Meet Sheba

Meet Sheba! This sweet Beagle mix is about 2 years old and weighs 28 pounds, although she is still working toward a healthier weight of around 33–35 pounds. She has the cutest white-and-tan spotted coat, but it’s her gentle heart and incredible progress that make her so special. Sheba spent more than a year in a shelter, where she was incredibly scared and completely shut down. Thanks to patient volunteers and now an amazing foster home, she is discovering what it means to feel safe and loved. And every single day, she is gaining more and more confidence. Sheba’s biggest hurdle right now is that she can still get scared when someone approaches her directly. But she has made so much progress! If you squat down and give her a little space, she will come right over to you. If she’s relaxing in one of her safe spots, like the couch, she is comfortable with her foster approaching her. She is even starting to show just how affectionate she can be — one of her sweetest new habits is laying her head in her foster’s lap while she naps. Her three absolute favorite things are: Other dogs — especially playful ones! Chewing on her bones Zoomies in the yard! Sheba isn’t a high-energy dog, but she definitely has some adorable bursts of puppy playfulness. She especially loves playing with other dogs and would require another playful dog in her new home. Having a confident, fun canine friend has been wonderful for helping her continue to come out of her shell. She is also getting much better on leash and absolutely loves going for walks and exploring all the interesting smells along the way. She is house trained, although she is not quite ready to potty while on leash yet, so her foster is continuing to work on that. A secure fenced yard is required for Sheba at this time. Inside the house, Sheba is incredibly well behaved. She sleeps peacefully on her dog bed next to her foster’s bed every night and is becoming such an easy companion. She doesn’t love her crate, but her foster is working patiently with her on crate training. Because of this, she would love a family where someone works from home or where she wouldn’t need to spend long hours crated. Sheba is truly the sweetest, most gentle girl, and watching her blossom has been incredibly rewarding. She isn’t looking for a home that expects her to become confident overnight. She needs someone who will continue to give her patience, encouragement, and the opportunity to discover the brave, playful, affectionate girl hiding inside. After spending so much of her life afraid, Sheba is finally learning that the world can be a wonderful place. All she needs now is a family willing to help her keep believing it. Sheba requires another playful dog and a fenced-in yard in her new home. If you think you could be the patient, loving family Sheba deserves, please apply at bcaaofnj.org.