Shiba Inu Rescue Association Adoption Process
So you've seen the beautiful, headstrong breed known as the Shiba Inu. You've looked at your living situation and decided that you are ready to open your home to a homeless Shiba. Now the question is, how do you adopt one? Below is SIRA's adoption process explained. Please read all the information as our process may differ from other shelters or rescue organizations you may have looked into adopting from. We currently CANNOT accept applications from people outside of the Midwest region. Our service area includes Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.
ADOPTION!
Once you have found your perfect match and the foster home has approved you to adopt their foster dog, an adoption day will be arranged. All resident dogs must meet potential new dogs. We require a waiting period as well. Before your forever friend comes home, you will need to be sure you have all the necessary supplies to care for your new Shiba. A Shopping Check List is available for you to use. You will be required to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian within the first 10 days of adoption and provide proof of such check up to the adoption coordinator. The final stop in the process is to sign the adoption contract and pay the adoption fee!
Adoption fees vary depending on the age of the dog and are based on the age of the dog when they entered foster care:
Puppies under 6 months = $500.00 (Please note - all puppies under 6 months are required to be foster/foster to adopts due to spay/neuter age)
Puppies 6 months to 1 year = $400.00
Adolescent 1-3 years = $350.00
Young Adult 4-6 years = $300.00
Adult 7-9 years = $250.00
Senior 10+ years = $200.00
Adoption fees may be paid by check, money order, cashiers check, Venmo or Zelle only!
Shiba Inu Rescue Association reserves the right to deny any applicant at any stage in the adoption process for any reason.
- The first step in adopting a rescue Shiba from SIRA is to fill out our adoption application. This allows us to find out more about you and your family, your living situation and what you are looking for in a forever friend. You must complete all applicable fields in the application and be as detailed as possible. Incomplete applications will be returned for correction. Please click HERE to complete the application. If you have any problems or questions do not hesitate to contact us at adoptsirashibas@gmail.com.
- Once we receive and review your application, we will call and verify your references. All applicants are REQUIRED to provide TWO non-related references that do not reside in your home. These should be people who have been around your pets or are familiar with your pet experience If that is not possible (i.e. you have never owned pets or have not owned any for many years) please provide references who know you well.
- If you currently own or have owned pets, you will need to provide us with your most recent veterinarian's information and please contact them to grant permission to release your records to Shiba Inu Rescue Association. Failure to do so will result in a delay of the adoption process.
- If you are renting, you will need to provide us with your landlord's information. Please also let us know of any breed/weight/pet restrictions set by your landlord. We will be calling to verifying all information. It might be helpful to let your landlord know we will be contacting them. If we cannot verify that you are allowed to have a dog, it delays the process.
- You must be at least 21 years of age to adopt.
- Once the application is approved and references are checked, we will find a volunteer to perform your home visit. The volunteer will make arrangements to visit with you in your home. PLEASE NOTE: ALL FAMILY MEMBERS, INCLUDING CHILDREN, MUST BE PRESENT FOR THE ENTIRE HOME VISIT. The home visit gives us the opportunity to discuss with you and your family any issues or potential dangers for the dog (i.e. exposed wires, possible escape issues, etc. ). We can then offer suggestions of how to Shiba-proof your home and management techniques to keep the dog safe and everyone happy. This is also the time for us to find out and discuss with you exactly what your are looking for in a dog, and what will fit best with your family.
- Find your forever friend! Once your home visit has been completed and you have been approved to adopt, you may begin the search for your forever friend. Use the email links on the dogs' bio pages to contact the foster families and let them know you are interested in their foster.
- Foster families care for the rescued shibas in their home for an average of 6-8 weeks. They evaluate the dogs and find out how they are with adults, children, dogs, cats and other pets if possible. They know how much stimulation and activity their foster dog needs in addition to any training that may be needed in the future.
- All potential adopters are required to meet their new dogs in person and resident dogs must meet the foster dog. There is also a 24 hour waiting period before adoption may occur.
- If you are not able to adopt the first dog you are interested in, please do not be discouraged. This does not mean you are not a good home for a rescue Shiba, it only means that there was another family who's situation was better for that particular dog. Keep looking and inquire when you see a dog you are interested in. Your perfect match is out there and you will find it. We will help you in the process!
ADOPTION!
Once you have found your perfect match and the foster home has approved you to adopt their foster dog, an adoption day will be arranged. All resident dogs must meet potential new dogs. We require a waiting period as well. Before your forever friend comes home, you will need to be sure you have all the necessary supplies to care for your new Shiba. A Shopping Check List is available for you to use. You will be required to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian within the first 10 days of adoption and provide proof of such check up to the adoption coordinator. The final stop in the process is to sign the adoption contract and pay the adoption fee!
Adoption fees vary depending on the age of the dog and are based on the age of the dog when they entered foster care:
Puppies under 6 months = $500.00 (Please note - all puppies under 6 months are required to be foster/foster to adopts due to spay/neuter age)
Puppies 6 months to 1 year = $400.00
Adolescent 1-3 years = $350.00
Young Adult 4-6 years = $300.00
Adult 7-9 years = $250.00
Senior 10+ years = $200.00
Adoption fees may be paid by check, money order, cashiers check, Venmo or Zelle only!
Shiba Inu Rescue Association reserves the right to deny any applicant at any stage in the adoption process for any reason.
ADOPTABLE DOGS!
WENDY
I am Wendy and I’m looking for my forever home. I’m 9 years old and a gentle, well-mannered, little lady! I came to SIRA after a life as a breeding mama. When the breeder did not want me anymore, SIRA brought me to my foster home near Minneapolis. Living in a house with people is brand new to me – and kind of scary. There are so many unfamiliar sounds and new things that I’m still cautious and skittish when a loud noise or unexpected movement surprises me. But I’m learning that I like it here! There are so many soft places to nap and a securely fenced yard where I can explore. And OMG there are squirrels! They are fascinating! When I see them in the yard, I stop whatever I’m doing to watch. I like the other dogs in my foster home. They help me feel safe when I snuggle with them. There are cats here too and I’m good with them. I’m still getting used to the humans. They are nice to me and I like to follow them around and watch what they’re doing. When they settle in on the couch to watch TV, sometimes I’ll join them. I don’t get too close, but I do enjoy having them nearby. Foster dad says he can tell that I am starting to relax and show my true Shibatude, because when I really don’t like something, I show my disapproval with a really good Shiba scream! Foster dad says I’m a smart girl. I’m learning to respond to my name and to respond to commands – sometimes (I AM a Shiba afterall). My forever family will need to be experienced with shy, fearful dogs and be patient as I learn to feel safe in my new home. I let my foster dad pick me up, but I still need to learn about going for walks on a leash. I’m healthy, spayed, up-to-date on vaccinations, and I weigh about 19 pounds. My forever home will need to have a securely fenced yard for me to play in. Like many Shibas, I’ve shown signs of being a door-bolter and escape-artist, so my forever family will need to be vigilant when they open doors and supervise me carefully outside. My ideal forever home will have another nice dog to help me adjust and come out of my shell. Cats would be okay too. I’ve met some little humans, and I’d be okay if my forever family had gentle kids that are not too little or too high-energy. But most of all, my forever family will need to be able to give me time and love while I adjust. If you can do that, I will be a sweet and loving addition to your life. If you live in the Midwest, visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to become an approved adopter. The application process helps SIRA learn more about you and your home environment so they can tell if we might be a good match. Once approved, SIRA can connect you with my foster dad, so we can meet. foster mom, so we can meet. My adoption fee is $250.00.
SANDY
My name is Sandy and I’m looking for my forever home. I’m 5 years old and came to my foster home from a commercial breeding facility where I used to make puppies. Now I live with my foster family in the Chicago suburbs. I had never lived in a home before, so everything was strange and new at first. People were terrifying where I used to live, so it has taken time for me to start to feel safe and to learn how things work here. I’m still pretty skittish and shy, but the vet gave foster mom some medicine that helps me relax. I still hide in my crate when new people come to the house, but now I’ll start to peek my head out a bit to see what’s going on. Foster mom is slowly winning me over, even though I’m still suspicious when I see her watching me. When she tells me “go get pets!” if I go to my safe place, she will join me there and pet me. It feels so good! It’s weird, but I feel happy when she comes home – she even caught me wagging my tail because I was so glad to see her. Of course, the minute I saw her watching me, I stopped. There are other dogs here in my foster home and we’re friends. I don’t like it when they jump all over me and I’ll growl to ask them to back off, but I don’t escalate. We also have a big toy box. I never had toys before. I like to take the bones and stash them away until foster mom finds them and puts them back in the box. I think my favorite thing about my foster home is the fenced yard. I love to run around and chase my foster sisters. It feels so good to run! I am very interested in the little critters who visit the yard. Foster mom says I have a typical Shiba prey drive, because sometimes she catches me digging to try to get them. I’ve never met a cat before, so I don’t know if I’d want to be friends or want to eat them. My perfect forever home will have very patient and gentle humans who will understand that it might take me a while to learn to trust and relax. If you have another nice, respectful dog at home, that would really help me adapt. I will need a securely fenced yard, since I’m still getting the hang of walking on a leash. Yeah. That whole leash thing. I’m not buying it. I’ve gotten used to wearing a harness, but whenever foster mom picks up the leash, I give her my very best side-eye and “Shiba Nope,” which means I turn into a statue and refuse to move. Yeah, I might just be a little bit stubborn. There aren’t any little kids in my foster home, but I’ve met a couple of them. I’d probably do best in a home that is on the quiet and calm side. I weigh approximately 20 lbs and I’m a healthy girl – spayed and up-to-date on my vaccinations. If you live in the Midwest and are interested in a pretty girl who is sweet and just a little bit Shiba-stubborn, visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt for more information and to start the process to become an approved adopter with SIRA. Applying helps SIRA get to know you and your home environment to confirm that we’ll be a good match. Once approved, SIRA can put you in touch with my foster mom so we can meet. My adoption fee is $300.00.
JOTARO
My name is Jotaro and I’m looking for my forever home. I was found as a stray and brought to a shelter where I stayed while the staff tried to find my owners. When nobody claimed me, the shelter contacted SIRA, thinking I was a Shiba Inu. SIRA brought me to my foster home in Indiana, where I live now. I got checked out at the vet and they say I am a healthy boy. They think I’m around 7 or 8 years old and I weigh around 40 pounds. I am neutered, house and crate-trained, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Even though I act and look kind-of like a Shiba, SIRA wanted to know for sure, so they got my DNA tested and found out my secret! I’m actually a New Guinea Singing Dog! Singers are Most Singers behave quite differently than typical dogs. We are an ancient breed like Shibas that came from wolves originally. But while the Shiba Inu breed was developed in Japan, Singers come from the Island of New Guinea. We are related to the Australian Dingo and pretty special and unusual – so special that you can sometimes find Singers in a Zoo. But SIRA thinks I’ve lived in a home with humans and other animals before, because of how well I’ve adapted. I’d rather be in a home with a family that loves me and knows how to keep me happy and safe. As you might have guessed, Singers got their name because we sing! When I sing, it’s more musical than a howl and certainly much prettier and more polite than a Shiba scream (video in the comments). I like it here at my foster home. I’m not really into playing and I’m not much of a cuddler, but I like being close to my foster family. My favorite thing to do is to find a soft, comfy place to curl up and hang out. My foster mom and dad are really nice to me. They call me Jojo and love me like part of the family. I’m cautious and apprehensive and shy, and I tend to startle easily, but once I get to know you, I’m also very affectionate and love to give kisses. There are other dogs here and I’m good with the 3 boy dogs, who are pretty submissive and easy-going. There is a girl dog here too, but she’s kind of bossy and I am not so fond of her dominance. My best friend here is a cat! Now, that’s unusual for a Singer, but I like her the best. She is used to dogs and she gets me – I like being near her, but I also like my personal space. There are three human kids here too and we get along well. I haven’t been around really little kids (younger than 9) since coming here. Foster mom says I’m smart and curious. My favorite places to explore are the tabletops and counter tops where the humans keep really interesting (and sometimes yummy) stuff. My perfect forever family will be calm and attentive. It would be ideal if they are familiar with New Guinea Singing Dogs or with other ancient breeds. I’d do well with moderately active adults who like to go for walks and I’d enjoy having older kids around as long as they are respectful and give me my space when I need it. If you have another dog who is laid back, friendly, and respectful, that might be just fine. I’m not the kind of dog that is good off leash. Like Shibas, Singers are very independent and have a high prey drive – and lousy recall, so all it takes is a bunny or squirrel or a blowing leaf to catch our eye, and we’re gone! If my forever home has a fenced yard, it’s super important that it be very secure, with a high fence that I can’t climb or jump of gaps that I can squeeze through. While I haven’t tried to break out of my foster home, Singers (like Shibas) are really amazing escape artists and my forever family will need to commit to supervising me when I'm outside. I do best on a consistent diet since my tummy can get sensitive with too many changes. If you live in the Midwest and are interested in me, the next step is to apply to become an approved adopter with SIRA. Visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt for more information and to download the application forms. The application helps SIRA learn more about you and your home environment so they can tell if we might be a good match! Once you’re approved, SIRA can introduce you to my foster mom and dad so we can meet. My adoption fee is $250.00.
KITA
My name is Kita and I'm looking for my forever home! I’m 6 years old and live with my foster family in Bondurant, IA. I came to SIRA from a commercial breeding facility where it was my job to make puppies. But that life is behind me now. I’m a healthy girl – spayed and up-to-date on my vaccinations – and I weigh just under 25 lbs. This is my first time living with humans in a home. Everything is so new and overwhelming! But foster mom is proud of me for how I am adapting. I'm still very shy and cautious with people, but I'm starting to understand that I can trust my foster family. They're so kind to me, and their affection feels nice, even though it's new for me. Sometimes when I'm feeling very brave I'll sneak up to get petted - and sometimes I'll even give little kisses or hop up on the couch. When I meet new people, I'm curious, but I generally won't approach until I know them. My very favorite thing about my new life is being outside! I love to be outside – chasing the other dogs in the fenced yard or just hanging out pretending I’m a wild Shiba doing wild Shiba things. My foster mom hangs out with me. It spoils my wild fantasy when she watches me and I let her know with my very best HOWL! My perfect forever home will be a calm, quiet place where I can continue to get used to this new life. I’d love to have a couple of cozy, soft, quiet spots of my very own, and a kind person to pet me and give me a hotdog from time to time. Loud noises and sudden, unexpected movements spook me and my instincts make me want to bolt and hide. For that reason, my forever family will need to be extra-careful when opening doors. I’d really love to have a securely fenced yard of my own to play in and a nice dog-friend or two to play with, but I could probably get used to leash walks with some more practice. I’m learning how to walk on a leash. I’m still a bit nervous at first, but once I get going, I forget to be nervous. I'm good with other dogs and I pretty much ignore the cats here in my foster home, so I’d be fine with them too. I’ve met some kids and I’m curious about them, but nervous because of their sudden movements and squealy noises. I’m a very good girl when left on my own. Foster mom lets me have free run of the house and I don’t have accidents or destroy things while she’s gone. If you live in the Midwest and want to help a pretty girl like me learn to live her very best life, then visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the process of becoming an approved SIRA adopter. The application process helps SIRA learn about you and your home environment so they can tell if we might be a good match. Once approved, they’ll introduce you to my foster mom, so we can meet! My adoption fee is $300.00.
ERIE
My name is Erie and I’m looking for my forever home! I’m 6 years old and came to SIRA from a commercial breeding facility. I’m a healthy and beautiful sesame girl - around 25 lbs and I’m being fostered in the Findlay, OH area. I didn't live in a home with people until recently, so I'm still getting used to this new life. Unexpected movements and unfamiliar noises can startle me. I’m figuring out that humans can be really kind and gentle. My foster family is so nice to me. I still get jumpy, but foster mama says that I’m a real sweetheart! I I am the first one to greet her with a smile and a tail wag in the morning and when she comes home. And I don’t show any aggression to people. I’m gentle with little humans too. I’ve learned that if I approach my foster mom she’ll pet me! I like how it feels so much that I've started to feel comfortable letting her rub my belly. I give her little kisses on the top of her head when she bends down to show her how happy I am. Foster mom says I’m really smart and very curious, so I figure out how to maneuver things to get what I want. I love going for walks outside. Like many Shibas, I’d love to chase all of the critters outside, but I’m learning that I can't catch them when I'm attached to foster mom on a leash, so I just stop and watch. I like going outside! My forever family will need to be very careful when coming and going from outside to keep me from getting loose. I’m a little sneaky sometimes and have figured out how to get around the dog gate if it isn’t set up just right. But don’t let my Shiba-tude mislead you. I’m a very good girl! I have never had an accident in the house and I tolerate baths with no complaints. I am not one of those Shibas that jumps all over the furniture either. I’m happy being a “floor dog.” Even if I get scared by thunder or fireworks, I will come into the bedroom for refuge, but I’m not interested in being on the bed. I’m also a good girl when my foster family is away at work. I’d love to have an active forever family who will take me out on lots of long walks and hikes. Having a fenced yard would be nice for days when we can’t go for walks to help me burn off energy. It would be great if my forever family had another nice dog who could help show me the ropes and teach me how to play and how to be a pet. I’ve never lived with a cat or other small pets and considering how I like to chase the outside critters, living with small pets might not be a good fit for me. If you have experience with fearful, skittish dogs, and can give me time and patience and some training, I promise I’ll be a wonderful addition to your life. If you live in the Midwest and are interested in a smart, pretty girl like me, visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the application process to become an approved SIRA adopter. Applying helps SIRA learn more about you so they can learn if we’ll be a good match. Once approved, SIRA will introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet. My adoption fee is $300.00.
SASHA
Hi, my name is Sasha and I’m looking for my forever home. I’m five years old and my foster family says I’m a sweetheart! Until recently, I lived in a home with a family, but they decided that they couldn’t care for me any longer. A really nice lady took me in and helped me get to my foster home. So, a bit more about me: I’m pretty nervous and shy and cautious around people who I don’t know. But if you’re patient with me and help me build trust (and give me hot dogs), I’ll be your best girl. Some things I love include being outside. I love to hang out in the securely fenced yard at my foster home and play with the other dogs in my foster home. What’s even better is when foster mom takes me for a walk! I love exploring. And I love hot dogs! But more on that later… I like my foster home and get excited when my foster parents come back home, even though I still play hard-to-get when they want to pet me. I’m pretty laid-back when I’m indoors. I’m a very good girl. I’m house-trained and don’t even jump up on the furniture (even though my foster family says it’s okay). I like to sit in front of the TV and take a nap, or even go down the hall to the bedroom to get some alone time. My wish list for my forever home would include humans who are patient and gentle with me to help me not feel so scared. I will need at least one other nice dog to play with, and a securely fenced yard to play in. I’d love to have a quiet home without small kids… but with lots and LOTS of hot dogs!! Did I mention that I like hot dogs? Yeah. I REALLY like hot dogs!! I weigh about 25 lbs and am healthy and spayed and up-to-date on vaccinations. I’m being fostered in the Madison, WI area. If you live in the Midwest and would like to be my forever home, the next step is to visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the process of becoming approved to adopt. Just download the application that will help SIRA learn more about you to see if we might be a good match. Once you’re approved, SIRA can introduce you to my foster family so we can meet. My adoption fee is $300.00.
AIKO
My name is Aiko and I'm looking for my forever home. I'm 9 years old and a petite girl - I weigh about 18 pounds. I spent my whole life making puppies at a commercial breeding facility. When they didn't want me anymore, SIRA rescued me and brought me to my foster home here in Monroe, Wisconsin. At first, I was so scared by just about everything. But gradually I started to realize that things here are pretty nice. My foster parents are so kind and gentle. Foster mom calls me her "Little Teddy Graham" which is sooo embarrassing, but you see what I mean. And as I started to relax, I let my true self come out. I may be (ahem) a mature lady, but I'm a silly girl at heart. I like to play peek-a-boo with my foster family around corners and run in the yard with the resident dogs here in my foster home. They have things called toys here! We never had them where I was before and at first I didn't know what they were for. But I've figured out how to play fetch with them all by myself. I also like keeping an eye on things here - I mean someone has to, right? I'll come to the top of the stairs to see who is coming in the front door so they don't let any riff-raff in. Foster mom says I also have a sassy side. I have NO idea what she means, but apparently I'm a picky eater? Hrmph. I mean do you blame me? Once you show me all of the delicious foods that exist, yes, I'll go on hunger strike if given the same wet food every day. A lady needs variety! Another new thing for me is going for a spa day. I had no idea what was happening the first time, but OMG the pampering and the nice smelling things they rub on me! It feels so good! And we get to ride in the car! I like rides, even if I'm sometimes nervous about going someplace new. I also like to go for walks, but I'm not always so fond of getting my harness and leash put on. I'm a healthy girl - spayed, house-trained, and up-to-date on my vaccinations. I do have seasonal allergies, but I take a daily allergy pill during the summer and fall and that keeps the itchies under control. My perfect forever home will be a quiet one, since I'm still getting used to this new life. A nice resident dog to be my friend and a securely fenced yard to play in are also on my "must have" list. If you have cats or other pets, that's fine with me, but no little human kids please. They terrify me! My forever family should be experienced with shy/fearful dogs like me and able to be patient with me as I continue to adapt to this new life. They should be careful to prevent escapes, since scared Shibas like me sometimes try to bolt. If you live in the midwest and think you'd like a fluffy little Teddy Graham of your very own (I can't believe I just said that), visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to learn more and download SIRA's application forms. Applying to become an approved adopter helps SIRA learn more about you and your home environment so they can make sure we'd be a good match. Once approved, SIRA can introduce you to my foster family so we can meet! My adoption fee is $250.00.
NYKON
My name is Nykon and I’m looking for my forever home. I’m 7 years old, I weigh 22 lbs, and I recently came to live in my foster home in Ypsilanti, MI. I’m a healthy boy, neutered and up-to-date on my vaccinations. Until the SIRA people came to rescue me, I had spent my whole life at a commercial breeding facility helping to make puppies. Everything about living in a home with humans is new and strange to me, and I don’t mind admitting that at first, I was terrified! But now I’m starting to learn what it means to be a treasured family member. I’m still pretty cautious and skittish around new things – especially unexpected movements and noises. But as I get used to the new routines here, my curiosity is starting to help me feel brave. I’m learning to trust my foster dad. It really helps when there is string cheese involved. He will gently pick me up and sit down on the couch next to me and I’ll stay up there next to him as long as he keeps feeding me pieces of string cheese. Yum!! I’m learning so much! I’m getting the hang of going for walks on a leash. I really love that! I tug a little bit on the leash when we first get going because I’m so excited to explore all of the smells. But the rest of the way, I walk right beside my foster dad like a good boy. Recently, my foster dad took me to a fenced area where there were other people and dogs playing. He said I behaved like a gentleman, sniffing them to get acquainted. There was a really big puppy there who was totally bonkers, so I stayed away from him. Because of that, my foster dad thinks I’d do well in a home with other dogs, as long as they are respectful and laid-back. I haven’t met any cats yet, or small kids, so I’m not sure what I’d think about them. Little kids who scream and run would be too much for me, but I think I might be okay with older kids as long as they’re calm and gentle. My perfect forever home will be one with patient and kind humans who understand that I’m still learning to feel safe in this new world. I’d love to have a private cozy spot where I can go when I need to feel safe. I’d love to have a fenced yard where I can run around and play – and another nice resident dog to be my friend and help show me the ropes of this new life. If you live in the Midwest and want a sweet, gentleman to share your life with, visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the process of becoming an approved SIRA adopter. The application process helps SIRA make sure that we’ll be a good match. Once approved, SIRA will introduce you to my foster dad so we can meet! My adoption fee is $250.00.
FREDDIE
Update - Meeting Pending! My name is Freddie and I’m looking for my forever home. I’m 9 months old and I’m a tiny guy, weighing just under 15 lbs. I came to SIRA after being released from a commercial breeding facility, so there’s so much about the big wide world that I’m still learning. But I’m very curious, so even if I am not sure about something new at first, I’ve got to check it out, so I’ll cautiously approach. Or maybe I’ll bark at it – or even Shiba scream! Foster mom says I’m a total sweetheart. I think that’s ‘cause I love to nuzzle her in the morning when she comes to let me out of my kennel. I’m a typical puppy. I’m pretty laid back, but I definitely need toys or something to chew on to keep me busy. Sometimes I get the zoomies. I’m kind of clumsy, with little twitches and tics. Sometimes I bump into things or fall off things. SIRA got me checked out by a vet and I got some special tests to make sure that I’m healthy. The tests came back normal, which means that whatever it is doesn’t appear to be concerning – maybe I’m just extra dorky. But I’m a good boy! Foster mom trusts me to have the run of the house for up to 4 hours at a time with minimal accidents. There’s another dog here at my foster home and we get along well. In fact, my ideal forever home will have another nice dog that I can play with and who can continue to show me the ropes of this new life. When I’m outside in the yard, I haven’t shown signs of being an escape artist, like many Shibas, but I do like to patrol the perimeter of the yard. And foster mom says that I’ve got to be carefully supervised in the yard ‘cause I like to eat my own poop. She says that’s gross – but I don’t know what she’s talking about. I’m getting the hang of leash walks, especially when my foster fur-sibling comes along. And I sleep through the night in my kennel without making a peep, so I’m pretty much perfect, so there! I haven't lived with any cats or other small animals. But foster mom says that I’m a sweet, friendly, and gentle boy and don’t how any signs of aggression, even when I play, so I would probably do okay in a home with kids. I don’t fight back, but I freeze like a statue when I’m in a situation where I feel uncomfortable… like in the bathtub (ick!). I’m neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, and ready for my forever home! I’m being fostered in Omaha, NE. If you live in the Midwest and want a sweet, friendly buddy like me, the next step is to visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt for more information and to apply to become an approved adopter. The application process helps SIRA learn more about you and your home environment so they can tell if we might be a good match. Once approved, they can introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet! My adoption fee is $400.00.
COMING SOON...
RIGBY
.My name is Rigby and I’m looking for my forever home. My foster mom says I’m a sweet boy. I’m about 11 months old and came to my foster home near Chicago, IL, after SIRA rescued me from a commercial breeder. I’m not sure why they didn’t want me anymore, but that’s okay with me. It’s much more fun here! There are so many things to explore and I’m a very curious puppy. Foster mom always keeps an eye on me because sometimes I explore things I shouldn’t. There are toys here too, and I love to play with them. It’s hard to decide if I love to play more or if I love treats best. I LOVE treats!! My favorite toys are my duck toy and my tennis ball. My least favorite thing here is my crate, because I’d so much rather be running around, playing and getting tummy rubs and treats from my foster family than being by myself in my crate, especially when my foster family leaves the house. But foster mom is working to help me think of my crate as a cozy special place. I get tasty chew toys when I have crate time. Like most puppies, I’ve got lots of energy. I get so happy when foster mom lets me out of my crate. I get airplane ears and the zoomies and run around the house as soon as that crate door opens. But when I finally get worn out and sleepy from all that play, I love to cuddle and snuggle with my foster family. One time my foster mom sang to me and held me and I felt so cozy and happy in her arms that I just fell right to sleep. Foster mom is also working with me on my manners, so I’ll grow up to be a well-behaved dog. I am getting the hang of potty training and have only had a few accidents. Foster mom is working to get me on a regular potty schedule and she rewards me with treats when I go potty outside and that is helping me learn. I had a bath the other night and did not whine at all – and I only tried to jump out a few times. I’m learning all about leash walks. At first, I’d just lay down and roll around on my back when they put my harness and leash on, but after a few days, I started getting used to it. Now I walk alongside of them like a good boy. Like a typical puppy, I sometimes play rough and don’t know when to back off. My ideal forever home will continue to help me learn and perfect my manners and potty training. I will do best as the only pet in my family, since I can be reactive to other animals. But that means that my human family will need to have time to play with me. I haven’t met human kids yet, but foster mom thinks I’d be fine with kids who are old enough to be respectful and give me space if I need it. My forever family will also need to be very careful when they open doors or gates, because I’m really good and bolting and squeezing and escaping through even small openings. I'm a healthy boy - neutered and up-to-date on my vaccinations. I currently weigh around 20 pounds. If you live in the Midwest and want a sweet, playful little guy like me to be your best buddy, the first step is to apply to become an approved SIRA adopter. The application process helps SIRA get to know you and your home environment so they can make sure we’ll be a good match. Once approved, they’ll introduce you to my foster family so we can meet! My adoption fee is $400.00.
SUCCESSFUL ADOPTIONS
Please note these dogs have already found their furever homes and are not available for adoption.