Astrid

Most important things for my new family to keep in mind about me:

1. I’m a lover not a fighter so give me cuddles, not drama. I’m not a

dominant dog; when other dogs get too dramatic, I go find my own space

to chill.

2. I am a busy girl and want to have lots of playing and running time.

3. I’m content to be part of a pack, but I keep my own company too.

However, it would be nice to have another active dog in my new family to

have a playmate and for company.

4. I’m very smart and quick to learn. Treats make that even easier.

5. No cats (or rabbits), but I have gotten used to the little dogs next door at

my current foster’s place. And there are no more wild rabbits.

6. I’d like to be trained to run off-leash more. My recall is getting better, and

I think I can be a runner’s/hiker’s training sidekick.

Hi, everyone! I’m Astrid, a 5-6-year-old purebred GSP and I need a job because I

am a busy girl! My former family only had me for a short time and realized they

just couldn’t give me enough attention and exercise because they had very

young children and just didn’t have enough time for me. Fortunately, they let the

rescue know that they needed help in finding me a new home.

I am a vigilant doggo so if I’m awake, I’m ready to go. If it’s smaller than me and it

moves, it's worthy of my attention so I know a family with cats is probably not for

me! My foster mom and dad say I learn as fast as I run and I know lots of

commands, how to use a doggie door, ring a bell at the other door, and even get

my hair and nails done. My foster dad is around a lot but when they both leave

the house, the other dog and I usually have freedom in the house. I’m sure that’s

because I just don’t destroy things unless the puppy instigates chewing on

something she shouldn’t, and I might join in but I don’t do that on my own. I’ve

got chew toys and other things, as I also know shoes are not allowed.

Fortunately, I do not have separation anxiety with my foster parents checking the

pet cam to see me either chilling on the sofa, a dog bed or in my open crate. If

my foster parents are out for longer than 2 hours, they tend to put me and the

puppy in the crate, as I will just chill out and lay down (so the puppy gets used to

it and she doesn’t have access to the shoes.  

I am not a dominant girl at all. I love being with the other chill dogs and the puppy

and I will play for hours. As I said at the beginning, I want to be busy, but also like

a midday nap. I do like to cuddle but I don’t insist on it. In fact, sometimes I nap in

my crate with the door open so no one can bother me. 

Being busy also means being outside a lot. I don’t jump fences anymore and if

you let me, I will clear a path along your fence by running at full speed anytime

I’m outside. Being outdoors is my favorite activity because I love to run and run.

I’m pretty good on walks with a leashed collar, not pulling too much. However, I

love to snoop and explore so I can get pretty distracted. I know I would love to go

on hikes, however I may need to be trained on a collar for any off leash running

until my verbal recall is even better. My current foster parents have continued to

train me with additional commands and behaviors, such as come, here, sit, stay,

down, off, wait, no, away, and more.

When it’s finally time to end the day, I’ll take myself off to bed, finding a place to

sleep such as in the dog bed or doggy blanket pile at the foot of the bed, or in an

open crate. Pretty much wherever!

Most of all, I know that I want a family that will have time for me, will give me

attention and exercise, will have another active dog, will keep me busy, and will

train me on a collar so I can run and run off leash. And, of course, a family that

will let me know how much they want me to be part of their family.