Meet Nyx

Nyx came in with puppies, who found homes quickly. Likely due to a lack of socialization, Nyx was terrified of people and walking on the leash. She's been doing great, is playful with other gentle/social dogs, can walk on a leash, and enjoys gentle chin scratches from people she knows. Nyx could still use some help learning how to live in a home environment and figuring out how to do all of the things we expect from dogs every day. We think that her ideal home would be quiet, with someone patient enough to teach her that things don't have to be scary, and she would likely do great with a gentle/playful/confident dog to show her how to do things in a home. Interested in helping Nyx? Adopters: Visit the shelter any day between 1:00–5:30 PM to meet this pet, or email our Adoption Team for more information or to schedule an appointment. Fosters: Email our Foster TeamRescue Organizations: Email our Rescue Team Update March 2026: We have moved Nyx higher on the priority list due to our staff and volunteers noticiing that she is having a hard time returning to playgroup. Our theory is that she was over-corrected by another dog who pinned her down during play a few weeks ago, and she is struggling to bounce back to her old playful, happy self. Playgroup used to bring her joy and she would light up when she would get to play with dogs she knew, but recently she has been more reserved and nervous than we had seen her before. Even with known dog friends, she hasn't played in weeks. She's such a sensitive soul, it breaks our hearts to see her suffer this setback when our team has been trying so hard to help her come out of her shell. She needs a patient, calm home environment, but we believe she will thrive with another chance to settle in and feel safe. (She has escaped one foster home, so extra care is needed to make sure there are no easy escape routes for her to find!) Update May 2026: During her two-month foster stay in an adult-only home with another dog, she did well overall with the resident dog but made limited progress bonding with the foster family. She struggled significantly with confinement, pacing, howling, and trying to escape the crate. She also had ongoing accidents in the home, and continued fearfulness with repeated regressions. Nyx will need a more experienced placement equipped to manage her fear, escape risk, and slow trust-building needs. However the foster does report that Nyx is a sweetheart and is very curious about household activities when she gets comfortable. She learned to play with toys and liked going for walks! She has a special harness to help keep her secure, and that will go with her when she gets adopted or rescued! Update September 2026: Nyx reportedly did well in an adoptive home for several months. She lived with teenagers, adults, seniors, and another dog, with whom she played without reported concerns. She was described as friendly with people and dogs, moderately active, crate-trained, calm when left alone for 1–3 hours, and well behaved on leash. She reportedly knew “sit” and “stay,” and enjoyed going on walks. She primarily stayed, slept, and ate outside. @vcanimalservices Gabby the pittie and Nyx the GSD playing like the best girls they are... plus an appearance from Cassadano. ?? These three, and all of our animals, are available with a $0 adoption fee through this last week of 2025! Ends 12/31. Start 2026 with a new best friend ?? *$25 licensing fee may apply for county residents ? original sound - Ventura County Animal Services @vcanimalservices We love these goobers! ? a punk - 3 minute audios