Bella is a sweet, cuddly and incredibly loyal 1½-year-old girl with SO much love to give. Once she knows you, she bonds deeply and loves being close to her people. She is playful, affectionate, smart and loves attention and companionship. She is also very social with other dogs and loves to play.
We are absolutely heartbroken to be looking for a new home for her. Bella can be protective of the people she loves and struggles with unfamiliar people. She has had biting incidents involving strangers, so we want to be completely transparent about her history and find someone experienced who understands her needs.
We have a very busy household with several kids and friends constantly running in and out, and we’ve realized that this simply isn’t the best environment for Bella. We believe she would thrive in a quieter, lower-traffic home with fewer visitors, an experienced owner, and ideally another dog to play with.
Bella is truly an amazing, loving dog. This decision is incredibly difficult for our family, and our only goal is to find someone who will love her as much as we do and give her the safe, happy life she deserves. ❤️
Pet's Name:
Bella
Dog: Primary Breed:
Australian Shepherd Dog
Birthdate (an estimate is okay):
February 2025
Age Category:
Young
Where did you get your pet?:
Ozzy and Friends rescue
Was this pet ever in a shelter, rescue, or foster program? If yes, please provide details.:
Yes, adopted at 3 months from rescue
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.):
May 2025
Gender:
Female
Size (at full-grown):
Small
Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only):
30
Primary Color:
Black
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
Chasing a ball, running in fields, chasing squirels and lizards, very treat motivated!
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
Yes
What commands does your dog know?:
Sit, come
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
Generally well, sometimes may chew on items
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
Strangers entering her space like her home or approaching her humans in a loud or close way
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?:
Two meals per day breakfast and dinner, usually a long 45 minute session at dog park or field in afternoon.
Medical History and Care:
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed or Neutered
House/Litter-Trained
Microchipped
Special Diet
Special Needs
Never Vetted
Unknown
Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?:
No
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.:
Bella has had two biting incidents involving people who were unfamiliar to her. The first occurred when my mother-in-law, whom Bella did not know at the time, entered our home and Bella ran up and bit her on the leg. More recently, a backyard door was accidentally left open and Bella got out. One of my daughter’s friends began running, Bella chased him and bit him. Bella seems particularly triggered by unfamiliar people entering her space or by someone running away from her, and we believe much of her reaction is fear-based and protective. In more neutral environments, such as the dog park where unfamiliar people are simply walking around and not approaching her, she generally does well. We want to be completely transparent about these incidents so she can be matched with someone experienced who understands her triggers and can provide the right environment for her.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
Every few months, short hair doesn’t need maintenance
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?:
Loves dental chews! Will tolerate some light brushing
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Timid
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Cats
Good with Young Children
Bonded Pair
Purebred
Crate Trained
Comes When Called
Needs Training
Likes Car Rides
Likes to Swim
Requires A Fenced Yard
Jumps Fences
Growls at Strangers
Is Afraid of Storms
Digs
How is your dog with children?:
Best in a home without children: Has reacted to children and should live in a home without them.
How is your dog with other dogs?:
Very friendly: Loves meeting and playing with other dogs.
How is your dog with cats?:
Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
Her little eyebrows and all of her expressions! ❤️ She always looks like she’s watching you, thinking about everything you’re saying. And when you come home, she is SO happy to see you—she rubs herself against you, wiggles with excitement and just wants to be as close to you as possible. She has such a sweet, expressive little personality and makes you feel incredibly loved.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
Bella needs a patient, experienced adopter who understands that keeping her successful means not putting her in situations where she feels threatened or overwhelmed. Her new family should be comfortable putting simple but consistent safeguards in place—locked gates and doors, secure separation when unfamiliar visitors come over, and careful introductions rather than expecting her to immediately accept strangers. A quieter, predictable home with someone willing to understand her triggers, earn her trust and continue working with her would be ideal. In return, Bella has an incredible amount of love and loyalty to give. ❤️
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Pet Behavior
If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :
Not Applicable
Yes
How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?:
Not an option, my pet will stay with me for as long as it takes
Who is your veterinarian?:
Banfield Pet Hospital
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?:
Two meals a day, a little less than half cup of dry food
Do you currently have pet insurance?:
No
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State:
Aliso Viejo, CA
Zip Code:
92656
How did you hear about us?:
Google Search
Service Level:
Tailored Placement: Full Support for Behavioral or Medical Needs