Nelly Shepherd Mix Itasca, IL

Attentive, playful, affectionate, sensitive and slightly shy – hi, I’m Nelly, and I’m in need of a forever home! Aren’t those simply wonderful attributes for a dog to possess? I’ve also got a gorgeous, soft and silky coat; dreamy brown eyes you can get lost in, and as an added bonus should you decide to adopt me – my ears can pick up Radio Free Europe! I’ve got the cutest wiggle-butt greeting, and my Foster Mom (FM) thinks I was raised by a cat cuz I love to weave in and out of your legs rubbing up against you. I’m going to try my hardest to put my best paw forward and let you in on all my girlish charms. Maybe then you won’t be able to resist me?

I am currently living in a foster home with my 8-year-old human sibling and the ‘rents. I was slightly more timid around the youngest one in the house at first, but believe me, now we are the best of friends. I get to start off every morning with some belly rubs and play time chasing a ball before she heads off to school. I get my walk and a little outdoor time before I am crated for the daytime hours. FM knows that I’m a very friendly – and very tolerant – dog once I’ve met you and know I can trust you. I’m not currently living with another dog, but there are dogs all over our neighborhood. I’m always friendly when I see them through the fence in the back yard. I wag my tail, and while most of them start that whole barking at the top of their lungs thing, I remain quiet and reserved. Actually, I rarely bark for any reason.

I’ve fallen into a great daily routine in my foster home. I’m house trained. I even have a bell to ring by the door so you know when I need to go out. How smart is that? Before I go in my crate (willingly I might add!), I know to potty so I can relax for the six hours that my family is gone during the day.

We go on walks around the neighborhood regularly. I usually get both a morning and evening walk. I’m very good on leash, and FM says that I’m at about a 60 percent on the Loose Leash Walking Scale. Oh yes, there’s an occasional squirrel that’ll dart by, and just like any dog, my interest meter briefly rises to high, but even if I pull, a quick correction and a request for me to “heel”, and I’m back to the walk. I’m very smart, and very easy to train, too. I already know “sit”, and I’m working on “off” and “leave it”. I love to play with toys, and I love to sprint around in the yard and chase balls. I actually entertain myself chasing a ball and dropping it and picking it back up again as I dash by. My favorite toys include Squeaky Kong tennis balls and ropes. I’ll chew ‘em, toss ‘em, and chase ‘em. I’ll even play tug-o-war. But once all the activities are over for the day, I love to settle in and get a good snuggle or two with my peeps. I like to fall asleep on my dog bed in the master bedroom.

One thing I can’t resist is a car ride, and I’ll jump in, rarin’ to go. I settle down quickly in the back even though I’m excited about the outing. Since the weather is so nice right now, I’m having the time of my life. Would you be willing to take me to Starbuck’s for a puppy whip sometimes?

My FM says that even though I’m shy at first, I can get past any uncertainty very quickly. I first have to be sure I can trust you, and then we are the best of friends. I’m just the right amount of playful balanced with just the right amount of calmness. I’ve got a really goofy side, too. I like to run and pounce on my toys and balls. The pounce sure makes everything better. I’m “small burst” energetic, but then I need a good nap.

What do I think my perfect home would be? Well, I like activity and I like quiet, too. I’m highly adaptable. I’d love a fenced in yard with room to run and play. If you have another dog that needs a loyal friend, I'm totally ready to be that dog pal. Since I am a little shy at first, I’d probably prefer a home where there aren’t a whole lot of strangers coming and going all the time. Since I’m still a young puppy at heart, I can sometimes get a little mouthy when I get excited. Or on occasion I’ll find some things in the house that aren’t mine that I like to pick up and check out. While I’m still trying to figure out if this new item is worthy of a chew or not, FM takes it away and replaces it with one of my own toys. That’s ok. I’m still learning. My one failing is flip-flops – the super cool and rubbery toy that is fun for all ages! Sorry, I just haven’t been able to swear off of them yet! In a nutshell, I’m good with other dogs, good with people, good with kids. I’m the perfect balance between playful puppy and calm adult. What’s not to love about me?

So my FM has said that I’m Simply The Best. Remember that Tina Turner song? Better than all the rest, yep, that’s me. I’m a girl that can adapt to any situation, any environment, any lifestyle. The one, most important thing I’m looking for in this world is L-O-V-E. I’m looking for someone who decides that they want to love me – yes, ME - for the rest of my days. As long as I have someone to love me, the world could not be a better place. In return for a forever home, I will bring all the joy and happiness in my heart to your life. I will light up your world and give you my total devotion and unfailing love. I don’t want to be homeless and alone ever again. Do you think you have room in your heart for me?

Love from Nelly

If interested please email us at info@fetchingtailsfoundation.org or submit application at www.fetchingtailsfoundation.org

Adoption Requirements:
Be at least 21 years of age
Have the knowledge and agreement of all adults living in the household
Have approval from owner of residence (written in lease)
Have a valid ID with current address
Be approved as a suitable adoptive home by Fetching Tails Foundation
Be prepared to make a lifetime commitment
Lives in 50 mile radius of Itasca within the Illinois border

Adoption Fees:
Senior dog - 8 years and up, $75
Adult or young dog - 6 months to 7 years, $250
Puppies - under 6 months, $350