Adopt

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, Missouri, and Wisconsin.

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. Click HERE to download the application. When you have completed it, please send it in the form of a word document or PDF to adoptsirashibas@gmail.com. No other formats will be accepted and please do not copy and paste the application into an email. If you have any problems or questions do not hesitate to contact us at the above email address.
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:
Puppies under 6 months = $500.00
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

Shiba Inu Rescue Association reserves the right to deny any applicant at any stage in the adoption process for any reason.

ADOPTABLE DOGS!

MISTY

My name is Misty and I'm looking for my forever home. I'm 6 years old and came from a commercial breeding facility where I had spent my whole life. I'm still getting used to all of the new noises and experiences living in a home with a family, but so far I like it! I'm a pretty easy-going girl and would do best in a laid-back household where I can stake out my favorite napping spots on a nice patch of carpet or rug. I'm playful and affectionate, but I'm still pretty skittish around sudden movements and loud noises. One thing to know about me is that I am mostly blind. I can see a little bit out of one eye, but sometimes I bump into things when I'm going too fast or in a new space. But I'm still curious and love to explore! I even learned how to go upstairs in my foster home. I haven't figured out how to come back downstairs by myself yet, so my foster family sometimes has to come rescue me. They've been helping me adapt by always approaching me slowly so they don't startle me. They use a special command to let me know when they're going to pick me up so I don't get startled. I'm a friendly girl and love to snuggle up next to another nice dog or get scritches and pets from my foster family. I get so excited when they come home after being away! I'll lean into your hand and give you kisses and I might just roll over for a belly rub once I get to know you. I love to play with toys and my favorite thing when foster mom squeaks a toy is to take it and run away and hide it in my corner. I'll go back and play with it when they're not watching and sometimes chew it up. My forever home must have another nice dog. You see, I don't like being left alone and the companionship of another dog helps me feel safe when my humans leave the house. I love to follow and hang out with the other dogs in my foster home. I'm okay with puppies, but will definitely stand up for myself if they come on too strong or get too close to my food. I'm good with cats, and my foster family thinks I'd do okay with other animals, but I haven't lived with any yet. My forever home should not have small (toddler-aged children). I might not mind older kids who are calm and gentle and understand how to approach me. My forever home should also have treats! Foster mom says I'm very food motivated, especially if you've got turkey! I'd love it if my forever home had a securely fenced yard - or at least a quiet yard where I can walk on leash without getting spooked. I'm not a big fan of going for leash walks, but foster mom says I'm starting to get the hang of it. I used to be terrified outside and when I felt someone pull on the leash. I'm getting used to it, but I'll need my forever family to be patient and practice with me. If you have experience with shy/fearful dogs, that would be great. I'm spayed, healthy, and weigh 25 lbs. I'm being fostered in Milwaukee, WI. If you live in the midwest and want a sweet, happy girl like me to add to your pack, visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the application process 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're a good match. Once approved, they can introduce you to my foster family, so we can meet!

BELLA ROSE

My name is Bella Rose and I'm looking for my forever home. I'm 5 years old and weigh about 20 lbs. If you're looking for a sweet and spunky companion and playmate - someone to ride shotgun with you through life - then I'm your girl! I love to play with toys and balls. I'll even catch the ball in my mouth and throw it back at you! I love to go for car rides and walks with my human, but I'm also happy to sit next to you on the couch and hang out. Wherever you go, I want to go too! So you'll have to watch me carefully to make sure I don't jump over baby gates and slip out the door and escape when you open it. I have a couple of quirks: I don't like being left alone and I really hate being confined in a crate, but I'm fully potty trained and have been a very good girl when left at home with the run of the house for short periods of time. You see, my previous owner passed away, so it will take me a little while to trust that when my person leaves, they'll come back. I also don't like garage doors. They're big and noisy and scary! I'm a friendly and affectionate girl and warm up quickly to new people. I haven't met any little kids yet, so I don't know how I'd feel about them. I'm very curious and love to watch out windows to see what's going on. I sometimes get a little mouthy when I feel I need to protect my person from things like the mailman or those big scary garage doors, so my human may want to do some training with me to help me overcome that habit. I like being outside, as long as my person is there with me. My ideal forever home will have lots of time to spend with me, playing ball and going for walks and snuggling on the couch. I'd do best as an only dog, where I don't have to share your attention. I am a healthy girl - spayed and fully vaccinated. I'm being fostered in the Omaha, NE, area. If you live in the midwest and want a best friend for life like me, visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the application process. Applying helps SIRA learn more about you so they can make sure we'll be a good match. Once approved, they can introduce you to my foster mom, so we can meet!

STORMY

My name is Stormy and I'm looking for my forever home. I'm 5 years old and I live with my foster family in the Union, Ohio area. I came from a commercial breeding facility, but I'm done having puppies now. I'm still getting used to this new life - living with people in a home. Pretty much everything is new for me and scary. I am shy and cautious, especially around people I don't know. But I'm also curious and a smart cookie, so I'm figuring things out! For example, I figured out that if I am outside in the yard and something startles me, I'll pretend to go potty so foster mom will let me back inside sooner. Foster mom says I'm a sweet girl. She has noticed that gravitate to small children and I'll follow them around. Even when they startle me, I don't get aggressive at all, but I may run away. I'm still getting used to people petting me and rubbing my belly. I let them do it - and I think it feels good - but I can't quite relax yet. I'm a good girl at the groomer and I'll even let them trim my nails, but oh please don't turn on that high-speed drying thing - that is just too much for me! My perfect forever home will be patient and understand what a shy dog like me needs in order to feel safe in a new place. If you create a routine for things like meal-times and potty breaks and walks that I can learn and count on, that will help. I may try to escape at first, so my forever family should be very careful and watchful when opening doors and when I'm outside in the yard. I'll need a securely fenced yard. Like many Shibas, I like to chase squirrels and bunnies. I'm really interested in cats, but haven't shown any aggression toward them in my foster home. I like other dogs, so if your family has a nice dog or some kids, that would be super! Even more than chasing critters in the yard, I love going for walks. So if you're looking for a buddy to walk with, I'm your girl! I'm spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and healthy. If you live in the midwest and are interested in me, the first step is to become an approved adopter with SIRA. Visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to download the application. Applying helps SIRA get to know you and your home environment so they can make sure we're a good match. Once approved, they can introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet!

KILLI

My name is Killi and I'm looking for my forever home. I'm six years old and I used to live with a family, but they couldn't care for me any more. That made me very sad, but I'm learning that I really like life here in my foster home, so that helps a lot. One thing to know about me is that I'm not a "typical" Shiba. I didn't get the memo about being aloof and reserved. I'm a total goofball and love to be around people! Big people, little people (yes, I adore even the littlest humans here in my foster home). I also am not at all skittish around loud noises and sudden movements. Foster mom calls me "bomb proof." I'm good with other dogs too. I know to respect and ignore the grumpy older Shiba in my foster home. And while I like the other dogs here, I'm happiest when I can be with my people. I love to snuggle up with them on the couch and give kisses. I love tummy rubs and will roll over and stretch out my paws to give you good access. I make foster mom laugh when I come up to her for petting. I get so happy and wiggly that I'll rub my whole body into her legs and lean into her and arch my back and wind myself behind and through her legs just like a cat. I have fun playing fetch and learning new commands like "Drop it," "Sit," and "Lay." Foster mom thinks I'd be great at agility training, if you'd like to do that with me. I also love to go for long walks - and I walk fast, so I would be a great running buddy. When I first got to my foster home, I was kinda nervous and I paced around the house a lot in circles. I don't do that as much now that I feel more settled. But if I don't get enough walks, I still sometimes pace around to let out my excess energy. My foster family also has a fenced yard, which is fine, but I don't really get what all the fuss is about. I'd rather go for a walk than hang out in the yard. I do have a high prey drive, so I guess I'm a Shiba after all. So a home without cats or small animals is best. Foster mom says that living in an apartment or townhouse might not be the best fit for me because I like to let everyone know if someone approaches and well, I've got a pretty loud voice. I'm not a big fan of being crated or confined, especially if that means being separated from my people. Car rides also make me nervous and I will whine. I haven't been a bolter or escape artist, but foster mom says my forever home will need to be careful when opening doors. I'm a healthy boy - neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations and I weigh about 20 lbs. My teeth needed some attention when I first came into foster care, but after a good cleaning and a few extractions, I'm good to go. I'm being fostered in the Des Plaines, IL area. If you live in the midwest and want a best friend and walking buddy by your side, the first step is to visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the application process. Applying helps SIRA get to know you so they can make sure we'll be a good match. Once approved, they'll introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet!

HEIDI

My name is Heidi and I'm looking for my forever home. I'm 8 years old, but my foster mom says I act more like a happy, fun-loving puppy. I guess I'm making up for lost time since I spent my first 8 years at a commercial breeding facility. I've only been in foster care for a short time, but I'm loving this new life! The people here are so nice and there are other dogs to play with and a yard outside where I can run around and investigate all of the noises and smells. I'm just so happy to be free! I love getting attention from humans and from other dogs. I'll approach you with my tail wagging and a big smile on my face. I've got plenty of energy and curiosity. I'd love to find a forever home where the humans have time to pet me and spend time with me. I'd love to have a securely fenced yard. I'm a really good girl - I promise - but foster mom says that I need to fess up that one of the ways that I act like a puppy is by swiping things and chewing on things that I'm not supposed to. Yes, I've shredded toilet paper and I may have brought remote controls and a shoe or two out to the yard to play with, but c'mon - how am I supposed to know what's a toy and what's not a toy? I'm new to all of this, remember? My foster mom just laughs. She says I'm smart and sassy - a typical Shiba. But I guess my forever home will need to be patient as I learn and will need to keep an eye on me and keep non-toy things out of my reach. Oh. And my reach is pretty long, actually. I'm learning all about things called counter tops that I can reach if I try hard. There are amazing prizes up there sometimes like bags of bread! When I'm not making mischief, I'm a pretty easy-going girl. I like hanging out with my foster fur-brothers. I'd love it if my forever home had a nice dog or two for me to play with. I'm not spooked by loud noises like thunderstorms. I might bark at things like Fireworks and delivery people, but I calm down once the danger has passed. I've been learning about leash walking. I do pretty well, though I'm still getting used to how the harness feels on my body, and I'm much more comfortable doing my business in the yard. Unlike many Shibas, I haven't tried to sneak out of the front door or out of the yard, but my forever home should carefully monitor me and use safeguards indoors like baby gates since I'm very curious. I am housebroken, but am fine being in my crate or in an ex-pen when my foster family is sleeping or out of the house, so I don't get into trouble. I am healthy, and foster mom has an appointment to get my teeth checked soon. I'm spayed, up-to-date on my vaccinations, and I weigh 21 pounds. I'm being fostered in the Omaha, NE, area. So if you live in the midwest and want a happy-go-lucky, fun, affectionate girl like me to be part of your family, the first step is to become an approved adopter with SIRA. Visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt for more information and to download the application. Applying helps SIRA learn more about you and your home environment so they can confirm that we'd be a good match. Once approved, they'll introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet!

MARGO

My name is Margo and I’m looking for my forever home! I’m 8 years old and came to SIRA from a commercial breeding facility, where it was my job to have puppies. I’m an easy-going girl and my foster mom says I’m a sweetheart. She says that I must have been the best, most patient mom on the planet because I tolerate all kinds of puppy shenanigans from my crazy little foster fur-brother and I never get mad at him – even when he bites at my legs or latches on to my face trying to get me to play with him. My foster mom says I’d probably let him take food and treats right from my mouth without complaint. The truth is, I love being around other dogs. In fact, my perfect forever home will have another dog – or even two or three, and I’d love it! I’m also good with the resident cats and never try to chase them. I give them space if they hiss at me. I’m curious by nature, but I’m still pretty shy with humans until I get to know them. But once I trust you, I’ll be your shadow. I’ll follow you around the house and lean into you for pets and scritches. And I’ll be so happy and excited when you come home from work. I’d prefer a home without little kids, cause they scare me. My favorite thing in the world right now is going for walks. Foster mom gets such a kick out of watching my happy face and my fluffy tail bouncing along as we walk down the street. I prefer to do my business on a leash walk rather than in the yard. Like many mill dogs, I still get spooked by unexpected loud noises and sudden movements. I’m starting to get used to cars driving by, but trucks and kids playing outside on skateboards scare me. I’d do best in a calmer neighborhood. I don’t like being confined in a kennel or crate, but I pinky-swear promise to be a good girl in the house. Foster mom can vouch for me – I’m very well behaved and have never had any problems being given free run at my foster home. I’m a healthy girl. I’m spayed and fully vaccinated and I weigh 22 lbs. But it took some work to get me where I am now. You see, I had to have surgery on both of my knees! I’m recovered now, building back my strength and endurance. Let me tell you, I’m not in any hurry to go back to the vet again. Nope. No, thank you! Vets are scary and not at all fun. In fact, I’m also not a big fan of car rides, cause you never know what they might lead to! But if you’re patient with me and understand that it can take some time for mill-mamas like me to unlearn our fears, then we’ll be best friends. I’m being fostered near Des Moines, IA. If you live in the Midwest and are looking to add a laid-back walking buddy to your pack who will be your very best girl, then the next step is to visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the application process. Applying helps SIRA get to know you and your home environment so they can make sure we’ll be a good match. Once approved, SIRA can introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet.

IVORY

Adoption Pending! My name is Ivory and I’m looking for my forever home. I’m a 3-year-old, 35-lb female Shiba mix. We’re not quite sure what the “mix” part is, but my foster mom thinks maybe a yellow lab? Foster mom says that whatever I’m mixed with sure likes people! Unlike many Shibas, I just melt onto nice people. I love love LOVE to get pets and to snuggle. No lap is too small for me to squeeze onto! SIRA doesn’t know a lot about my history. I was found as a stray with no tag or microchip and was brought to a high-kill shelter in St. Louis. I currently live in an active house with a resident Shiba, two cats, and three kids, plus my foster mom. I get along with everyone! I’ve never met a stranger. Any visitors are just more people to love on me! I love to play with my foster brother, especially tug-of-war with the same toy. He’s younger than me, and in typical little bro fashion, he always wants to play with the toy I want to play with. After I got to know him, I decided that’s okay with me. We also like to race each other around the backyard. Wrestling is pretty fun too. Sometimes I’m curious about the kitties here and see if they want to play too, but mostly I just ignore them. They like to play with my tail (apparently it wags a lot and they think it’s a cat toy) but I don’t mind. I love human kids too (the youngest one here is 9 y.o.) because they give me lots of pets and attention. I can’t get enough of that! I haven’t met any really little kids though. I’m house-, kennel-, and leash-trained, and know basic commands. Overall, I’m a pretty happy and easy-going girl, and my foster mom hasn’t encountered anything that fazes me yet. I’m healthy, spayed, and up to date on my vaccinations. I’m being fostered in the Blue Springs, MO area. If you live in the Midwest and are interested in a happy, active, snuggle buddy like me, visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to start the application process. Once you’re approved, SIRA can introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet.

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.

ROSIE

My name is Rosie and I'm a lover! I love people, I love long walks at the lake and going for hikes, I love tennis balls, I love treats, I love stuffed toys, squeaky toys, and chewy toys. However, most of all I love getting petted!! I've learned quickly (because I'm super smart) that if I sit or do what my foster humans ask me to do, I get lots and lots of attention and petting. And then I’ll roll over for more belly rubs. So my forever home should have lots of love to give and time for lots of fun activities (and also frozen stuffed Kongs). I’m one year old and weigh 32 lbs. Yep. I am still a big puppy. I’m silly and goofy and very curious. Sometimes I’m so curious that I get myself in trouble. But I try hard to be a good girl and will be loyal to my humans forever.
I came into SIRA’s care after I was found tied to a stop sign and was brought to a high-kill shelter. Nobody had taught me the things I needed to know to be a good family member, but now I’m learning. I know lots of commands. I am also learning that I don’t need to use my mouth to get attention from my humans, because they will give me the love and affection I crave anytime – especially when I ask politely (instead of nipping at their shoes or pants legs). My foster family is working with a trainer to help me learn that I don’t need to protect or “resource guard” things that I love. I’m very curious and love to explore all of the smells. I’ve learned that I can reach things on counters and sometimes that’s where especially interesting treats can be found and I have fun stealing shoes and socks. I’m very motivated by praise and nothing makes me happier than being told I’m a “good girl.” I just love to love, especially bringing my toys over and jumping up on the couch to get pets (and then rolling over on my belly for belly rubs). I have not yet tried to jump over baby gates or fences, but my forever family should know that Shibas can sometimes be escape artists and door bolters. Like many Shibas, I do have a high natural prey drive. I’m very interested in hunting critters, so my forever home should not have cats, small dogs or small pets.
My ideal forever home will be experienced dog owners who are committed to continuing with training so I’ll become a happy and well-mannered adult. I’m being fostered in the Kansas City area. I’d love to live with an active family, since I love going for walks and hikes. But my forever home should probably not have little kids since I might be too much for them. A nice, active dog my size or larger could be a good match if they can help show me the ropes and don’t mind a bit of rough play. When I go to training I love to play with my big dog friends. I am crate trained, but I get so bored and antsy if I’m left alone for more than a few hours that it would be good for me to get a break mid-day and lots of things to do to keep busy (so I don’t invent my own things to do that end up being destructive). I have lots of energy and am usually raring to go again after a short rest. I enjoy watching out the window and will sometimes bark at the people and dogs passing by.
It would be great if my forever home had a securely fenced yard, but I could also do well even in an apartment if my humans make sure I have plenty of exercise. My foster family thinks I’d be a Rockstar at agility training. While I love going on adventures outside and running and jumping. Generally, I’m fearless. But road trips are not always fun for me. I sometimes get anxious and drooly and carsick when we go for rides, especially if I’ve just eaten. I don’t mind baths too much, but I would much rather roll around in something stinky or jump in the water than take a bath. I don’t like getting my nails trimmed. I love, love, love treats! And if you give me zucchini I will love you forever. But I do have a sensitive tummy, so foster mom says I can’t have too many treats at once.
If you live in the Midwest and are interested in me, the first step is to apply to become approved to adopt with SIRA. Applying helps SIRA learn more about you. Once fully approved, if we look like a good match they will introduce you to my foster family so we can meet! Visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to download the application.

BRANDY

My name is Brandy and I'm looking for my forever home! I'm 6 years old and weigh 26 lbs and am being fostered in the Naperville, IL area. I came to SIRA from a commercial breeding facility where it was my job to make puppies. My working girl days are behind me now and I'm adjusting to this new world of living in a home with humans. I'm a pretty shy girl and people still scare me. But I'm slowly learning to trust and if you have patience and are gentle with me, I'll continue to blossom. I have a favorite human in my foster home who I let pet me and give me treats and who I like to sit next to sometimes. I made myself a really cozy den behind a couch and that's where I like to hang out. I feel safe there. Loud and new noises still scare me and I'll run and hide. But even though I'm skittish and cautious, the curious Shiba in me comes out and I'll peek around the corner of the couch to watch what's happening. Where I really come alive is outside in the yard. When I go outside my tail goes up and I run around and watch everything that my two foster siblings are doing. When I see them playing with balls and frisbees I think I might want to join them, but I'm still not sure what to do. You see, I never saw toys or had the opportunity to play before. My perfect forever home should have a securely fenced yard for me to play in and at least one nice dog who can help me continue to learn what life with a family is all about. Foster mom says I'm a good girl and very smart and clever. I'm cooperative at the vet (I pretty much just freeze). And I learned to go potty outside really quickly. Occasionally I forget and have an accident, but foster mom says I'm fine 90% of the time. Something else I love is string cheese!! Foster mom cuts up one stick along with my kibble at mealtime. She says I'm so thin that it's okay for me to have some cheese. I like to eat when it's quiet, so foster mom feeds me in my safe spot behind the couch. One thing I very much do NOT like is being crated. So foster mom keeps me safe when we go in the car by double-leashing me and tethering my leash to something so I can't escape. She says I'm quick and a master escape-artist so my forever family will need to be extra careful when they open doors so I don't bolt. If you live in the midwest and have some time and love and patience to give to a girl like me who is still learning what being a dog is all about, the next step is to apply to become approved to adopt with SIRA. Visit www.savingshibas.com/adopt to download the application, which helps SIRA learn more about you and your home so they can determine if we'd be a good match. Once approved, SIRA will introduce you to my foster mom so we can meet.