Ferley Yellow Labrador Retriever & German Shorthaired Pointer Mix Cincinnati, OH

Ferley lived his first year of life in an outdoor kennel with little contact with either people or other dogs. Fortunately for him, he was surrendered by his owners to STAF where he has been shown love and affection and told there will be a family who will take him for walks, feed him treats, rub his belly, watch tv with him and let him sleep inside every night for the rest of his life.

Despite never having had a family or home to call his own, Ferley has shown very good house manners on visits to volunteers' homes, he prefers to be left uncrated with a comfy place to nap. His is quiet and well mannered when you and visitors come and go. Perhaps his best trait is that most volunteers consider him the best mannered dog on a leash in the shelter. He calmly greets other people or dogs, does not pull and does not bark. On a flexi leash he enjoys a little sniffing. On a shorter leash he often walks right by your side. Ferley very much enjoys walks and would like 1-2 a day, he will jog with you if you are a runner but his energy level is also easily satisfied with walks. He loves car rides and rides very well in the car. Ferley has gone to doggie daycare and passed easily, but honestly his preference is a quieter setting at home or with a doggie friend or two. Ferley could be the only dog in a home and be perfectly content, or, he would be happy with a friend. He has always loved the ladies at STAF, with his preferred playmates all of the friendly females. He also does very well with calm or older dogs and little dogs!

With all of these wonderful qualities, its hard to believe Ferley has been waiting nearly two years to find his forever home. Despite huge strides, Ferley is still somewhat shy or aloof when meeting new people, especially in the shelter. He is very affectionate with volunteers or really anyone that spends even just a little time with him outside of the shelter. A few walks, a few overnights, the bond will develop quickly. He may not be a cuddly little lap dog, but he wants to be near you, he will lay on the floor (or on the couch if you let him) near you. When he gets sleepy he makes adorable groaning noises of pure contentment. On car rides, Ferley likes to come near the driver and gently place his paw on your shoulder saying "Will you rub my chest?" and then after a little bit he will return to the window, head fully outside, taking it all in. One day that ride will be to his home, his family.

Ferley was born in July 2012.


Please see our homepage for visiting hours and adoption details.


All of our animals are spayed/neutered and current on shots.
You must complete an application at the shelter prior to meeting any of our animals. (Sorry--our application is not available on-line or via email.)
We do not do same-day adoptions; we ask that you return for a follow-up visit before taking an animal home.
We require a fenced yard (sorry--no invisible fences) for homes with children under age 11.
We do request vet and personal references.
At this time, we are only able to consider applicants within 150 miles of Cincinnati.


Can’t adopt but want to help? You can make a difference! Our shelter is run entirely on volunteer-power and generous donations from animal-lovers like you. 100% of your contribution goes directly to caring for our 500+ furry residents. Thank you for your support.