Nita

Owner surrender on 10/18/26. Returned adoption after approximately 3 weeks. Surrendering d/t ownerbx00s health. Could live with dogs, children, women, and men. Dog lived mostly outside. No behaviors selected as making it hard to keep the dog. For dog's personality, owner selected friendly, playful, gentle, and independent and quiet. Energy level not indicated. Dog is used to living with adults and seniors. Around children, is gentle, ignores, and tolerates. Recommend dog live with adults, children under 12, and teenagers. With other dogs, is playful, respectful, curious, ignores, tolerates, and is okay with certain dogs. Small and large dogs recommended as companions. Dog has never bitten and broken skin of a human or another animal. For dog reactions, owner checked afraid when bathed or brushed; remaining situations were unanswered.

The foster parent reports that she has improved significantly and is no longer as shy as before. She now greets people, including her visit to a nursing home. She also has more relaxed body language around other dogs. - AMB

Nita has been in foster for 6 days in a three-adult home. She is reported to be housetrained and walks well on leash, typically leading slightly but responding easily to gentle leash guidance. She has been housed separately from the resident dogs; when she sees other dogs at a distance, she becomes alert and attempts to approach but has not been introduced. Nita is described as very shy, timid, and fearful around people, though she has begun slowly approaching familiar caregivers with loose body language, light tail wags, and occasional licks as she becomes more comfortable. She has howled when left alone for a few minutes after initially remaining quiet in foster and has occasionally emitted a brief, low growl. The foster notes that Nita is still decompressing and recovering, and her full behavioral profile has likely not yet emerged.

Stray intake, yellow dot on intake, dog was nervous but allowed all intake handling.Dog has been in foster with finder since intake. Foster reports dog is very shy and skittish/fearful around humans. After a week, dog is less anxious and nervous around fosters; occasionally will slowly approach with mild tail wag, maybe a light lick, but is still largely apprehensive and is fearful around strangers. Feels more comfortable approaching when the human is lying down. Dog has been kept separated from resident dogs. Timid and fearful so far; will need gradual and careful exposure to new people, places and things to create positive associations and build confidence, with positive reinforcement/rewards based training. Adopter will need to provide ample time for dog to acclimate to new environment and build trust; dog's personality likely will emerge and change as she becomes more comfortable. Unknown how she will behave around children. Given dog's timid and fearful presentation, likely would not be a good candidate for a busy household or home with young kids.

S: Dog-dog evaluation with a male and female tester dog. Tester dogs selected due to their ability to politely greet and not escalate conflict.

O: Dog did not initially approach the gate. Handler encouraged dog to face the fence. Male and female tester sniffed towards this dog who stood slightly back from the fence. This dog wagged tail loosely as she looked towards handler, turned head side to side, looked behind and away from male and female tester with some lip licking. Made eye contact with the male tester, showed teeth then barked with some forward movement. Fast, low, side to side wagging tail. Turned head away. Showed teeth as male tester walked towards the fence then turned away. Removed male tester from the yard and female tester was kept on leash for the evaluation. This dog entered the yard on leash. Walked around and sniffed the perimeter. Dropped leash on this dog to allow her to walk freely in the yard. This dog did not approach the tester. Handler allowed on leash female tester to approach this dog. This dog turned to look towards female tester with high and stiff wagging tail. Showed teeth to female tester then walked away. Handler allowed female tester to approach several times on leash. This dog turned to show teeth each time then walked away. Dog lunged slightly towards female tester during one interaction.B

A: Uncomfortable/Anxious, Low Energy, Low Contact, Neutral Social Dynamic, Gives Corrections, no Conflict observed, Playgroup Size 2-3.

P: Recommend placement with appropriately matched dogs, or placed as a solo dog with appropriate dog friends.

Nita – Gentle, Quiet, and Blossoming with Patience

Nita is a 1-year-old, petite Husky mix weighing 40 pounds with a gentle heart and a quiet, thoughtful nature.

• Calm and well-mannered: Nita walks beautifully on leash, takes treats gently, and is learning cues like “sit” and “come” with the help of tasty rewards.
• Growing in confidence: Although shy with strangers, Nita has become noticeably more comfortable with her foster family. She now occasionally approaches with a soft tail wag or a gentle lick and especially enjoys calmed and relaxed interactions.
• Affection on her terms: As trust grows, Nita has started enjoying belly rubs, ear scratches, and quiet companionship. Her affectionate side continues to blossom with patient, gentle handling.
• Settling into new experiences: She may be a little anxious when car rides begin, but she relaxes quickly and often settles down for a nap once she realizes she’s safe.

Nita would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with dog friends outside the home. Click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire.