Valentina is looking for her forever home!
Valentina is a sweet, goofy, playful 1-year-old spayed female Sammy mix who absolutely blossoms once she feels safe. She's 78% Samoyed with Border Collie and Australian Shepherd, and is being fostered near Madison, WI. She typically needs 2+ weeks to settle into new environments and build comfort with new people, but once she trusts you, she becomes a loyal little shadow who loves following her people around, relaxing at your feet, and joining in on adventures. She eagerly hops into the car for outings and has developed an adorable enthusiasm for experiencing all the things she missed out on earlier in life. Watching her confidence grow has been incredibly rewarding for her foster family.
Ideal Home
Valentina absolutely needs a confident dog companion in her forever home; she has learned nearly everything by observing and relying on her foster dog for reassurance, confidence, and companionship. She thrives with another playful dog and would do best with a companion who enjoys rough, puppy-like play. Without another dog, she is likely to become bored and look for her own entertainment. She also does best in a quieter household with a predictable routine. Because of her background and sensitivity, she would do best in a home with no children under 13 years old. A physical fenced yard is preferred, or a commitment to long-line exercise. No electric fences or tracking collars. Patient adopters willing to let her move at her own pace are ideal, as well as a family that can provide social, mental, and physical enrichment. She has experience with cats if your home has one!
Ongoing Health
While she has made tremendous progress, traces of her early neglect still surface at times. Some days she confidently seeks out affection, while other days she may shy away or become startled unexpectedly.
Training & Support
Valentina is incredibly intelligent and observant. She already knows commands like Come, Lets Go, and Leave It, and continues learning every day. Like many Samoyeds and herding breeds, she enjoys having a job and benefits greatly from enrichment and structure. Her adopters will need patience, empathy, and realistic expectations as she continues healing and learning what it means to simply be a loved companion dog. With time, trust, and understanding, Valentina will reward her people with unwavering loyalty, sweetness, and companionship.
Application Details:
- Applications start by contacting us through Wags.
Transporation
Valentina is being fostered near Madison, WI. She is looking for a home within WI, IL, MN, or IA.
