Sweet Shirley is looking for a patient home that will help her continue to blossom. Shirley is a deeply shy girl who is still learning that the world isn't something to be afraid of. Right now, she spends most of her time in one of her "safe places" in the house, and loud noises or sudden movement can easily overwhelm her. The one place she lights up is outside, where she'll sometimes trot around and even seek out a little attention (though she's usually ready to head back in before too long.)
Shirley won't be one of those dogs who instantly bonds with her new family. It will be a process and will require people who are ready to put in the time with her to help her feel safe. It will take time before she starts to feel safe and show real curiosity about her surroundings. Her new family will need to be okay with that slow, quiet pace - no pressure, no rushing, just steady presence over time. The good news is that Shirley is already house-trained and crate-trained, so she has a solid foundation to build her confidence on.
A confident, easygoing resident dog would help Shirley tremendously - one who can simply go about life calmly and show her that things aren't so scary, while respecting her space and not pushing her to engage before she's ready. A fenced yard is a must, since outside is where Shirley is happiest and having safe, secure space to explore matters a lot for her.
Shirley is heartworm positive, which may be contributing to her lower energy levels and need for a more relaxed lifestyle. The rescue will continue to cover all costs associated with her heartworm treatment, even if she's adopted before it's complete, so her future family can focus on helping her heal and thrive.
If you have the patience for a slow build and a calm home (ideally with the right canine companion) to offer her, Shirley would be lucky to have you.
