Nova

My story

Meet Nova! A spirited and adventurous four-year-old Border Collie/American Pitbull Terrier mix from Waverly, NY, who shines with her sleek black coat accented by touches of white. Nova is a bundle of loyalty, energy, and charisma wrapped in a 65-pound package, ready to leap into the next chapter of her life with a family who shares her love for the great outdoors! True to her Border Collie roots, Nova thrives on activity and engagement. Hiking, swimming, long walks, and her latest discovery—fetch—are her favorite ways to spend the day. If you’re someone who craves adventure and fresh air, Nova might just be your perfect companion! She’s always up for exploring new trails and splashing in a cool lake by your side. Nova has a friendly and social nature when it comes to other dogs. She has done beautifully with her current canine companions and has greeted new doggy friends on outings with a wagging tail and open heart! While she hasn’t been around cats, her new family can introduce her slowly to see how she adjusts. Nova is also great with older children (she currently lives with two boys, ages 11 and 15) and could potentially thrive in a home with younger kids, given a careful and thoughtful introduction. As much as Nova loves playtime, she also appreciates a consistent routine for feeding, walking, and resting, which helps her feel balanced and secure. She’s house-trained, crate-trained, microchipped, spayed, and up-to-date on vaccinations. She knows commands like sit, stay, lay down, and “no feet” (no jumping), thanks to both her two-week professional training program and continued work at home. It’s important to note that Nova has occasionally shown resource-guarding tendencies, such as protecting toys or objects, especially when feeling overwhelmed or confused. She has also nipped in the past, though this behavior has not been seen for months. Nova thrives under the guidance of a calm and confident caregiver who understands her needs and can set clear boundaries using positive reinforcement techniques. For her comfort and safety, it’s recommended to train her to avoid situations that may trigger guarding, such as staying off furniture. Nova’s personality is as dynamic as her favorite hikes. She’s playful, affectionate, and thrives on companionship, but her ideal family will have experience with dogs like her and the time to continue building her confidence. Nova's waiting to explore the world with you, one paw at a time. Contact adopt@joyfulpets.com to meet her—your next adventure awaits!

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Nova, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.