Location: Laurel is being fostered in Los Angeles, CA. We are seeking applicants from California, Nevada or Arizona. 
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Laurel: 
  • Female
  • 2 Years Old
  • 20 pounds
  • Collie and Chihuahua Mix 
  • Spayed, vaccinated and microchipped
  • OK with other dogs and cats
  • Good with kids and all humans
  • Distemper survivor with constant head tremor, does *not* need medicine at this time 



Please Read Full Bio Before Proceeding

🌿 Meet Laurel 🌿

Hi, I'm Laurel, and if you're reading this, you should know upfront: I am a survivor. Not in a dramatic, reality-TV kind of way — well, actually, maybe a little dramatic. I was rescued from a hoarding situation and ended up at Devore Animal Shelter where I was at risk of losing my life because of lack of space and proper medical care. Thankfully I got rescued even though I was in rough shape. I had pneumonia and had to spend a day in a breathing chamber as soon as I got out of the shelter. A few days later, I was diagnosed with distemper. There were days my foster weren't sure I was going to make it. But here I am. I fought really, really hard — and I won.

I'm now a healthy, happy, 2-year-old Collie/Chihuahua mix (yes, that's a combination, and yes, I am adorable). I weigh 20 pounds, which is the perfect amount of dog. I'm currently being fostered in Los Angeles and looking for my forever home.
I do want to be upfront about one thing: because of my distemper history, I experience constant head tremors. They'll probably be with me for life. They don't slow me down or cause me pain — they're just part of who I am now, a little reminder of how far I've come. My ideal adopter will love me as the whole package, tremors and all.

Now that you know my origin story, let me tell you about the real me.

I am a homebody who is slowly, bravely learning that the world isn't so scary after all. I've been going on daily walks along the same route — familiarity is my best friend right now — and I'm getting more confident every single day. Crowds and strangers can still overwhelm me (I may need to be picked up if things get too busy out there), and men I don't know make me extra nervous, whether we're on a walk or they're visiting the house. But I'm working on it! My foster family has been taking me to parks and even getting me used to car rides. I do a funny thing where sometimes I bark at strangers from the car. If someone outside the car has the audacity to exist where I can see them, I will let everyone know. *woof woof* 

On the potty front, I am a pee pad queen. Outside potty training is still a work in progress (we've tried the waiting game — I simply do not negotiate), but I am absolutely reliable on my pads. No accidents, no drama.

Now for the fun stuff. When I am happy to see you — and I will always be happy to see you — I express it by launching myself into the air. We're talking chest-height jumps. It's purely a love jump, I promise. I've also grown into quite the independent little lady. When I first came to my foster home I cried when left alone, but now I handle solo time like a champ (up to 5 hours, no problem). I've claimed a cat bed as my own personal throne and I'm completely comfortable snoozing on my own. I still love a good snuggle though. 

I'm great with other dogs, cats, kids, and all kinds of humans. But I just need to go slow. I need patience, consistency, and someone who understands that it might take a little bit to gain my full trust because of what I've been through in the past.

My ideal home is calm and loving, with someone who will keep working with me on the big wide world without rushing me. In return, I will give you the most love you've ever received from a 20-pound dog. 

💚 Want to be part of the next chapter of my story?

A note from the founder of ACZ — Laurel's story is one that will stay with you. She is proof that animals — given even the smallest chance — will choose life. She will carry her head tremors as a badge of courage for the rest of her days, and we think that makes her even more extraordinary. There is not a bad bone in her body — she is simply the sweetest girl, and she has already done the hardest part. If you are the patient, gentle human she deserves, please apply. LA shelters are in crisis, with dogs losing their lives to euthanasia every single day. Please adopt, don't shop.​
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