Piper is a sweet 4-year-old, 13-pound girl. She arrived a little nervous, but within a day she warmed up and became her foster mom’s shadow—always happy and wagging her tail.

Piper is a low-to-medium–energy companion who loves her walks and gets excited for them every morning. She’s still learning her leash manners and will need continued guidance, especially when passing other dogs, but she enjoys the routine and loves exploring the outdoors. She loves running outside in the fenced-in backyard, but could be okay without one, as long as she has an opportunity for walks.

She currently lives with both a small and medium-sized dog in her foster home. She was initially indifferent, but now enjoys following her canine foster siblings in the backyard and has started trying to initiate play with the smaller dog. She could thrive with another CALM, well-mannered dog or be perfectly happy as your one-and-only.

Cats are no go for Piper.

Piper is doing excellent job with housebreaking—she just needed a little time to establish her routine and has even started asking to go outside. At night she sleeps quietly in a crate for eight hours. During the day, she’s comfortable in the crate if her foster mom is home, but she’s still working on feeling okay being crated when left alone.

New people can make Piper nervous. She may bark and lunge toward feet at first (without biting), but once she feels safe, she relaxes and approaches for a sniff. She will thrive in a calm, patient household that can continue her socialization at a gentle, steady pace inside and outside the home.

Piper isn’t toy-obsessed, but she’ll play a little—she’s even started bringing a ball back during playtime! She enjoys treat-based puzzle toys and loves curling up on the couch for cuddles. Piper is great with her baths and is learning to use pet steps up and down off the couch. She will need continued work in this area to avoid jumping off furniture.

Piper can be vocal when her foster home’s other dogs bark or when she hears unfamiliar noises, so she’s best suited for a home without shared walls. A quiet environment, a consistent routine, and a patient family will help her continue to shine.