tell shes excited about going to have a nice relaxing, quiet lay back there. So after our walk, we took time to just hang out together in the backseat and rest. I think she sees this as a safe space and I am hopeful one day she will get into the back of a car to her forever home and will see that as her new safe space. I have interacted with many dogs, from friends to familys to fosters to other shelter dogs, and Willa is one of the most wonderful ones I have had the pleasure to meet. She never asks for too much or causes a fuss. I think she would be great in a family with another respectful dog, possible cats (no prey drive seen thus far), respectful and knowledgeable children, or as someones first dog. Whomever gets to love her for life will be very, very lucky. Shes one that sticks with you!