Buddy

My story

Buddy is a 4–5-year-old Australian Shepherd with a gentle, sensitive nature and a heart that’s clearly been through a lot. He was surrendered directly to animal control, and while we don’t know exactly why, it’s clear that the transition has been hard on him. The shelter environment, with all its noise and constant activity, has left Buddy feeling scared and unsure. He’s not doing well in his kennel, and it’s obvious he’s more comfortable in calm, quiet surroundings. Once you get him out of the chaos and into a peaceful space, you can see a different side of him start to emerge — more relaxed, curious, and even affectionate with the people he’s beginning to trust. We believe Buddy is most likely house trained, as he refuses to go to the bathroom in his kennel — a strong sign that he’s used to living in a home and following a routine. Like most Australian Shepherds, Buddy is intelligent and active, and he’ll need regular physical exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. Walks, playtime, and enrichment activities will all help him stay balanced and happy. While he’s shy at first, Buddy has been steadily coming around to staff and volunteers, showing more confidence each day as he learns that he’s safe. Buddy would do best in a calm, mature household — ideally one that’s patient, predictable, and experienced with sensitive or shy dogs. He’ll need time to adjust and learn to trust again, but with the right person by his side, there’s no doubt he’ll blossom into the loyal, devoted companion he’s meant to be. After all, it’s not easy to end up in a shelter after knowing what it’s like to be part of a home — but Buddy is holding onto hope that someone out there is ready to give him that second chance.

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