9 months, Female, Medium
Some dogs love everyone they meet. Nina prefers to make sure you're worth falling in love with first.
And trust us, she's worth the wait.
Nina is a beautiful Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Australian Shepherd mix with a little Chihuahua sprinkled in for good measure. That's quite the combination of brains, beauty, and personality!
But here's what makes Nina special.
She's not the dog who will run into your arms the moment you meet her. She's the dog who will make that first tail wag, that first kiss, and that first cuddle feel like you've won the lottery.
Nina is extremely shy around new people. During your first meeting, she may keep her distance, watch you cautiously, and wonder what all the fuss is about.
Don't take it personally. She's simply deciding whether you've earned a spot in her inner circle.
And the good news? It usually takes her about a day to figure out you're pretty wonderful.
Once she feels safe, you'll discover an affectionate, loyal companion who loves being close to her people. In fact, one of her favorite places to sleep is right next to you in bed.
With Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Australian Shepherd in her DNA, you might expect Nina to be bouncing off the walls or redecorating your living room with the stuffing from your couch.
Surprise!
Nina is not a destructive dog.
She's wonderfully well-mannered in the home and has already learned how to be a great companion.
She's also fantastic both on and off leash, making her a lovely partner for walks and outdoor adventures.
Nina gets along with other dogs and cats, and once she knows you, her sweet personality really begins to shine.
Here's our advice: Don't judge Nina by the first five minutes.
Or even the first hour.
Give her a little space. Let her observe you. Allow her to approach when she's ready.
You don't need to overwhelm her with affection or convince her to love you.
Just show her you're someone she can trust.
And when she finally decides you're her person?
That's the magic.
There's something incredibly rewarding about earning the love of a shy dog. It's a relationship built on patience, trust, and the quiet understanding that you've become her safe place.
Nina would do wonderfully with someone who understands that the best relationships aren't always instant.
A patient, loving person or family who will give her time to settle in, appreciate her intelligence, and enjoy having a loyal companion by their side.
She's not looking for someone who expects an instant connection at a meet-and-greet.
She's looking for someone willing to give her 24 hours to show them the dog she'll be for a lifetime.
And we think that's a pretty fair trade.
Nina may not choose you in the first five minutes.
But give her a chance, and you might discover that being chosen by Nina is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world.
Because the best love stories aren't always love at first sight. Sometimes, they're love at first trust. ❤️
🐾 Apply to adopt Nina: muttsandrunts.org/application
Mutts & Runts Rescue — Tested. Trained. Trusted.