Opal

Updated bio 2/14/12

Opal is now approximately 12 weeks old, and weighs in at 25 lbs. She looks like a German Shepherd/Lab cross. Her ears will probably remain floppy, and when her tail wags, her whole back end moves with it, just like a Lab! It's so adorable.

Opal LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to be near her people. You will usually find Opal sitting on your feet, between your legs, or on your lap if she can get there! She does not know she will be too big to be a lap dog. She is very submissive and sweet with people, but if you are too assertive or strong, she may submissively urinate while she wiggles at your feet, so a calm approach works best for Opal.

Even as a puppy, Opal has a low to moderate energy level, so she will likely mature to be a low energy dog. She is a cuddler, and would probably not make a good jogging partner.

Opal plays very well with the large German Shepherd female in her foster home, but her initial reaction to most strange dogs is to growl and nip at their face. While this may seem like a cute puppy response, this behavior needs to be appropriately corrected so Opal learns to meet other dogs politely. If not actively managed with socializing and good leadership skills, Opal could become reactive to other dogs, so considerable effort needs to be made by her new family to ensure they socialize her to become a well adjusted and happy adult dog.

Opal sleeps in a crate at night without any fuss, and can be in there for up to 8 hours at night without an accidents. But come morning time, she must be quickly directed outside before cuddle time. She would rather get cuddles first, but if so, you will end up with more than just Opal in your lap!

Opal still needs structured potty times and controlled access in the house because she prefers to be with her person as much as possible, and is still learning to potty outside. She is learning how to walk on a leash, but is initially a little defiant. So she has a bit of a stubborn streak in her that will need some clear boundaries and leadership as she matures.

Opal rides well in a vehicle. And she will alarm bark when she hears strange noises. She needs work on learning not to jump up for attention.

Opal doesn't show much interest in chasing a ball, but she will stalk and chase her foster sister, who knows it is a puppy game and doesn't mind. Opal will need to be around adult dogs that don't take offense to this game. Opal also likes to chase cats.

Opal is happiest when she can be around people most of day, so a home where she will not be alone long hours would be best. She is such a sweetheart and will make a very loving addition to a family with a laid-back lifestyle.

Original bio 2/1/12

Opal is approximately 10 weeks old as of February 2012, and was one of three sisters brought to a Sacramento area shelter when a family decided they no longer wanted her. She and her sisters look to be mostly German Shepherd, with maybe a touch of something else in them.

Opal is a cute female puppy with both ears flopped over, neither showing any signs of standing. She is the typical puppy, unsure of new things and wanting to learn about everything with her mouth. She is learning to go to the door to go potty, but won't come get you or hold it for long yet. She sleeps quietly in a crate at night. She doesn't have much prey drive, and looks at the outdoor cat in her foster home as a playmate.

Opal is the most loving of the group, and really likes to be with people. She is the typical puppy, full of energy one minute and snoring at your feet the next. Since she is a German Shepherd, she'll need daily exposure to new things so she doesn't become shy or fearful. She'll also need interaction and exercise thoughout the day, and frequent quiet-times where she can learn how to entertain herself and be alone.

She's a great little puppy just waiting for someone to work with her and help her become a great dog.

This is a Level 2 Dog

Added February 2012

Pictures taken 2/12/12

Original pictures 2/1/12