Opal is a beautiful 4-year-old female husky shepherd mix. She was e-listed at MCACC for having a prey drive towards cats, noted when she was adopted and returned. She originally came to the shelter with another husky mix who was adopted separately. We were able to find a foster for her initially and get her to safety, however she is now in boarding and really needs a new foster home!

Opal had a few initial adjustment issues in her foster home, but settled in pretty quickly. She started using the doggy door right away and loved sunbathing on the patio. She is such a smart girl and will grab a leash when she is ready for a walk. She will also grab the bag of dog treats off the counter when she feels like she deserves one if you don’t keep your eye on her! Opal absolutely loves playing with toys and fetch. And if you truly want to be her friend, give her a pup cup and she will love you forever. She just adores humans and will melt into pets and affection.

Although Opal was brought into the shelter with another husky, she did have some issues with the other dog in her initial foster home prior to landing in boarding. In this first foster home, Opal really didn’t want to share the human affection with the other dog.  She either needs a very specific home with another dog with just the right personality to match hers (she came in with another dog that she seemed to have lived with for a while initially), or she would do very well as an only dog soaking up all the attention. Opal does get some separation anxiety when she knows she is about to be left alone and will jump and become clingy. She will also jump up when excited, sometimes try to sneak out the front door with you, and dig in the backyard if anxious. Many of these things are very common for a husky, and we would expect some of the anxious behavior to dissipate as she settles and realizes she is safe in a home for good. Crates are not Opal’s favorite, but crate-training may be beneficial for her. She was able to get out of the foster’s yard when left alone with dog-door access during the day in her first foster home, though she did so by digging under the gate and not by jumping. Her original foster said that Opal was quirky and playful but also more on the mellow side for a husky. She was a very joyful pup while with her, and has so much love to give.

The ideal home for Opal would be with a family who can give her all the love and attention she needs. She would do well in a home with a young active adult or family. She would do great as a single dog, though we think she would be ok with dogs that are more aloof / less needy with humans. Opal would also do well in a home with older children. No cats, she has a high prey drive. If you would like to take this sweet girl home, please fill out our adoption application!