Sunshine will light up your world! Sunshine is a 15lb 3yo mini Aussie mix(?) who is as sweet as a button! She has a tail and one blue, one brown eye! She is very well socialized with people and other animals. She will follow you around and sleep by your feet. She is the perfect companion, very well behaved and well-mannered, already housebroken and crate-trained. She is hearing and slightly vision impaired but this doesn’t affect her well-being at all. She loves everyone and loves life! She just wants to bond to a person of her own!
Pearle
Pearle is a 6 month old American Staffordshire Terrier/Lab mix who is just the sweetest chubs ever! She is very smart and learns quickly. She is already housebroken, crate-trained, and knows sit and stay. She likes to play with toys, walks well on leash, and rides great in the car. She could care less about cats and gets along with other well-mannered dogs of all sizes. She will need to go to an experienced home with no kids under the age of 12 though that will continue her on the right training path. She is a good guard dog but will need continued proper socialization, as with all puppies. She has moderate energy- she enjoys walks and play but also enjoys her naps and cuddles at home. In the right home, she will be an incredible dog and companion!
Skip
* SPECIAL NEEDS *
“Project Dog” only available to the right home
Skip is an incredibly precious 1yo purebred Border Collie who came to us from the shelter extremely undersocialized and very shut down. It took him 4 weeks to feel safe enough to come out of hiding in his crate. The best way to describe him is like a feral cat. He’s very skittish and distrustful of strangers, although non-aggressive (but will run away and bark if over threshold). Once he is comfortable somewhere, he will freak out at things out of place (if you hang a towel outside to dry, etc), so we are working on getting him more used to things out of the ordinary. Through patience and time, he has learned that his foster home is a safe place and he is really beginning to blossom into a wonderful dog. He’s very much a puppy and very curious about the world and how things work. He is learning to enjoy car rides, is great on the leash and learning to walk on the street, and loves to go on hikes. He’s learning to play with toys, other dogs, and even with his person. He has such an innocent and sweet disposition, not a mean bone in his body. He would do best with a single woman, or possibly with a gentle, soft-spoken man, experienced with shy and fearful dogs (NO kids!). He would also do better in a household with another more confident dog that he can lean on for support and learn from. Skip is a very special boy who needs strictly positive only experiences in his life, no ‘alpha, dominant, negative’ any of that kind of training. He just needs someone who will be very patient, only purely loving, and offer him the time and space that he needs, to continue to help guide him to be a more confident dog. Once given the time, he is the most loyal and sweet dog, who will poke you with his nose for attention. <3
Velna
Someone has got to adopt this puppy ASAP because she is ADORABLE! Sweet Velna is just four months old but she’s already got miles of cuteness in her looks and personality. We can’t say for sure what kind of a mix she is – clearly a big dog + a little dog – but we estimate she’ll be about 35 pounds when she’s fully grown. She is full of energy and fun in the mornings and quiet and cuddly in the evenings. She likes to play with other dogs, but she can get spooked by too much attention at once, so she’ll need slow introductions to dog parks and other dog families. If one dog is too aggressive with her, she doesn’t cower – instead she boldly barks back and tries to look scary. This is cute now, but it means she requires some formal training to prevent this behavior from becoming a problem later on. We are crate training her and she’s doing pretty well so far. We’re also working on basic training, which she is really responding to!
Interested? Don’t delay! Velna should meet her forever-home soon so they can enjoy her adorable puppy days.
Annie and Alfie
Annie and Alfie
Annie is an 8 month old Chi mix rescued from the Merced animal shelter, along with her brother, Alfie. She is the more confident of the two, taking the lead to exploring new things, like going up and down steps, jumping in the car, etc. She’s housebroken and cratetrained, gets along great with other dogs, and respects cats. She loves all people she meets and will wiggle in your lap and give kisses.
Alfie is an 8 month old Chi mix rescued from the Merced animal shelter, along with his sister, Annie. He’s very sweet and friendly but is more cautious about new experiences than his sister. He’s housebroken and cratetrained, gets along great with other dogs, and respects cats. He loves all people he meets and will wiggle in your lap and give kisses.
Milo
Milo is a 1.5yo Chi mix. He came into the shelter with his eye bulging so it had to be removed. He is great with all other dogs and is very friendly with people. He’s a happy guy who doesn’t know he has anything missing and just loves life!
Flynn
Flynn is a gorgeous boy who gets compliments wherever he goes! He is a 1.5yo 50lb purebred Border Collie. He is an incredibly loving and confident boy who loves all people of all ages that he meets (but might be too much for a young child as sometimes he does like to jump on people and can be pushy (he is learning not to do this)). He loves to go on walks and hikes and gets along great with other dogs. In the home environment though he isn’t too fond of sharing attention and does have some prey drive toward cats and birds, so would do best as an only pet. He needs an experienced handler who will be able to give him strict boundaries and structure, because he will definitely test you! He is housebroken and crate-trained and rides well in the car. He is very happy, loving, and would make a fantastic agility dog! He is an incredibly sweet, fun dog who is willing to please and wants nothing more than to bond and spend time with his person and go on adventures!
Dante – ADOPTION PENDING!
Dante is 11 months and not your usual chi/spaniel. He’s got a thick mane of soft black fur with brown highlights by his ears, and his fluffy tail is always wagging. He looks like a tiny lion – and he’s as vocal as a lion – but he has a shy side too. At 12 pounds, he will play with almost any dog big or small, but he runs away if the dog is too pushy. Sometimes he just plays by himself, rolling around in blankets and pillows on the couch. He was kept in a garage for much of his life, so he’s learning how to do things like climbing stairs and jumping on the couch. His foster home is crate training him. He’s a happy-go-lucky little dog – not hyper but definitely active. He loves to be held and petted, and he whines when he wants attention. He barks at cats and would prefer a house with at least one other dog. He’s shy with strangers, but finds his confidence quickly and has lived with children before.
Roger
Roger is a 1 year old Australian Terrier, and this guy is ALL terrier!! (His personality is probably closest to that of a Jack Russell or Cairn terrier) He loves to play with other small dogs, is good with cats (although sometimes he wants to play with them if they run). He LOVES to play (can’t say this enough), and he has extremely high energy. He has begun Agility classes and would love to go to a home that can continue this with him, and keep him very active, both mentally and physically (this is so important for a dog like Roger). He’s like the energizer bunny, and he is one of the smartest dogs we have EVER met! He does also love to snuggle with his person and give kisses. He’s crate-trained and housebroken. His only issue (besides his extremely high energy level) is fear aggression toward strangers (will even bite if a stranger reaches their hands for/toward him). He does seem to warm up much faster to young women than to older people or men. This is why he’d do best in a home with NO children and with someone experienced with terrier or high energy, intelligent breeds (like herding dogs). Once you give this dog a chance, you will fall in love! He’s really such a cool dog, the life of the party!
Roger is neutered, up to date on his shots, microchipped, and will come with a collar, harness, leash, and bag of food!
Skylar
** Due to an overwhelming response for Skylar, only homes experienced with herding breed dogs and that can provide him with a job (agility, flyball, rally, disc dogs, herding, or all of the above!) will be considered. He is NOT a simple family dog, he’s a border collie that has amazing brain power that needs to be put to good use! **
Skylar is a 1.5 yo. medium haired Border Collie. He is extremely intelligent and gentle! He is loving, caring, and happy to please. When he was rescued from the Hollister Shelter he already knew the commands sit and down. He also seems to have been well socialized, and has no signs of separation anxiety. He is a high energy dog and loves to play ball endlessly! He is house trained and does fine in the crate or kennel. He is great with all dogs, but shouldn’t be in a house with cats. He would do very well doing nearly any job meant for a dog. He would be amazing in agility competitions. He has the talents needed to be a wonderful herding dog, and/or a search and rescue dog. He needs a owner who can keep up with him. And who can keep his mind and body stimulated! Skylar is a one of a kind and amazing dog.
Charlie
Charlie is an awesome 11 month old terrier mix who weighs about 10 pounds, and is housebroken using a doggy door. He was hit by a car on Christmas Day, and suffered a broken leg. His owner never came looking for him, so he has been at his foster home recovering from his injury. Even when his leg was broken (now healed), he is ALL TERRIER! Always full of energy, and would do best in an active home with another high energy dog. He is a very sweet pup, very loyal to his person, and does great with children. He loves to be held, loves to curl up on your lap, and wants to sleep as close to his person as possible. He keeps busy all day by playing with lots of toys and by wrestleing around the house with his foster sister (sometimes for hours at a time). He does great in the bath and doesn’t mind having his nails trimmed. He does have a shoe obsession (so keep your closet doors shut), and will bark at anything that he feels doesn’t belong in his yard (squirrels, cats, etc). He also loves to go on walks, but be careful becuse he will try to chase anyone on a bicycle. Charlie is a sweet and special little pup that will make an amazing addition to a very lucky family.
Tiffany
Tiffany is a 3yo Chihuahua/Pug mix that came to us after being overlooked in the shelter for too long. She is an energetic little dog and loves to play. She had a foot injury as a pup so her back foot is a little deformed but she is able to run, play, and go on long walks. She gets along well with other dogs and loves to play with them and with toys. She’d probably be fine with cats. She is a quiet girl who is housebroken and cratetrained. She lets you know when she wants affection and loves it when you give back. And she is extremely food motivated! Tiffany would be a great dog for a family with kids or for someone who wants a cuddle companion.
Scarlett – ADOPTION PENDING!
Scarlett is a spunky little 4 year old 5lb Chihuahua! She looks older, but acts younger! She gets along okay with other dogs & cats (as long as they don’t mess with her too much), because she’s the queen and she knows it! She loves to follow her person around and curl up on your lap or a dog bed nearby. She does great in the car and is crate-trained. She’s friendly with people of all ages once introduced properly (basically becomes best friends with whoever gives her treats and carries her around!). She’s a fun little lady who will make a wonderful companion for someone wanting an outgoing tiny dog!
Zeus – ADOPTED!
Zeus is a 6-7yo purebred Pomeranian. He was rescued from the shelter in bad need of a dental and he had a large mass on his foot. The mass was removed and he is all healed up and his teeth are now sparkling clean too. Zeus is a fantastic and very sweet boy. He is easy to care for, housebroken and cratetrained, rarely ever barks or complains. He is great in the car, and his favorite thing is to have his belly scratched. He has his adorable playful moments, but most of the time he likes to sleep. He can be a sensitive boy so doesn’t always like being brushed. But aside from that, he is a sweetheart and wonderful little guy!
Tiger – ADOPTED!
Tiger is a super cute 4 month old Chihuahua mix. This sweet little tripawed (3 legged) guy has a gorgeous brindle coat and a fun personality! He came into the shelter with a broken leg that couldn’t be repaired so it had to be amputated. He has adapted well and doesn’t seem to notice he’s different from any other dogs! He’s already housetrained on a schedule, knows sit, and is learning other basic obedience. Tiger gets along and wants to play with everyone he meets! He will win your heart with his soft kisses and mighty spirit!
Roscoe – ADOPTED!
Roscoe is a 3 year old, 20lb, Beagle/Jack Russell mix who is great with other dogs, great on a leash, and housebroken. He is a rough and tumble little guy who wants nothing more than to follow his person on trips to the park or cuddle up with you on the couch at home. He is a well balanced dog that knows when to play and when to calm down. This little pup can get a little mouthy and jumpy when he gets excited so he would be best with a family with children over 10 or a single woman. We are currently working with Roscoe to overcome his shyness/fear towards men, so a household either with only women or with a man that is willing to gently work with him to overcome this would be awesome. Roscoe was likely kept as a backyard dog for most of his life which has led him to become a very clever and persistent escape artist if left to his own devices. He can easily jump a 5′ fence, squeeze through gaps half his width, and chew through leashes. However, if let off leash on hikes or in the park he has excellent recall and is more worried about losing his person than the other way around. He is looking for a home that understands he does not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If you are looking for an awesome dog that will love you unconditionally and provide you with endless entertainment Roscoe is the dog for you.
Astro – ADOPTED!
Astro is a 2yo border collie/cattledog mix. He was brought to the shelter as a stray with several other cattledogs roaming a rural area when no one wanted to claim the dogs as theirs. He gets along great with other dogs of all sizes! He has been a bit too interested in cats so maybe a home with no cats would be best. He is very friendly and sweet with all people, but will be mouthy when excited and nip ankles (typical of a herding breed) so will need continued correction and redirection. This is why he’d do best in a herding-dog experienced home with older teens or no kids at all. He is housebroken once on a routine and also crate-trained. He loves to hug and give kisses. He can be independent and is playful. He’s a great looking dog with quite the character to match.
Bingo – ADOPTED!
Bingo is a gorgeous 1 yo. German Shepherd/ Border Collie mix. Bingo is charismatic, Smart, loving and extremely well tempered. He is such a sweet goof ball! Guaranteed to fill every day with laughter and joy! Bingo is active and would do great with another dog to play with. He’s very friendly with other dogs! Also he seems to be ok with cats, but is overly interested in them. He is very intelligent. It took him less then an 2 minutes for him learn both sit and down! He is happy to please and a fun loving dog. He loves to give hugs and kisses to every one. He would make a wonderful Jogging/hiking partner.
Elvis – ADOPTED!
Elvis is a gorgeous 6 pound 1 yo Pomchi (Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix). He is the sweetest little dog. He absolutely loves all people (adults and kids)! He passes out kisses to everyone he meets. He’s great with and will play with other dogs, both large and small! He loves to play with another dogs and has a sweet puppy personality. He is fine with cats. He is crate trained, and house trained. He knows the basics, Sit, down, and a trick called dance! He is very well tempered and although active he mellows down very nicely. He would make a wonderful loving companion to any family.
Peach – ADOPTED!
Peach is a tiny 5 year old bundle of love. She is 4 1/2 pounds of cuteness and personality. Just look at that face! This spunky little girl LOVES to play fetch, bringing the ball back to you so you can throw it again. Peach (the princess) gets along with other dogs as long as they respect her space. She’s interested in cats until she realizes they are much bigger than her! She sleeps quietly in her crate at night, but also enjoys cuddling under the blankets with you. We are doing some fine tuning on her potty training and that’s going very well. Peach is just a sweet and super fun dog, guaranteed to make you smile!
Howie – ADOPTED!
Meet happy Howie, the terrier mix! He’s about 1.5 years old and 12 pounds, and he looks like he could be part Portuguese Podengo and maybe even part Norfolk Terrier. After he was rescued from the shelter, he came down with a very serious illness, and after a stay at the vet for several days, he survived and is now doing better than ever! He loves kids, toys, treats and other small dogs, and he loves to play play play! He’s not sure about bigger dogs right now, but he’s learning to accept them in his foster home. He’s still very puppy-like, chewing on anything within reach and seldom sitting still. He seems to be housebroken and he’s learning basic commands and dog manners. He loves a good belly rub (see photo). Howie is super cute and brings a smile to everyone he meets!
Thank you to: www.PAWS4SJACS.org , “Dogthusiast”, and others, for donating for his care.
Bunny – ADOPTED!
Bunny is a 2yo dainty and very *enthusiastic* miniature Poodle who weighs 11lbs (but should gain a couple). She’s energetic and will even bounce around! She’s good with other dogs after a proper introduction and seems to be fine with cats, almost scared of them. She does great in the car, likes looking out the window. She also seems to be housebroken and sleeps quietly in her crate overnight. She has been treated for a deep ear infection, so whoever adopts her will have to keep an eye on that to make sure it doesn’t come back. She’s a very happy, outgoing, fun poodle but might do best with no, or older/respectful, kids. She is adorable though and will make a fun companion for someone!
Koda – ADOPTED!
Koda is an absolutely stunning 1.5yo Husky mix who weighs about 55lbs. He is the sweetest, most docile dog you will ever meet! He gets along wonderfully with dogs of all sizes, and is even comforting to more shy dogs. He was tested with cats and although he was non-aggressive, probably wouldn’t trust him alone with them due to the husky in him (he was interested in them and seemed like he wanted to play, maybe chase). He’s housebroken and completely crate-trained (will even go into his crate by himself). He knows sit, shake, and down. He is so loving, sweet, and gentle, and he would make an excellent Therapy dog (if you’re interested in community service)! Koda will be the absolute perfect companion for someone who wants an easygoing larger dog.
Duke – ADOPTED!
Duke is a 5yo Dachshund mix who weighs about 15lbs and has a long neck and body! He is housebroken and learning how to be in the crate (whines a little bit in the beginning). He likes to cuddle and sleep on laps and go for walks. He gets along well with other dogs and sometimes will play with them. He has a good moderate energy level: energetic and playful but knows when to calm down. He is a bit on the timid side but with continued socialization he will come out of his shell more. He’s a really sweet guy!
Cricket – ADOPTED!
Cricket is a 8 month old 8 lb Jack Russell Terrier Mix. He is a little ball of playful energy that loves to nuzzle, nibble, and give kisses. He is still learning how to operate as a tiny dog in a big world. That means he is figuring out the basics of walking on a leash very quickly and what toys are his and what toys are for the humans. He is also well on his way to being housebroken, but has a little training left to do. He LOVES people and other dogs, even though the he likes to bark a little at strange big dogs until they let him sniff them out properly. Otherwise, he is very quiet and rides well in the car. If you think you could help lil’ Cricket figure out his place in the world he is anxiously awaiting your call.
2) Come out to meet the dog(s). Check the home page for news/events for upcoming mobile adoptions. If you are interested in a particular dog, note so on the application form and a representative will be in touch with you shortly.
3) Come prepared. In case you fall in love with your new dog on the spot, we are currently accepting cash or checks only. Also, it is always a good idea to have basic supplies ready at home before you adopt a dog, such as food bowls, a crate or bed, etc.
4) Sign the adoption contract with a representative.
5) Take your new dog home! :)
Adoption Fee
Adults and Puppies - $250, non-refundable.
Seniors (10+) - $150, non-refundable.
The adoption fee covers spay/neuter, vaccinations, cost of transport, food, supplies, and any other medical costs.
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The Perfect Dog is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
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