LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Staff at Louisville Metro Animal Services are faced with tough decisions each day. When the shelter gets overcrowded, it looks to a list of dogs at-risk of being euthanized. It's our hope you'll adopt one of these dogs and save them from that fate.
This week's WHAS11 Shelter Star is Loretta. At 11-months-old, this German Shepherd has plenty of tricks up her sleeve and is well-mannered.
Loretta's foster mom, Ashley Timmons, said she came in as a stray and was really shut down at first when placed in the kennel.
"She seemed to perk up with other dogs, so we went ahead and grabbed her and she did a complete 180 at home," Simmons said.
Timmons, who has several dogs of her own, says Loretta loves a full house.
"She is very attentive, very social. A little shy at first, but would benefit from a home with another dog because she enjoys that companionship," Timmons said.
Loretta would be great in agility training or with someone who likes to take long walks or hikes.
"She is a working breed," Timmons said. "We do about 3 miles a day, with some training, to keep her mind stimulated."
But she does have an 'off button,' and loves to cuddle on the couch, and sleeps through the night.
Loretta's house trained and crate trained, great with kids, and very much toy and treat driven.
"Honestly just affection driven," Timmons said. "She's got a special place in our heart, but we're not her forever. She's going to be a wonderful companion. If someone's ready to open up their home and wanting a smart and totally amazing dog, she's it. She's going to be a friend for life."
Loretta remains with her foster family, so the best way to meet her is to contact the foster coordinator by email at MASfoster@louisvilleky.gov.
When adopting, keep the "3-3-3" rule in mind. The first 3 days, a dog may feel uncomfortable and hide, or avoid food or water. After 3 weeks, they hopefully start to let down their guard. If you see behavior problems, this could be a good time to work on training. Experts say it takes about 3 months for animals to be completely comfortable.
Metro Animal Services' Animal House
3516 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY 40218
Phone: (502) 473-7387
Adoption Hours:
- Monday - Noon to 6 p.m.
- Tuesday - Noon to 6 p.m.
- Wednesday - Noon to 6 p.m.
- Thursday - Noon to 6 p.m.
- Friday - Noon to 7 p.m.
- Saturday - Noon to 6 p.m.
- Sunday - Noon to 6 p.m.
- Closed Holidays