Trudy is an approximately 1-year-old Australian Shepherd/Labrador Retriever mix with a big personality, a brilliant mind, and enough energy to keep life exciting! This beautiful girl is looking for someone who loves an adventure, appreciates a smart dog, and is excited to help her reach her full potential. Trudy is incredibly intelligent, curious, and eager to learn. While it’s clear she missed out on some important training early in life, the amazing thing about Trudy is just how quickly she picks things up when given the right guidance, structure, and motivation. She is highly food and toy motivated, making training fun and rewarding, and she has SO much potential with someone willing to invest in her.

​

Trudy is doing wonderfully in foster care and has already mastered some important life skills. She is house trained, crate trained, and leash trained, sleeps quietly in her crate through the night, and rides exceptionally well in the car. She knows “sit” and is continuing to work on commands like come, touch, down, place, and off. Because she is so smart, Trudy will occasionally test boundaries to see what she can get away with! She needs a family who can provide consistent expectations, patience, and ongoing training. She may take a little time to adjust to a new environment, but once she settles in and understands the routine, she has all the makings of an incredible companion.

​

Now, let's talk about Trudy's FUN side! This girl LOVES to play. Toys, bones, games, adventures, and spending time with her favorite people are all at the top of her list. She has the energy and intelligence you'd expect from an Aussie mix, so she's looking for an active home that can provide daily exercise, mental enrichment, and opportunities to put that clever brain to work. Think hiking buddy, walking partner, backyard playmate, training companion, or the dog who keeps you moving and laughing every single day. Trudy is also an affectionate girl who forms strong bonds with her people. Once you're her person, expect a loyal little shadow who wants to be involved in whatever you're doing!

​

Trudy loves other dogs and can have an absolute blast playing with the right canine companions. However, we want to be transparent about something she's working on: Trudy can resource guard toys and other high-value items around certain dogs. She sometimes likes to grab a toy and play keep-away, and this can create conflict with dogs who aren't comfortable sharing their things. Her foster has seen her play beautifully with dogs who are relaxed about toys, while tension arises with a more assertive dog who doesn't appreciate her stealing them. Trudy is actively working on this behavior in her foster home and has made progress with guidance and structure.

​

Because of this, Trudy could thrive as the only dog in the home, where she wouldn't have to navigate sharing her favorite things. We also believe she could be successful with the RIGHT canine companion, particularly a submissive, easygoing dog who enjoys playing and isn't bothered by her toy antics, provided introductions and management are handled appropriately. The goal is to find a setup where everyone feels comfortable and safe. She is not necessarily a dog who needs to be an only pet forever, but choosing the right match will be incredibly important.

​

Trudy is looking for an active, committed person who sees her potential and is excited to continue helping her grow. She isn't a finished product, and she needs someone who understands that a smart, energetic young dog requires more than just a backyard. She needs engagement, boundaries, enrichment, and a person who will be consistent even when she tries to negotiate the rules! In return, you'll get a fun, loyal, affectionate companion with so much personality and so much to offer.

​

Not ready to adopt but interested in helping Trudy? We are also looking for a more permanent foster home for her, and a foster-to-adopt arrangement may be available. A stable home where she can continue learning and building confidence would make a huge difference in her journey.

​

Trudy is currently located in the Charlotte area and is ready for her next chapter. Whether you're looking to adopt or open your home as a foster, we would love to find the right fit for this special girl.

​

Her adoption fee is $350.