River came to us as a stray dog, wandering around her town with another dog and a cat. Originally we were hoping to place them together, but the more time we spend with them (in foster and in the shelter), the more it's clear that it would be best for River to find a home of her own, with someone who understands and loves Shepherds, and can offer her a location that meets her needs. A neighborhood, with lots of people walking dogs past the home, is just too over-stimulating for River, and despite management of the environment, and important leash work, she just wasn't able to relax the way we'd like to see. The dream location for River would be a home with a fenced-in yard, preferably a privacy fence, so she could get plenty of exercise without needing to be walked regularly where she's seeing other dogs. We also feel she'd do best with someone who is familiar with Shepherd behavior, and will understand her responses to her living arrangement.

She shows some classic Shepherd behaviors, such as regularly checking the perimeter of our fences. She's a little stand-offish when meeting someone new, but once you've passed her assessment, she's perfectly friendly, and happy to have your company. She's smart as a whip, and eager to learn. She loves food puzzles, playing some tug, and relaxing with a stuffed Kong.

River walks well on a leash and harness, when there are no distractions, enjoying the chance to sniff everything, but still needs to work on how to react to other dogs and people.

Please call the Adoption Center at 802-476-3811, or email [email protected], to schedule a time to talk to an adoption counselor about her, and to determine if you should meet River.

Ready to meet River?

Yes, I’m ready!