Gwen

My story

Meet Gwen! A dazzling five-year-old Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix currently living in Austin, TX, whose blue merle coat is as vibrant and spirited as her personality. Gwen is a high-energy, athletic girl with a true passion for fetch—she’ll chase a ball like it’s her life’s purpose! Whether it’s racing through the yard or joining you on a three-mile jog, Gwen thrives on physical activity and loves a good challenge. She hasn’t had formal agility training, but her natural ability to run, jump, and focus makes her an exciting candidate for anyone eager to train with positive reinforcement. She also enjoys tug-of-war, quiet time with bones and rawhide, and peaceful brushing sessions (gentle strokes only, please!). Gwen is affectionate with people and calm when her daily need for stimulation is met. She’s house-trained, not destructive, and does well left uncrated for short periods—just be sure to get her moving each day for at least 45 minutes to an hour. She’s also a fantastic road trip companion who adapts well to new places and travels like a pro! CBD oil has helped her manage occasional anxiety, and she thrives in a calm, predictable environment. It’s important to know that Gwen does not do well with other dogs in the home. While she can be around other dogs at the park—mostly choosing to stick close to her person—she’s had multiple conflicts with the resident dog in her current home, including a bite incident. For this reason, Gwen must be the only dog in her new home. Her new family should be experienced, patient, and willing to continue working on her training through structured bonding and consistency. Gwen isn’t food-driven and needs a caregiver who can provide calm leadership and build trust through connection. She’s never bitten a person and is generally very sweet with adults and older children, but she’ll do best in a pet-free home without young kids, where she can feel safe and secure. We’re including a full month of behavioral guidance from our consultant to help Gwen settle in. Her new family will have compassionate support every step of the way to feel confident, connected, and at home. Are you looking for a loyal, athletic companion who’s ready to be your one-and-only adventure buddy? Gwen is ready to go the distance—literally! She’s happy to travel anywhere in the United States to find her new loving home. If so, Gwen’s waiting to meet you. Reach out to adopt@joyfulpets.com to learn more!

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