Adopt

Meet Misty! Some dogs are sweet. Some are playful. Some are social. Misty? She’s all three, rolled up into one red merle Australian Shepherd with the brightest smile you’ve ever seen. At four years old, she’s the life of the party —equal parts cuddle bug, fetch champion, and neighborhood greeter.But Misty’s journey hasn’t been easy.

In 2024, she and her brother Maverick lost their beloved owner. For seven long months, they lived alone on a rural property. A kind family member made the 40-mile drive every other day just to feed them, but these two dogs —so used to love and companionship —were left with only brief moments of human contact. Despite that hardship, Misty’s spirit never dimmed. When we first met her, she greeted us with a full-body wiggle and the kind of smile that makes you believe in happy endings.

When Misty first came to us, she weighed 66 pounds (let’s just say her previous owner showed love through snacks). Now, at a healthy 46 pounds, she’s slimmer, faster, and more ready than ever to chase after her beloved ball —which, by the way, she would do all day if you let her. Fetch isn’t just her favorite game; it’s her love language. Misty’s personality is best described as “Dory from Finding Nemo” —incredibly friendly, lovable, and just a little ditzy in the most endearing way.

On walks, she wants to say hello to everyone she meets (neighbors, mail carriers, dogs, squirrels… you get the idea). This sweet girl greets every visitor with a butt wiggles, and she expects the “pet tax” to be paid in full. Unlike her brother Maverick, who accepts a modest fee, Misty charges extra —more belly rubs, more attention, more love, though she will retreat when asked.

She’s wonderful with kids, gentle with our toddler, and endlessly patient when he plays with her toys. She gets along with other dogs, thrives in their company, and is even polite with cats (though she was adorably baffled the first time she met one). Misty has never known life without a furry friend by her side, so her forever home should absolutely include another playful dog —or better yet, her brother Maverick himself.Training? She’s house-trained, crate-trained, and now knows sit, stay, lay down, wait, and off. Leash walking is still a work in progress (the whole “Dory brain” kicks in when she spots new friends to greet), but her head halter has helped her focus and settle in.

She handles baths with grace, enjoys car rides (though she can be a backseat driver and likes to “comment” on the longer ones), and is generally up for anything that involves people or playtime.Her daily routine is filled with charm: supervising breakfast from under our toddler’s high chair(she’s basically our furry Dyson), sneaking in drive-by kisses when you least expect it, lounging in the sunshine, or commandeering her foster brother’s orthopedic dog bed because she’s decided she deserves the finer things in life. At night, she’s just as content to sprawl on the couch for movie night as she is to stretch out on the cool floor. 

Misty would thrive with a family who understands her playful, social nature. Daily walks, regular games of fetch, and —most importantly —another dog for company are non-negotiable. And if that dog happens to be Maverick, well, that would be her dream come true. Misty is joyful, goofy, affectionate, and full of heart. After everything she and Maverick have been through, she’s ready for her forever family —one that will celebrate her big smile, her booty wiggles, and her endless supply of love!