Starburst and Ariel

My story

In Maryville, TN: Starburst (white) & Ariel (black)2 very happy 11 yr old sisters looking for their forever home to spend their golden years. They're Spayed, UTD, & on preventatives and an absolute JOY to be around and will give you ALL their love & snuggles. They both love to be loved on. Starburst and Ariel are bonded in a way that makes us feel it’s best if they remain together. They’ve spent their entire lives together! If you provide stairs, they'll happily join you in bed for snuggles. Ariel can jump on the couch. Starburst, being short legged, does need assistance getting up on the couch/bed. Starburst is deaf & knows a few sign commands. She responds SO well to positive faces/smiles, the “come here” motion with your hands, & will run up to you looking for pets and loving. She is a very happy, simple girl. Once she gets comfortable with you, she likes to get head scratches, body scratches and moves into belly rubs. She makes grunt noises when she gets so excited while getting scratches. Miss Starburst is curious and likes to watch what's going on and joins in when there’s love to be given. She watches the other dogs wander around the yard, and will lay on the patio watching the day go by, soaking up the sun. This girl is a food connoisseur – she knows where you hide the treats and will often stand near where they are giving you “the eye” for a little snack. Starburst DOES look to Ariel for direction of where she is supposed to be or what's going on. The girls do give each other kisses & groom each other’s faces & ears often. Both girls are always smiling and wagging their tails. They have both been professionally groomed and did great! Starburst will likely need grooming a few times a year as her coat is thicker and can get a bit matted if unbrushed. Ariel has a slicker coat but still needs basic grooming maintenance. If you can groom them yourself, that’s even better! Ariel is curious and likes to trot around the yard with her nose in the air smelling everything and soaking up the sunshine. She does like to follow her foster moms’ dogs around the yard and make sure she gets to check out what the other dogs are checking out (squirrels, birds). She is not chicken friendly if chickens are free roaming. If they are caged, she does not mind them. Ariel likes to sit in the grass and relax. Ariel LOVES the couch and will hang out in her crate, on her own, if the door is left open. Storms: Ariel does have storm fears. She looks to her humans for comfort and support during thunderstorms. She wants to be in your lap throughout the duration of the storm and be comforted with soft pats and telling her it’s ok. Starburst, being deaf, does not mind storms and has no reaction to them. I do believe she has some awareness of “vibrations or feeling of movement” as she does perk up a bit when the thunder shakes the house. Outside & Activity Level: Starburst and Ariel do pull at first on leash. They get excited to smell new smells. They do great in a fenced in yard. They like to wander around a little bit and since they are older, they like brief adventures in the yard and then lay down on the patio and watch the day go by. These girls would be best for a home who does not plan on heavy adventuring. They would do great with a short walk and a yard to relax in. These are not girls who are looking for heavy traffic, busy lifestyles. They DO like car rides and enjoy looking out the window. Other dogs: They do bark at first at other dogs but adjust quickly once they get to know other dogs. We do not recommend a dog park for these older ladies as they are on the delicate side. They do get overwhelmed with very playful, strong dog personalities wanting to play with them. They do shy away from dogs who are heavy on the physically playful side. Dog friends who like to sniff the yard together and wander around while respecting each other’s space is preferred for these ladies. Medical: Both girls have a few lumps (old lady lumps) that have been checked by a vet and are due to age. Ariel is slightly aged in the back legs and the vet said it might be a bit of arthritis, but no treatment has been recommended at this time as Ariel is not bothered and does not show signs of pain. Starburst is a bit overweight so it would be beneficial to lose a few pounds as it can be heavy on her joints, especially being older. Neither girl lets these things hold them back! If you are looking for a pair of snuggle bugs to hang out with and make room in your heart, bed, and couch, then these are the girls for you. Don’t let their age fool you, they've got plenty of spunk in them with lots of life & love left to give. If you interested in giving these ladies a loving home to spend their golden years, please fill out our application: https://www.australianshepherdsfurever.org/adoption-application Our senior fee is $230 but we will waive one fee to adopt them as a pair. There is a $20 microchip fee for each to register and transfer to their new family.

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